GameSpot.com to Unveil WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010 Talent Roster
During Worldwide Exclusive Live Broadcast
Fans Invited to Respond Online to Announcements and Expert Panel Analysis, Including Involvement by Notable WWE Personalities, During Roster Reveal for Renowned Fighting Videogame Franchise
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14, 2009 — GameSpot, the most-visited gaming Web site in the world and a property of CBS Interactive, today announced a partnership with THQ Inc., on behalf of THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC, to bring fans a special event announcing the virtual talent roster in WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2010, the 11th edition to the popular fighting videogame franchise.
The live broadcast will air on GameSpot.com Wednesday, September 16 at 4:00 p.m. PST. The format will resemble a National Football League (NFL) draft experience for videogame fanatics and WWE enthusiasts to hear about their favorite WWE Superstars and Divas who will appear in the game. Each round of “draft picks” will be facilitated and commented on by several WWE personalities scheduled to appear, including WWE Hall of Fame ring announcer Howard Finkel™, WWE Superstar The Miz® and WWE Diva Eve Torres™.
Fans will be able to interact with the live broadcast by utilizing GameSpot’s comment boards or following Twitter with @gamespot to offer their impressions or ask questions of GameSpot’s hosts and WWE guests. In addition, fans can also share in the experience through the official WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 community at www.smackdownvsraw.com
“Videogame fans around the globe look forward to hearing which WWE Superstars and Divas will be represented in the game each year. With WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 set to deliver new levels of authenticity, creative freedom and shareable, user-generated content unlike any other game in the franchise to date, we wanted to surprise fans with a special event where they feel a part of the experience,” said Brian Coleman, Vice President, Global Brand Management, THQ. “Our partnership with GameSpot to unveil the game’s roster through a dedicated live broadcast will allow WWE videogame supporters to interact and create conversations as if they were on the expert panel themselves.”
“GameSpot is continuously dedicated to offering unique interactive experiences for our audience,” said Ricardo Torres, Editor-in-Chief, GameSpot.com. “The roster announcement event for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is a rare opportunity for gaming enthusiasts to receive exclusive insight into the game’s features that they can’t see or witness anywhere else.”
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 is scheduled for release in North America on October 20, 2009 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The game is poised to offer the most authentic, entertaining and compelling simulation of WWE programming to date, introducing inspiring creative and online freedom, significant franchise improvements and a comprehensive roster of today’s most prominent WWE Superstars and Divas. Fans can view game images, video previews and read the latest news about the game on www.gamespot.com
Additional information on the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 roster will be available following the GameSpot.com broadcast at www.smackdownvsraw.com
About World Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media company and recognized leader in global entertainment. With programming broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages, WWE provides 22 hours of weekly PG-rated programming domestically, in addition to 14 pay-per-views a year. Each week 16 million people tune-in domestically to see WWE Superstars and Divas on Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, ECW, and WWE Superstars’ with millions more internationally. WWE holds more than 300 live events, entertaining over two million fans a year. The company’s brand extends across multiple platforms including: WWE Studios; WWE.com and WWEKids.com; WWE Magazine and WWE Kids Magazine; licensed merchandise; music and home entertainment. In addition, WWE “In Your Corner” is WWE’s charitable arm that focuses on literacy programs, civic engagement, military support and a 20+ year partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. More information on World Wrestling Entertainment can be found at http://corporate.wwe.com/
About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular children's toy licenses in the world. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JAKKS Pets®, EyeClops®, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Girl Gourmet®, Kids Only®, Tollytots® and Disguise. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney®, Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, World Wrestling Entertainment®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Graco® and Cabbage Patch Kids. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com
About GameSpot
GameSpot's (http://www.gamespot.com/
About CBS Interactive
CBS Interactive, a division of CBS Corporation, is the best online content network for information and entertainment. With more than 200 million people visiting its properties each month, it is the 8th largest Web property globally and the 5th largest Web property in the U.S. in terms of unique video viewers. Its portfolio of leading brands, which include CNET, CBS.com, CBSSports.com, GameSpot, TV.com, BNET and Last.fm, span popular categories like technology, entertainment, sports, news and business.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
PSP® system – Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
