``WWF Raw'' marks the 10th THQ/JAKKS Pacific World Wrestling Federation video game release; a franchise that now boasts sales in excess of $250 million (see note) at retail nationwide.
``WWF Raw'' has received high praise from both the videogame community and the mainstream press:
``It's the most beautiful wrestling game to date, from a company that knows what the fans really want.'' -- IGNXbox
``The graphical work in `WWF Raw' is beyond words ... you have to play this game, it brings the World Wrestling Federation to life. This game will change the way we look at wrestling games.'' -- WWFWrestlinggames.com
``The unprecedented power of Microsoft's new machine helps bring WWF celebrities alive in realistic detail...'' -- Gannett News Service
``Bringing an exclusively licensed World Wrestling Federation title to Xbox is a continuing example of our commitment to delivering exciting and unique games to new platforms,'' stated Michael Rubinelli, vice president, product development, THQ. ```WWF Raw' utilizes all of the technology of the Xbox by bringing realistically depicted models, authentic signature moves and smooth character animations to one of the most powerful gaming systems available.''
``Fans of the World Wrestling Federation have been awaiting the arrival of a title just for the Xbox,'' stated Nelo Lucich, director of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. ``We are confident that `WWF Raw' will live up to all of the anticipation and expectations set by the fans and begin a new tradition of excellence for World Wrestling Federation games on Microsoft's next-generation console.''
About ``WWF Raw''
Developed by Anchor, ``WWF Raw'' showcases more than 45 Superstars in multiple match types including title matches and King of the Ring tournaments. ``WWF Raw'' captures the look and feel of the World Wrestling Federation with a TV-style presentation featuring in-game cut-away scenes and ``Double Feature'' replays. Dynamic lighting effects, pyrotechnics, camera flashes and multiple camera angles bring the action to life as Superstars enter the arena accompanied by signature TitanTron(TM) videos and music.
For the first time ever in a World Wrestling Federation game, players can interfere with opponents on their way to the ring during Superstar entrances. Enhanced multiplayer capabilities including four-player tag team, handicap and triple-threat match variations make ``WWF Raw'' the definitive wrestling game for the Xbox.
For more information about the THQ/JAKKS Pacific World Wrestling Federation videogame franchise including the previously announced WWF WrestleMania® X8 for Nintendo Gamecube(TM), visit www.thq.com.
About World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with sales offices in New York City, Chicago and Toronto. The company can be found online at wwf.com and wwfecorpbiz.com.
About JAKKS Pacific
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand toy company that designs, develops, produces and markets toys and related products under various brand names (including Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Remco®, Child Guidance®, and Pentech®) in multiple product categories, including: Wheels; Action Figures; Art/Activities/Stationery; Infant/Pre-School; Writing Instruments; Plush; and Dolls. The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Federation® video games. Visit www.jakkspacific.com.
About THQ
THQ Inc. develops and publishes interactive entertainment software worldwide for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com.
Note: According to NPD TRSTS
This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about THQ's business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of THQ's future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the following: changes in demand for THQ's products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ's current report on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2001. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.