THQ Reveals Leipzig Games Conference Line-Up Featuring Leading Properties for All Next-Generation Platforms
Posted by: Aaron Lockard on August 21, 2006 10:53:17 AM (59 Reads)
THQ Underlines Global Commitment by Providing Innovative Content for All Segments of Growing European Market
Leading independent video game publisher THQ
Inc. today announced that the company is entering the
Leipzig Games Convention (LGC) with its most robust line-up to date,
featuring innovative products for core and mass-market gamers spanning
all platforms. The company's portfolio features internally developed
next-generation console and Windows PC titles, mass-market licensed
products and all new content for handheld gaming systems and wireless
devices. The THQ line-up will be on display in Hall 4 booth number C02
and by appointment in the business center, Level 0, Room A16, August
23rd-27th.
THQ is capitalizing on a growing internal studio system of 15
wholly-owned developers and more than 25 of the best independent
development teams worldwide to build a formidable product line-up that
provides all gamers with new and innovative content. Playable for the
first time exclusively at the THQ booth will be the highly-anticipated
WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2007 from THQ/JAKKS Pacific, LLC,
developed by Yukes Co., Ltd. for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft. Also on display will be the
cross-platform next-gen console title Frontlines(TM): Fuel of War(TM),
developed by THQ's Kaos Studios for both current and next-gen systems.
Additionally, new original properties will include next-gen Windows PC
titles Company of Heroes(TM), developed by Relic Entertainment and
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl.
High-profile licensed properties Disney-Pixar Cars, SpongeBob
SquarePants(TM): Creature from the Krusty Krab and Avatar: The Last
Airbender(TM), all scheduled to ship for next-gen and current gen
systems, will also be on display.
"THQ's product line-up demonstrates both our commitment to
delivering innovative, quality products to a global audience as well as
our commitment to building the European market," said Ian Curran,
senior vice president, international publishing, THQ Inc. "Our
extensive Studio System has expanded to include European development
talent Juice Games Ltd. and we continue to build an impressive product
pipeline of high-profile original and licensed properties from around
the world that will keep THQ on the cutting edge of innovative
development for all viable platforms."
Next Generation Console Line-Up
THQ's next-gen console line-up includes original, internally
developed titles, and a high-profile addition to the WWE(R)
SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) franchise that brings the series to the Xbox
360 for the first time:
Saints Row(TM): An explosive, third person, open-world
action/driving hybrid developed by THQ's Volition, Inc., Saints Row is
the only game in its genre that offers players unrivalled character
customization options and a multiplayer experience through Xbox Live(R)
online entertainment network. In the game, players assume the role of a
member of the 3rd Street Saints on a mission to rise up the gang ranks
and eventually take over the city of Stilwater, controlled by rival
gangs. In Saints Row, actions have consequences and players decide how
best to muscle their way to the top. Saints Row is scheduled to release
for Xbox 360 in North America August 29, and across Europe September 1,
2006. Saints Row is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices
simultaneously.
Frontlines: Fuel of War: Developed by THQ's Kaos Studios,
Frontlines: Fuel of War is an open world infantry and vehicle-based
First Person Shooter featuring advanced next-gen weaponry that places
gamers in a desperate struggle set in the near future. A global war for
oil is being waged between two superpowers, the Western Coalition
(US/NATO) and the Red Star Alliance (Russia/China), and gamers will
play both sides within the context of battle. The single player
campaign will focus on this story, as players battle through intense
scenarios with other squad members, moving the frontline through enemy
territories in this war-torn universe. Frontlines: Fuel of War is
expected to ship for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment
system and Windows PC in 2007.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007: The eighth release in THQ/JAKKS
Pacific's critically-acclaimed franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
delivers the next generation of World Wrestling Entertainment(R)
experience with incredible high-definition graphics, intense action and
unprecedented levels of choice and control. New additions this year
include a brand new analog control grappling system, new high-impact
movesets, user-controlled environmental hotspots and an interactive
fighting area within the crowd. In addition, the game includes updated
rosters for Raw and SmackDown, an expanded General Manager Mode and
online multiplayer game play with voice chat support. In development by
Yuke's Co. Ltd., for PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system,
PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and Xbox 360, WWE SmackDown vs.
Raw 2007 is scheduled to release in holiday 2006.
Next Generation PC Line-Up
In addition to carving out a leadership position on next-gen
console systems, THQ is showcasing a collection of next-generation
Windows PC properties at LGC, highly targeted at the core gamer:
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl: Developed by GSC Game World,
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl is a groundbreaking FPS/survival
game that pits the player against the grim apocalyptic 'Zone' of
Chernobyl following a second disastrous nuclear accident in 2006. An
immersive storyline blends a non-linear, living world filled with
anomalies, mutants and radioactivity with action, stealth, survival and
RPG elements. Powered by GSC's X-Ray engine, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of
Chernobyl features the latest in graphical technology, atmospheric
sound, cutting edge physics and a unique AI system that breathes life
into darkest corners of the 'Zone'. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl
is scheduled to release for Windows PC in early 2007.
Supreme Commander: Developed by Gas Powered Games, founded by Chris
Taylor, creator of Total Annihilation and the Dungeon Siege series,
Supreme Commander features a riveting, action-packed storyline,
ground-breaking gameplay and genre-defining online multiplayer battles.
In the 37th Century, the galaxy is torn apart by three rival factions,
each vying to eradicate its enemies from the universe, end the Infinite
War and become the reigning power supreme. Supreme Commander represents
the next evolution in the Real Time Strategy genre through its truly
strategic and tactical gameplay and mind- blowing scale and scope,
which is coupled with unrivalled zoom and control features. Supreme
Commander is scheduled to release for Windows PC in early 2007.
* WINNER Best Strategy Game of E3 2006 -- Game Critics' Best of E3 Awards
* WINNER Best Strategy Game of E3 2006 -- GameSpot
Company of Heroes: Developed by THQ's Relic Entertainment, creators
of game of the year Warhammer(R) 40,000(TM): Dawn of War, comes Company
of Heroes, the next revolution in action strategy. Company of Heroes is
a WWII RTS game that brings to life the brave men of Able Company in
cinematic intensity as they fight across Europe in the greatest war
mankind has ever known. Relic's proprietary next-gen Essence Engine
provides unprecedented graphics and physics complete with the
destruction of all terrain and buildings. Featuring 2-8 players MP
competition via LAN or Internet, Company of Heroes is scheduled to
release for Windows PC in fall 2006. Company of Heroes is also
scheduled to ship for wireless devices in October 2006.
* WINNER Best Strategy Game of E3 2006 -- IGN
* WINNER Best Strategy Game of E3 2005 -- Game Critics' Best of E3 Awards
* WINNER Best PC Game, Best Strategy Game of E3 2005 -- GameSpot
Warhammer(R) 40,000 Dawn(TM) of War -- Dark Crusade(TM): The
highly-anticipated second expansion pack to internal THQ studio Relic
Entertainment's critically-acclaimed real-time strategy hit Warhammer
40,000: Dawn of War -- Dark Crusade features an all new single-player
experience and 2 new races -- The Necrons and The Tau -- allowing the
gamer to play up to 7 unique races from the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of
War universe. Based on the world of Warhammer 40,000 -- the dark,
futuristic universe from Games Workshop -- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of
War - Dark Crusade offers massive non-linear strategy and is scheduled
to release for Windows PC in fall 2006.
Broken Sword: The Angel of Death(TM): The fourth installment in the
last great bastion of adventure gaming, Broken Sword: The Angel of
Death sees intrepid and reluctant hero Georg Stobbart fall in love with
the beautiful and mysterious Anna Maria; a woman whose sudden
disappearance draws him into a desperate search for a nefarious
artifact of great and terrible power. Emotion, humour, time pressure
and puzzling combine in the latest Broken Sword adventure and
unfortunately for George, it looks like the world needs saving one more
time. Broken Sword: The Angel of Death is scheduled to release for
Windows PC in fall 2006.
Industry Leading Mass-Market Line-Up for Next Generation and Current Generation Systems
THQ will be showcasing products based on its own core intellectual
properties, mass-market titles and established original franchises.
These titles will be releasing across next-gen consoles as well as the
huge installed base of current-gen and hand-held systems.
Disney-Pixar Cars: Cars, the video game, is a high performance
interactive experience in the open world created in the film,
challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning
McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and
environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters
and 30 races and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully
immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in the
movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, and offers
distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the
artistic style of the film. Disney-Pixar Cars, the video game, is
launching across Europe for PlayStation 2 system, Xbox, Nintendo
GameCube(R), Game Boy(R) Advance, PSP system, Nintendo DS(TM), Windows
PC and Mac throughout summer 2006 and is expected to ship on Xbox 360
and Nintendo's Wii console in fall 2006.
Destroy All Humans!(R) 2: The plot for world domination is renewed
as acclaimed developer Pandemic Studios transforms conventional
expectations -- allowing gamers to play as the Alien and take on the
most feared enemy in the universe -- mankind. Packed with non-stop
action, an explosive arsenal of alien weaponry, advanced mental
abilities and an irreverent personality that satires 1960's era icons
and science-fiction mythology, Destroy All Humans! 2 uncovers an
open-ended world where the player can unleash massive destruction on
the ground or in their UFO. Destroy All Humans! 2 is scheduled to
release for the PlayStation 2 system and Xbox(R) video game and
entertainment system from Microsoft in fall 2006. Destroy All Humans! 2
is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in October 2006.
SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Creature from the Krusty Krab: In a
unique and creative twist, SpongeBob SquarePants explores the peculiar
world of Bikini Bottom as it transforms through a series of various
unique visual styles. Continuing the popular sea sponge's reign as a
gaming and TV property, SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty
Krab offers fans brand new gameplay mechanics through nine visually
bizarre levels and is expected to ship for Nintendo's Wii console,
PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Windows PC
and Nintendo DS in fall 2006. SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the
Krusty Krab is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in fall
2006.
Monster House(TM): Based upon the upcoming computer animated film
from Columbia Pictures, the Monster House videogames will allow players
to experience key moments of the movie as they unravel the creepy
mysteries of old man Nebbercracker's possessed house. Players will
encounter unique adventures as they explore a living, breathing house,
full of traps and secrets. With three playable characters, fans of the
film will enjoy seeing the movie come to life in their living rooms.
The Monster House(TM) videogames are expected to be available for the
PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo
DS throughout summer 2006.
Bratz: Forever Diamondz: Yasmin(TM), Cloe(TM), Sasha(TM), and
Jade(TM) are back for a brand new adventure sending them across the
country in search of the hottest fashion designer. Players will
experience unique adventures through the eyes of the four playable
characters, in detailed open world environments, as they compete for a
spot in "America Rocks Fashion" TV show. Fans will discover new
features that include a figure skating competition and the ability to
adopt a pet to train, dress, accessorize and showcase in competitions.
Bratz: Forever Diamondz is expected to ship for PlayStation 2 system,
Nintendo Game Cube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance in fall 2006.
Barnyard: The animals will play, once the farmer is away, in the
Barnyard video game based on the upcoming film from Paramount Pictures
and Nickelodeon Movies. Players will interact with their favorite movie
characters while trying to prove they are the biggest party animal of
them all. The film is written, produced and directed by acclaimed
comedy writer/producer Steve Oedekerk ("Bruce Almighty," "Ace Ventura,"
"The Nutty Professor," "Kung Pow") and Nickelodeon Movies, producers of
the Oscar(R) nominated "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius." The Barnyard video
game is expected to ship across Europe for PlayStation 2 system,
Nintendo Wii, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Windows PC beginning fall
2006.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Based on Nickelodeon's hottest new
show, fans will play as Aang, Katara, Sokka and Haru as they grow into
an unstoppable team utilizing the kung fu inspired bending arts through
the Avatar universe. Players will explore the four Avatar nations in
beautifully detailed environments and battle new enemies. Avatar: The
Last Airbender is scheduled to ship for Wii, PlayStation 2 system,
Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP system and
Windows PC beginning fall 2006.
Wireless: THQ Wireless Inc. will be also demonstrating games based
on some of its biggest brands. In addition to wireless games listed
above, feature titles will include Star Wars, Juiced: Eliminator, Worms
and others. For more information about THQ Wireless at LGC please visit
http://www.thqwireless.com.
These titles and others, including games for the PSP system and Nintendo DS will be on display at the THQ booth.