Published: November 01, 2010
THQ and WWE Announce Integrated Marketing Agreement
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - THQ
Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and World
Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) today announced a new,
comprehensive marketing agreement. THQ-developed, WWE-branded video
games will be integrated into domestic and international events,
pay-per-view and television sponsorships, magazines, WWE.com, WWE DVDs,
and more. In addition, for the first time, THQ will host interactive
gaming kiosks at 40 WWE live events. This significantly expands THQ's
previous marketing efforts concentrated around the launch of individual
WWE video games.
"This strategic marketing agreement reflects the benefits of working
more closely with WWE to maximize the interactive entertainment
experience for fans of this leading sports entertainment brand," said
THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell. "We expect to increase awareness of
our games through this new integrated program. Beyond that, we are
expanding our WWE video game offerings with social applications and
brand extensions to help WWE fans enjoy different interactive
experiences throughout the year."
THQ Marketing Agreement Key Features:
-
THQ video game kiosks featuring WWE
SmackDown vs. Raw®
2011 and WWE All Stars hosted at
40 WWE live events from Tuesday, October 26, 2010 through Saturday,
April 16, 2011.
-
High profile sponsorship of WWE pay-per-views and television
programming, with greater in-program integration of THQ video games.
-
Significantly increased online presence, including year-round
participation on WWE.com.
-
Integration of video game launches with WWE international events.
-
Cross-promotion in 15-20 WWE DVDs.
"We are pleased to move our partnership forward in a broader, more
comprehensive way," said WWE Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith.
"Working together, we plan to give our fans more access to all of the
great interactive entertainment being created by THQ, as well as develop
robust promotions to increase awareness of all WWE platforms."
In addition to working more closely with WWE from a marketing
perspective, THQ is developing an array of products built around the WWE
brand. This suite of products includes social media, iPhone and iPad
applications, console brand extensions, and a powerful community site.
The goal is to enable WWE video game fans to stay connected all year
long.
About THQ Inc.
THQ
Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) 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.
THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ
Inc.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World
Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE:
WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in
global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses
that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global
audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG
content across all of its platforms including television
programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming
is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches
more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in
Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London,
Shanghai, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling
Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.
For information on global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
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" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc.
Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.
THQ Forward-Looking Statements:
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical
facts may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections
about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively
referred to as "THQ" ), including, but not limited to, expectations and
projections related to increased awareness and sales of WWE video games,
and are based upon management's current beliefs and certain assumptions
made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements,
including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal,
political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations,
markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk
factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial
results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
period ended March 31, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk
factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ
disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or
uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any
revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date of this press release.
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.
WWE Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and
uncertainties include risks relating to maintaining and renewing key
agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for
continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the
continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent
McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance
of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets;
uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks
resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the
importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with
the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with
producing live events both domestically and internationally;
uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to
our film business and any new business initiative which we may
undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock
controlled by members of the McMahon family; and other risks and factors
set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those
currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is
significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among
other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow,
strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial
results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment
of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other
factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a
waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

THQ/Media and Investor Relations
Julie MacMedan, 818-871-5125
investor@thq.com
or
World
Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Kevin Hennessy, 203-352-8657
kevin.hennessy@wwecorp.com
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