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Leading Game Publisher THQ Unveils Blockbuster Line Up at 2002 Electronic Entertainment Expo

Quotes
"This year marks the beginning of the broad, mass-market adoption of PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo's GameCube and Game Boy Advance, with more than 35 million of these systems projected to be in U.S. households by holiday"

LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2002: THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) is set to debut its 2002 product line up, its strongest and most diverse to date, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles May 22-24, 2002. The company will unveil games in all genres across multiple platforms for every type of video game fan. From original content like "Red Faction(TM) II," "Alter Echo(TM)" and "Tak and The Power of JuJu(TM)," to the most expansive mass-market kids product portfolio in the industry, featuring favorite television, music and motion picture characters like "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Scooby-Doo!," "World Wrestling Entertainment(TM)" and "Britney Spears," THQ has something for everyone. All viable game platforms will be represented in the THQ booth (Petree Hall #4001), including the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(TM), Nintendo GameCube(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance, and PC/Mac. In addition, THQ Wireless will demonstrate several new games on the latest mobile devices.

"This year marks the beginning of the broad, mass-market adoption of PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo's GameCube and Game Boy Advance, with more than 35 million of these systems projected to be in U.S. households by holiday," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO of THQ. "THQ has been building its portfolio of brands with broad consumer appeal for the past five years in order to take best advantage of the explosive growth of these hardware systems in the marketplace. Our games target every segment of the market with original titles like `Red Faction II,' `Alter Echo' and `Summoner(R) 2,' as well as compelling licensed products such as `Britney's Dance Beat,' `Tetris' and games based on popular Nickelodeon, Mattel and Disney properties.

THQ's E3 2002 Line Up

"Alter Echo(TM)" -- "Alter Echo" features innovative action gameplay and a groundbreaking visual style based on pioneering technology. In "Alter Echo," players assume the role of Nevin, a reluctant hero with the ability to alter time and morph his PolySuit between three unique combat forms. TimeDilation(TM) technology allows players to manipulate time, freezing the action in order to cue up a series of moves and attacks to unleash with an unstoppable flurry. Developed by THQ's Outrage(R) Games, "Alter Echo" will be available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox early in 2003.

"BattleBots(R)" -- "BattleBots" is based on the popular, adrenaline-pumping TV show of the same name, pitting contestant-designed, radio-controlled robots against each other inside a high-tech arena equipped with hazardous obstacles such as kill saws and giant sledgehammers. Available this fall for GameCube and PlayStation 2.

"Bob the Builder(TM): Bob Builds a Park(TM)" -- "Bob the Builder's" newest video game is based on the preschool TV show hit phenomenon "Bob the Builder," airing on Nick Jr. and CBS. In "Bob the Builder: Bob Builds a Park," players are engaged in a brand-new set of activities such as crazy golf, dinosaur discovery and skateboard spud. The game will be available for PC this fall.

"Britney's Dance Beat(TM)" -- "Britney's Dance Beat" is a true convergence product, broadening the definition of entertainment on video game consoles. It allows fans to interact with today's hottest pop star and her music, dance through engaging gameplay backed by music videos, and earn access to DVD content such as interview clips, behind-the-scenes footage and 360-degree immersive video. Gamers go through a series of auditions to become a back-up dancer, and if they perform well, they join Britney Spears on stage. Available now for Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 2, and coming for the PC in June.

"Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc. Scream Arena" (working title) -- Now that the monsters of Monstropolis have learned the power of laughter, they're ready to have some fun in "Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc." Players will compete as one of their beloved monsters in a unique dodge ball-style match set in movie-inspired stadium arenas filled with kids ready to be entertained. With the use of special "laugh balls," each with their own unique attack, players battle it out to be the first to fill their laugh canisters with kids' laughter. Available this fall for GameCube.

"Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick" -- Developed with the full support of creators Sam Raimi, Robert Tapert and Bruce Campbell, "Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick" allows players to assume the role of Ash, the chainsaw-armed hero from the "Evil Dead" movie trilogy. Players will fend off hordes of Deadites with several weapons including the shovel, gatling gun, shotgun and chainsaw. "Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick" mixes the comedy and fun of a campy horror movie with intense combat missions on the PlayStation 2 and Xbox early next year.

"GT Advance 2: Rally Racing" -- "GT Advance 2: Rally Racing" is the sequel to the GBA launch hit "GT Advance: Championship Racing." Choose from 15 of the world's top rally cars, each with different handling, speed and acceleration on 42 unique tracks spanning the globe with varying weather conditions. "GT Advance 2: Rally Racing" will be available this June exclusively on Game Boy Advance.

Mattel Licensed Products:

  • "Hot Wheels(TM) Velocity X" -- "Hot Wheels Velocity X "is a high-speed, mission-based racing adventure inspired by the attitude of Hot Wheels. When a criminal gang of street-racing villains overtakes Monument City, players must put their driving skills and mean street machines to the ultimate test. "Hot Wheels Velocity X" will be available on PlayStation 2, GameCube, PC and Game Boy Advance this fall.

     
  • "Hot Wheels(TM) Bash Arena(TM)" -- "Hot Wheels Bash Arena" for PC challenges players to dodge and crash into opponents with performance-varied Hot Wheels cars in a last-car-standing, interactive demolition derby-style competition. As players advance through the Bash Arena championship, they work toward the goal of induction into the Hot Wheels Bash Arena Hall of Fame. "Hot Wheels Bash Arena" for PC will be available this fall.

     
  • "Matchbox(TM) Cross Town Heroes(TM)" -- "Matchbox Cross Town Heroes" takes place in a dynamic interactive world in which players take the wheel and courageously drive Matchbox Search and Rescue vehicles into the heart of the emergency action. Each world will also have bonus mini games and puzzles, along with more than 50 different characters, animals and creatures. "Matchbox Cross Town Heroes" for Game Boy Advance and PC is scheduled for release in summer 2002.

    "MotoGP" -- "MotoGP" is the world's fastest, most advanced form of motorcycle racing. With races taking place on all five continents and an average of 329 million television viewers per event, "MotoGP" features all of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers including Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. "MotoGP" is available now on the Xbox and Game Boy Advance.

    "MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael" -- The next installment of THQ's MX series is the most complete motocross game to date. Along with the return of eight-time National Champion Ricky Carmichael and other pro riders, this year's edition boasts an enhanced freestyle mode, a robust racing mode and wide-open worlds for gamers to explore. Developed by THQ's Pacific Coast Power & Light Co.(R) studio, "MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael" will be available for GameCube and PlayStation 2 this summer followed by an Xbox release in winter.

    Nickelodeon Licensed Products:

     
  • "Fairly OddParents(TM)" (Working Title) -- Timmy Turner has one thing most other kids don't -- magical, mystical and totally messed-up Fairy Godparents that offer wacky help to get him out of tight spots. Gamers can play as Timmy's secret comic book identity, "Cleft, The Boy Chin Wonder," in this action/adventure side-scrolling game with five huge environments and 20 different stages. "Fairly OddParents" for Game Boy Advance will be available this fall.

     
  • "Hey Arnold! The Movie(TM)" -- Based on Nickelodeon Movies' and Paramount Pictures' upcoming animated movie debuting June 28, and Nickelodeon's "Hey Arnold!" animated series, players assume the role of Arnold, Gerald, Grandma or Grandpa as they rally friends and relatives to stop an unsavory businessman from tearing down their neighborhood to build a Super Beeper Emporium. "Hey Arnold! The Movie" for Game Boy Advance will be available this summer.

     
  • "Jimmy Neutron(TM) vs. Jimmy Negatron" -- This adventure is based on the Nickelodeon television series debuting this fall and introduces players to Jimmy Neutron's evil alter ego, Jimmy Negatron. During a trip to the Retroville Museum, Jimmy is kidnapped and trapped in his alter ego's dimension and must use his wits to escape. Available for PC and Game Boy Advance this fall.

     
  • "Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius(TM)" -- "Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius" is based on the adventures of Jimmy Neutron, star of Paramount Pictures' and Nickelodeon Movies' highly successful, digitally animated motion picture. Players will help save the world and rescue the parents of Retroville from the evil Yokians. Available for GameCube this summer.

     
  • "Rocket Power(TM): Beach Bandits" -- The Rocket Power team must use their extreme sports skills to battle robot minions throughout Ocean Shores, the Lakes, the Robot Factory and Mondo Mountain in order to find out who's stealing the sand from Ocean Shores beach. Available for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance this summer.

     
  • "Rugrats(TM): Munchin' Land" (working title) -- Gamers join the "Rugrats" in the "land of odd." Tommy and company are featured in their very own graphical board game based on the classic story, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Characters include Kimi as "the girl from Kansas," Chuckie the "Scaredy-Cat Lion," Tommy as "The Scarecrow" and Phil & Lil as "The Tin Twins." The first one to find the "Whizzer of Odd" (Grandpa Lou) wins the game, but beware ... there are many obstacles standing in your way including "The Munchin' Tollbooth Keeper" (Dil) and the "Wicked Witch of the West" (Angelica). Luckily, the "Good Witch" (Susie) will always be around to provide you with all the help that you may need. Available for PC this summer.

     
  • "Rugrats(TM): I Gotta Go Party" -- Get ready for an all-new multi-player party game as Tommy plays hide `n' seek with all of his friends. As players help Tommy find the other Rugrats, they unlock outrageous party games such as Angelica's Cookies, Phil's Mud Pies and Sandbox Blues. The more "Rugrats" that are found, the more party games become unlocked. Designed for multi-player competition, this game is also packed with hours of compelling single-player gameplay for gamers on the go! Available this fall for Game Boy Advance.

     
  • "Rugrats(TM): Royal Ransom" -- The "Rugrats" embark on a magical adventure to Stu Pickles' Play Palace 3000 (PP3K). As Tommy, Chuckie, Kimi, Phil and Lil take turns climbing up to the PP3K, they find that something's amiss. Every time they climb higher, the PP3K moves farther out of their reach. Angelica, the self-appointed Queen of the PP3K, has dubbed the rest of the "Rugrats" her loyal subjects and stolen their most treasured items. As the other "Rugrats" defiantly refuse her demands, they must go on an adventure to reclaim their treasures so they too can play in the PP3K. Available for GameCube and PlayStation 2 this fall.

     
  • "SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Employee of the Month" -- Players will follow SpongeBob and his regular cast of characters through a puzzling adventure that has them serving up Krabby Patties, destroying a Weather Controlling Thingamajig, exploring the caves of a powerful "Marlin," hanging at the local diner and more -- just so they can have a fun-packed day at Neptune's Pacific Paradise. Available for PC this fall.

     
  • "SpongeBob SquarePants(TM): Revenge of the Flying Dutchman" -- This title pits SpongeBob against the Flying Dutchman, whom he accidentally releases from imprisonment. SpongeBob must find lost treasures hidden throughout Bikini Bottom to stop the Dutchman's wicked plans and save his friends from being turned into indentured shipmates. Available for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Game Boy Advance this fall.

     
  • "The Wild Thornberrys(TM) Movie" -- Based on the motion picture debuting holiday 2002, the game stars Eliza Thornberry and her adventurous family. After an incident in Africa puts Eliza in grave danger, she is sent off to boarding school in London. Upon hearing about an evil plot by poachers to capture the wild animals of the Serengeti, she escapes back to the wild and forces her biggest challenge yet! Available for PC and Game Boy Advance this fall.

    "Pride FC(TM)" -- Experience the most brutal, bitterly competitive and intense form of fighting on the planet. Organized to incorporate all fighting styles including wrestling, karate, judo and kickboxing, "Pride FC" pits the top fighters in the world in the most realistic "mixed Martial Arts" fighting experience ever created. Created by acclaimed fighting developer Anchor, "Pride FC" will be available this August exclusively for PlayStation 2.

    "Power Rangers Wild Force(TM)" -- Young gamers will play as their favorite Power Ranger, this time armed with the strength and characteristics of the Power Animals including the Bison, Tiger, Shark, Eagle and Lion. The top-down, 3-D exploration adventure allows players to take on the Org, an ancient race of villains who are out to destroy the balance of nature. "Power Rangers Wild Force" for Game Boy Advance will be available this fall.

    "Red Faction(TM) 2" -- Developed by THQ's Volition(TM), "Red Faction 2" is the sequel to one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed original game franchises of 2001. Featuring an enhanced Geo-Mod(TM) engine that allows players to strategically alter and destroy the game environment in real-time, "Red Faction 2" builds upon the experience and technology of the original game with more blistering action, highly detailed graphics, new multi-player options and an engaging storyline. "Red Faction 2" will be available this winter exclusively for PlayStation 2.

    SEGA Game Boy Advance Titles:

     
  • "ALTERED BEAST(TM): GUARDIAN OF THE REALMS(TM)" -- "ALTERED BEAST: GUARDIAN OF THE REALMS" is based on the SEGA arcade classic where players morph into a variety of beasts to battle enemies and bosses via hand-to-hand combat and magical attacks. This Sega classic will be available this winter.

     
  • "PHANTASY STAR COLLECTION(TM)" -- An RPG gamer's ultimate dream. This title brings together the original three "Phantasy Star" titles in one package for early 2003.

     
  • "THE PINBALL OF THE DEAD(TM)" -- Inspired by SEGA's popular "House of the Dead" franchise, "THE PINBALL OF THE DEAD" challenges you to shoot, tilt and flip your way across three boards in order to rescue citizens and destroy zombies. Each board features three tiers packed with challenges, hidden horrors and vile bosses. Scheduled to ship in June.

     
  • "SEGA SMASH PACK(TM)" -- "SEGA SMASH PACK" includes three of the greatest SEGA games together on one cartridge, "Ecco the Dolphin," "Golden Axe" and "Sonic Spinball." Scheduled to ship this summer.

     
  • "SUPER MONKEY BALL(TM)" (working title) -- "SUPER MONKEY BALL" for Game Boy Advance is based on the recent GameCube hit. Players can try their hands at navigating a series of floor-shifting puzzles or play party games. Up to four players can compete when "SUPER MONKEY BALL" ships in early 2003.

     
  • "THE REVENGE OF SHINOBI(TM)" -- An action-packed side-scroller based on the SEGA classic, "THE REVENGE OF SHINOBI" immerses players in a feudal Japanese world where they must employ their Ninja skills to recapture five legendary swords. "THE REVENGE OF SHINOBI" will be available this fall.

     
  • "VIRTUA TENNIS(TM)" -- "VIRTUA TENNIS" on the Game Boy Advance follows the easy-to-play, addictive style of its SEGA Dreamcast(TM) counterpart. The game puts up to four players at the net in Tournament and Exhibition matches or lets Game Boy Advance owners train their own player in World Circuit mode. This exciting sports game will be available this fall.

    "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron(TM)" -- "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" is a mission-based adventure that transports players to the grandeur, wonder and romance of the old West. After a sudden thunderstorm scatters a herd of majestic mustangs, the player must find and return the horses to their homeland, one by one. Players will experience a range of action, from the mild nurturing of the horses, to the breathtaking races against other animals through rugged terrain and over challenging obstacles. "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" will be available exclusively for the Game Boy Advance this summer.

    "Star Wars(R) Episode II -- Attack of the Clones" -- "Attack of the Clones" for the Game Boy Advance is the first "Star Wars: Episode II" game that follows the movie storyline of the latest prequel in the "Star Wars" saga. With the power of the Force, players assume the role of three different "Attack of the Clones" heroes: Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi this June.

    "Star Wars(R): Episode II The New Droid Army" (working title) -- Set in the "Episode II" universe, players take on the role of Anakin Skywalker as he tries to stop Count Dooku and his new droid army. With scores of droids on his heels, Anakin must go to battle, cultivating his power of the Force with each conquest. Players will be able to put their Jedi skills to the test in both single- and multi-player battles this winter for Game Boy Advance.

    "Summoner(R) 2" -- A role-playing fantasy epic from THQ's Volition studio, "Summoner 2" carries on the unique universe seen in the original -- new fascinating characters, mystifying spells and an engaging storyline. Exclusively for PlayStation(R) 2, "Summoner 2" will be available this fall.

    "The Ripping Friends(TM)" -- The evil Citrasett is challenging the world's most manly men to a climatic final battle to decide the fate of Earth! Players can control four different characters, each with their own special moves, to battle evil bosses and an array of minions through seven huge levels and additional sub-levels. The "Ripping Friends," based on the hit TV series, will be available for Game Boy Advance this fall.

    "Tetris Worlds(TM)" -- The latest rendition of one of the most popular video game franchises ever created, "Tetris Worlds" places the player in a universe where "Tetris" is played in different ways on seven different planets. Players can test their skills in classic versions of "Tetris," or the latest cutting-edge variations, such as "Hot-Line Tetris," "Cascade Tetris" and "Fusion Tetris." The multi-player game lets up to four players see who can clear levels the fastest. The franchise continues on the GameCube and Xbox this fall.

    "Toxic Grind(TM)" -- This first mission-based BMX game with a storyline will enthrall gamers as they attempt to ride for their lives in a game show of death. Traverse through dynamic, hazard-filled environments while completing objectives such as saving prisoners and destroying helicopters. "Toxic Grind" will be available for Xbox in the second half of 2002, and the GameCube version will be released in early 2003.

    Warner Bros. Licensed Products:

     
  • "Scooby-Doo(TM)! Night of 100 Frights" -- "Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights" combines the classic "Scooby-Doo!" cartoon characters of Mystery, Inc. (Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby) with captivating gameplay. Only Scooby-Doo can save his friends when a dubious Mastermind kidnaps the gang with sinister plans for their fate. "Scooby-Doo! Night of 100 Frights" is available now for PlayStation 2, and will be available for GameCube this fall.

     
  • "Scooby-Doo(TM)&(c) The Movie" -- "Scooby-Doo! The Movie" for Game Boy Advance brings the big-screen adventures of the mystery-solving teenagers to gamers on the go. Players will explore exotic locations inspired by the movie, searching for clues to complete missions and ultimately, solve Spooky Island's big mystery. "Scooby-Doo! The Movie" for Game Boy Advance will be available this June.

    World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) Licensed Products:

    "WWE(TM) WrestleMania(R) X8" -- No other event in the history of wrestling has seen more legendary match-ups and classic championship battles that have forever changed the face of wrestling. Now players will relive the rich history surrounding WrestleMania and compete for championship glory as they choose from more than 35 Superstars in a host of venues and match types including death-defying TLC matches or legendary Hell in a Cell match-ups. "WWE WrestleMania X8" is scheduled to ship in June exclusively for GameCube.

    "WWE Road to WrestleMania(R) X8" -- Amazing graphics and highly detailed characters return to the Game Boy Advance this holiday season. Players will be able to choose from 16 Superstars as they compete in various customizable Pay-Per-Views match-ups.

    "WWE SmackDown!(TM) Shut Your Mouth" -- The next installment in the top-selling PlayStation 2 franchise is back this fall with a blown-out career mode featuring an all-new draft feature, an updated roster, better-than-ever graphics, revamped control system, in-depth Create-A-Wrestler and a more robust season mode. Exclusive to the PlayStation 2, "WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth" will be available this fall.

    "WWE Raw(TM) 2" -- Prepare for stunning graphics and insane action as "WWE Raw" returns to Xbox in the first half of 2003 with an all-new season mode, more Superstars, improved gameplay and more matches that make "WWE Raw 2" the definitive video gaming experience for Xbox.

    "WWE Raw(TM) PC" -- "WWE Raw" makes its debut on the PC with all the bedlam that is World Wrestling Entertainment. It's no-holds-barred wrestling, looking better than ever on the PC for holiday 2002.

    "WWE Crush Hour(TM)" -- The spectacle of World Wrestling Entertainment meets the white-knuckle action of car combat! That's what "WWE Crush Hour" is all about. Choose from more than 20 personalized Superstar vehicles and compete in multiple match types as players annihilate opponents with various weapons customized for each vehicle. "WWE Crush Hour" will be available the first half of 2003 for PlayStation 2 GameCube and Xbox.

    For more information on the 2002 video game lineup, or the rest of THQ's offerings, visit www.thq.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 Computer Entertainment America Inc., Microsoft and Nintendo. The THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com.

    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 Registration Statement on Form S-3 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22, 2002. 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.

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