THQ Announce they have the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish videogames based on the Sony Pictures television game shows JEOPARDY and Wheel Of Fortune. this is a 2 year deal where games will be released on the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo DSi. THQ Have the option to release games on additional platforms.
The First games from this agreement should be released this year.
Press Release
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Feb 01, 2010 THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc. today announced two multi-year licensing agreements granting THQ the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on Sony Pictures Television’s popular game show properties, “JEOPARDY!” and “Wheel of Fortune”.
The new agreements give THQ rights to publish interactive games based on the two properties for the Wii™ video game system, Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™, and grants THQ options for additional platforms.
“We are excited to add two iconic properties such as ‘JEOPARDY!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to our Kids, Family and Casual Games portfolio,” said Doug Clemmer, Executive Vice President, THQ Kids, Family and Casual Games. “The opportunity to implement new features such as Wii Speak™ will re-imagine how these games are played and engage fans with a whole new level of interactivity.”
“‘JEOPARDY!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ are extraordinarily popular across the globe and it was important for us to find a partner with an international vision,” said Mark Caplan, Vice President Licensing, Sony Pictures Consumer Products. “THQ’s focus and proven success within the family market made them the most logical team to bring these renowned properties to new platforms, and we look forward to working with them to create family-friendly interactive experiences.”
THQ plans to release the first video games under this agreement later this year.
About THQ
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 its logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products:
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), a Division of Columbia Tristar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television.
Columbia Tristar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
About Wheel Of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune, America’s #1 game show, is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Studios International, both units of CBS Corp.
About Jeopardy!
Jeopardy!, the winner of 28 Emmy awards since its debut in 1984, was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. The series is the #1-rated quiz show in syndication with nearly 9 million daily viewers. Jeopardy! is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Television International, both units of CBS Corp.
Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi are trademarks of Nintendo.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements about THQ
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 for games based on ”Wheel of Fortune” and “JEOPARDY!” 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, 2009, 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.
