NEWS 3of6
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1999--Dirt-bike racers
better strap their helmets on tight because top game publisher THQ
Inc. (Nasdaq/NM:THQI.O) and two-time AMA National Motocross Champion
Ricky Carmichael have teamed up to bring all the grit and intensity of
motocross racing to the most popular game systems.
THQ has acquired the exclusive rights to motocross star
Carmichael for use in its upcoming, multi-platform motocross series.
The exclusive five-year agreement also includes licensing support from
Oakley, Bell Helmets, Fox Racing and Alpinestars. Developed by Funcom,
"Championship Motocross(tm) featuring Ricky Carmichael" for
PlayStation will be the first title in THQ's motocross series and is
scheduled for worldwide release in summer 1999.
In 1998, Carmichael was the first rider in history to win every
race in the 125cc Supercross Series, winning the Eastern Regional
title and the East-West Shoot-Out in Las Vegas. Since turning
professional in 1996, he also has two AMA National Championships to
his credit. Carmichael has dominated the 125cc class like no other
rider in the history of the sport.
"As one of the best-known racers in motocross, Ricky Carmichael's
endorsement is extremely valuable to hardcore racing fans," said Brian
Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. "Coupling his notoriety within this
sport with Funcom's motorcycle racing game positions THQ very well for
the launch of our motocross series this summer."
"Racing and winning as a professional has brought many new
challenges and opportunities to me," said Carmichael. "Becoming
involved in the design and endorsement of THQ's motocross racing games
means long-time fans will finally be able to feel what it's like to
race with the pros."
"The game achieves the raw essence of motocross racing by
capturing the dynamics, sheer power and excitement of the event,"
stated Martha McGowan, managing director of Funcom. "The Ricky
Carmichael endorsement, associated brands and THQ's unparalleled
publishing success make them the perfect partner to bring this
revolutionary racing game to market."
"Championship Motocross featuring Ricky Carmichael" gives racers
the opportunity to compete as AMA National Motocross Champion Ricky
Carmichael. Players will enjoy superb graphics and visual effects like
flying dirt, exhaust smoke and real-time track and biker lighting as
they maneuver through 12 unique tracks from around the world.
Funcom's proprietary "RMD" (Real Motocross Dynamics) bike physics
system is the first to deliver realistic and responsive rider dynamics
both on the ground and in the air.
Funcom is an independent game developer based in Norway and
Ireland. Founded in 1993, the company has grown considerably and
counts 120 full-time employees in 1999. Funcom has previously
developed games like "Impact Racing" for JVC, "Pocahontas" for Disney,
"NBA Hangtime" for Midway and "Casper" for Interplay.
Having sold more than 1.5 million copies of its games, the
company now focuses its resources on three areas: PC, Sony PlayStation
and online games. Try Funcom's games at www.funcom.com.
THQ Inc. develops, publishes and distributes interactive
entertainment software worldwide for a variety of hardware platforms
including PC CD-ROM, and those manufactured by Nintendo and Sony. The
THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com.
The statements contained in this release that are not historical
facts may be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements. Actual
results may differ materially from those projected in such statements
due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without
limitation, demand and competition for the company's products, and
other risks and uncertainties detailed in the company's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
|
