haven;t followed THQI THQ Gets 'Warhammer 40,000' Game Rights
THQ Secures "Warhammer 40,000" Rights
-- Science Fiction Adventure Property Hits Next-Generation Systems in
2002
CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 2001--THQ Inc.
(Nasdaq:THQI) has secured worldwide publishing rights to "Warhammer 40,000"
-- the dark, futuristic fantasy wargaming universe traveled by millions
worldwide.
The agreement with the world's largest hobby wargames company, Games
Workshop (LSE:GAW), grants THQ exclusive rights to publish "Warhammer
40,000" games for PC and console systems including Sony PlayStation 2,
Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Gamecube and Game Boy Advance.
In addition, THQ and Games Workshop will work to explore opportunities for
the "Warhammer 40,000" property on wireless Internet, cellular and other PDA
devices. THQ also announced that its first "Warhammer 40,000" game is
scheduled for release holiday 2002.
"The deep stories and sinister 41st Millennium setting in 'Warhammer 40,000'
provide all the elements of a truly compelling interactive gaming
experience," stated Germaine Gioia, vice president, licensing, THQ. "We look
forward to creating 'Warhammer 40,000' next-generation console and PC
adventures for millions of gamers across the globe."
"The interactive games market has been an important part of the Games
Workshop strategy for broadening its imagery into new arenas, and, as part
of that strategy, along with our Warhammer online project, we have been
seeking the perfect long-term strategic publishing partner to work with on
'Warhammer 40,000' projects," Jon Gillard, Head of Business Development,
Games Workshop, stated.
"We are convinced that THQ, with their proven track-record of quality
licensed products, progressive enthusiasm and intelligent marketing and
distribution, is absolutely the best partner to help us develop this
market."
The "Warhammer 40,000" game universe was introduced in 1987 and has since
become the world's leading tabletop wargame. Sales of "Warhammer 40,000"
products, including wargames, models, novels, comics and interactive games
exceed $250 million worldwide since 1996.
The dark, gothic science fantasy of the universe has been enjoyed by
millions of gamers ages 12 and up, over 95% of whom own at least one console
system and/or PC. The "Warhammer 40,000" property enjoyed more than 30%
growth in the United States last year.
Games Workshop is the world's largest hobby wargames company. Based in
Nottingham, U.K., it designs, manufactures and distributes its range of
"Warhammer" and "Warhammer 40,000" games, miniature soldiers, novels, comics
and resin models through over 250 of its own shops, mail-order, Internet and
independent retail channels in over 50 countries worldwide. Further details
on the company can be obtained at www.games-workshop.com.
THQ Inc. develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment
software worldwide for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM,
wireless devices and those manufactured by Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft. The
THQ site is located at www.thq.com |
