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THQ signs exclusive deal for Marvel Super Hero Squad

Posted by: Randy at 5/9/2008 12:25 AM - Comments (2)
More On: Marvel Super Hero Squad THQ
While THQ has helped push more mature games like Saints Row, Company of Heroes, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to the tops of store shelves, they're also working on branding themselves as "the pre-eminent developer and creator of kids' games."  And, by signing as exclusive deal with Marvel Entertainment, THQ will have a videogame monopoly on the new kids-oriented (ages 4 - 10) Marvel Super Hero Squad property.  The initial Marvel Super Hero Squad game will don its cape in Fall 2009.
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THQ AND MARVEL ENTER INTO EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR VIDEO GAMES BASED ON MARVEL’S SUPER HERO SQUAD

 

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May 8, 2008 -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to create video games based on the burgeoning, kid-friendly Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise.  Pursuant to the multi-year agreement, THQ has obtained the exclusive, worldwide rights to publish content for all current and next-generation consoles, handheld systems, as well as Windows PC. The initial Marvel Super Hero Squad game is scheduled for release in fall 2009.

 

The agreement fits perfectly in both THQ’s and Marvel’s growth strategies.  For THQ, the addition of the Marvel brand further strengthens its position as the pre-eminent creator and publisher of kids video games.  For Marvel, the relationship with THQ provides a premier interactive entertainment partner for its important Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise, which is designed to be an engaging introduction into the Marvel Universe for young kids.

 

“Marvel is one of the true crown jewels in the entertainment industry and we are thrilled at the prospect of both building the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand and further developing our relationship with Marvel,” said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ.  “We are dedicated to expanding our unmatched success story in the kids space and this agreement with Marvel is an excellent complement to our portfolio.”

 

Simon Phillips, President, Marvel International and Head of Worldwide Animation and Video Games, added, “Licensing of the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand is a priority for Marvel, as we see it as a great entry point for kids to experience our renowned characters.  We are making a strong commitment to the brand across toys, television and other media and consumer product channels and developing Marvel Super Hero Squad as a video game will play an important role in the development of this brand.  The platform is an incredibly powerful medium that enables kids to experience the excitement of our franchises, as well as extend our characters and storylines.  With THQ, we are confident we have a partner with a best in class pedigree of building and extending licensed kid-friendly brands in the interactive space.”

 

An all-new Marvel brand, Marvel Super Hero Squad features an exciting, super-stylized look of the greatest Marvel Super Heroes, serving to expand the traditional Marvel audience to a core 4-10 year-old audience.  Fun and humor are waiting around every corner in Marvel Super Hero Squad where popular characters including Iron-Man, Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, The Fantastic Four, and many more are thrust into adventures in a single caricatured Super Hero City.  Along the way, they will have to thwart the plans of popular Marvel villains Doctor Doom, Magneto, Iron Monger, Loki, the Abomination and countless other infamous baddies.

 

Marvel is launching a major multi-media campaign for the brand. Marvel Animation is currently in production on an animated television series that is expected to debut on air in 2009.  Additionally, Marvel Comics is now featuring Marvel Super Hero Squad comic strips within several of its all ages books and will be introducing a dedicated Marvel Super Hero Squad comic book series in fall 2008.  Marvel has already secured deals with Hasbro as master toy partner, Disguise/Cesar for dress-up and Mega Bloks for construction toys and continues to seek deals with industry leading partners to develop merchandise based on the unique look of the Marvel Super Hero Squad property.

 

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 high-profile characters built over more than sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios) and publishing (via Marvel Comics), with emphasis on feature films, DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

 

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 and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc. 

 

All other trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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 the licensing agreement to develop interactive games based on Marvel Super Hero Squad, 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, 2007, 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.

New Pro Cycling Manager - Tour de France 2008 images

by: Randy - posted: 5/11/2008 1:31 AM - Comments (0)
For whatever reason, the artist that penned the "Le Tour de France" logo in the lower right hand corner of the box art managed to make it look like "Le deTour France."  Which is neither here nor there, though this year's Pro Cycling Manager - Tour de France 2008 will certainly travel through the painstakingly recreated race.  (I'm also recalling Russel Crowe in A Good Year in which he'd always drive by the French cyclists, honking his horn, flipping them off, and yelling out "Laaance Aaaarmstrong!")  Again, neither here nor there.  We've got five new screenshots from developer Cyanide Studio.
[READ MORE]

Clock in more TimeShift with free Futures-Past Multiplayer Map Pack DLC

by: Randy - posted: 5/10/2008 2:50 PM - Comments (2)
The altogether average TimeShift released a free pack of multiplayer maps, available via Xbox LIVE as of May 7th.  The five new maps, entitled "Futures-Past Multiplayer Map Pack," sport One-on-One, Deathmatch, and Team Deathmatch modes, naturally, but TimeShift "reveals the future of multiplayer fragging" with its exclusive King of Time and Meltdown Madness modes.  More details back at the official TimShift site.

Naruto faces off against a 'phantom' menace

by: Randy - posted: 5/10/2008 2:29 PM - Comments (0)
The seemingly unstoppable boy-ninja, Naruto Uzumaki, is zipping up his orange jumpsuit on the PSP once more with NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress.  Developer CyberConnect2 is introducing a bit of variety to the gameplay, aside from the typified one-on-one combat, with mini-games to test those ninja skills.  All the better to prep you for "frantic" wireless multiplayer game sharing.  NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2 will ultimately arrive on PSP store shelves on June 24th.

21 new screenshots from Lost Planet: Colonies Edition

by: Chuck - posted: 5/10/2008 9:53 AM - Comments (0)
Here are a double bushel full of screenshots from Lost Planet: Colonies Edition that show off the new Egg Hunt mode, the new environments, and some of the other new goodies that be released in the game.

Top Spin 3 trailer looks good, still doesn't cross the Uncanny Valley

by: Chuck - posted: 5/10/2008 9:38 AM - Comments (0)
2K Sports has released the debut trailer for Top Spin 3 which features such tennis stars as Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, James Blake, Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles.  The game will features 40 different events and while the animations and gameplay look great the faces of the players remind me that once again we still have a way to go before we cross the Uncanny Valley.

What we're playing this weekend

by: Chuck - posted: 5/10/2008 9:32 AM - Comments (0)
Elliot Bonnie
Things took a turn for the worst when Elliott suddenly started speaking with an Eastern European accent and decided to re-name his animals Niko and Roman. Oh yeah... I also hope to check out the demo for the Bourne Conspiracy if I am able to leave Liberty City for a couple of minutes.

Charles Husemann
This weekend I'll be playing a little Grand Theft Auto IV but mixing in some Kung Fu Panda, Team Fortress 2, and Echochrome. I think I also might fire up the PS3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV and see if there's any real difference between the two versions.

Randy Kalista
During GTA IV multiplayer, the only time I racked up kills was in the lobby, during Cops and Crooks I put my car in the drink and spent the rest of the round swimming for the opposite shore, the only time I didn't finish in last place during the car races was when everybody stopped racing and started screwing around, during the boat races I dry-docked my boat on the pier when I went for a cautious ramp jump, and the first thing I did when I hopped into a helo was nose it right into the ground. This weekend, I'm heading back to the single-player campaign.

Dan Keener
Well, this is Mother's Day weekend, so the game playing will probably be taken down a notch. However, GTA IV will be in the Xbox 360 tray and I will be playing some multiplayer on Saturday night with XboxAmerica community members. I will also squeeze in some more Ratchet and Clank on the PS3 and Oblivion on the 360 for testing purposes for the Sanyo projector thats in the lab.

Matt Mirkovich
So I beat The World Ends With You, but it's got this massive end-game that looks like it will take another 30-40 hours to complete, and I'm really looking forward to it. This is probably one of the best games I've played all year, yeah I like it more than GTA IV. Since I'll be on the road it's mostly portables with Killzone: Liberation in the PSP.

Nathan Murray
This week I have a Magic the Gathering Tournament on Sunday which is being held as a sort of going away party for my buddy in the Marines who is shipping out soon. I haven't finished a game in a while and most of them are sitting on my shelf mocking me for being so lazy. GTA IV is also calling out my name.

Tyler Sager
I'll be playing through a little Universe at War and possibly, just possibly, convincing myself to pick up GTA IV. We'll just have to see how much willpower I have...
This is what we're playing, what about you gentle reader?  Leave what you're playing in the comments.

John Yan
Do I have to play anything other than GTA IV this weekend? I guess so but I probably won't. I'm starting to get into the meat of the story and the characters are pretty interesting. If there's any other game that I really would play that would be MLB 08 The Show as I continue to dominate the minor leagues and curse at management for keeping me down there.

BioWare comes to senses, won't authenticate Mass Effect every 10 days

by: John - posted: 5/10/2008 6:51 AM - Comments (0)
It's nice to see a company listen to the consumers for once. While I can understand BioWare wanted to protect Mass Effect from pirates, the way being done would've only hindered consumers. They've now gone the route of letting you install the game on three PCs with more on a case by case basis with one DVD. Also, the game will only authenticate on install and when downloading new content. That's it. Good way to go I say and let's hope we see something about Spore doing the same thing as well in the near future.

-Update- And Spore gets the same treatment.

Gears of War 2 footage

by: John - posted: 5/10/2008 6:47 AM - Comments (0)
So here's the first look at Gears of War 2. The video shows off some scenes from the first act, chapter three. I do like some of the new abilities such as using a Locust as a body shield and the chainsaw fighting. Epic does seem to be going for bigger scaled battles as one part has Marcus shooting down at a good number of Locusts. And when I say good number I mean in the high twenties or more. Hard to tell what graphical improvements there maybe in this video but fans who wanted more Gears should be happy at what they see.

Thar she glows

by: Nathan - posted: 5/10/2008 5:43 AM - Comments (0)
Unique console peripherals creator SPLITFISH has acquired the company GLOW GAMING INC.. With such loud names you better believe they both make loud products. While the controllers and accessories  they feature are only used on Sony Platforms Playstations 2 and 3 they stand out from the rest. Glow Gaming INC. real gem was a glow in the dark controller that is exceptionally bright and is based on the solid Sony design so there isn't any "unique" faulty design. With what SPLITFISH already has out and what GG INC. is capable of in terms of bright gloweee plastic I would expect something amazing or just plain weird to come from this acquisition. Add dot com to splitfish or glowgaming to get a better idea of what might be. [READ MORE]

Run for the border

by: Nathan - posted: 5/10/2008 5:26 AM - Comments (0)
The Championship Gaming Series announced the 2008 Latin America Finals location and dates. June 20 Mexico City's Team Furia and Rio 's Team Sinistro will be heading across the border into United America Land and will be playing the final match up in Los Angeles, California. The Finals will be broadcast on SKY Mexico and Sky Brazil and in other Latin American countries on DIRECTV Latin America. I have no idea what games they will be playing at the event but I'm sure the competition will be fierce. Seriously it takes a master gamer to compete in a Strawberry Shortcake game. [READ MORE]

News Roundup: LittleBigBusSimulator

by: Randy - posted: 5/9/2008 8:43 PM - Comments (0)
Demo
 Videos, Screens
 Articles
 Thanks to Pi Studios, AtomicGamer, and Digit-Life for today's news roundup.

Pictured: The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar [Book 13 Epic Quest]
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New Alone in the Dark website is very dark, you are likely to be eaten by a grue

by: Chuck - posted: 5/9/2008 3:09 PM - Comments (3)
Atari has launched a new website for Alone in the Dark which allows you to explore the world of the game before it hits shelves.  With the company being delisted this from the NASDAQ this week it's hard to underestimate how important this game is to the company.  What I've seen looks really good but it remains to be seen if the final product will be enough to help turn the company around.

Gaming Gibs for 5/9/2008

by: Chuck - posted: 5/9/2008 2:25 PM - Comments (1)
Here are a few things I missed while watching the first seven minutes of Speed Racer:
  • Law of the land talks about how to create real video game legislation
  • Activision is shelving the Tony Hawk series for this year, it's amazing what competition can do
  • No video game tie-ins for Indiana Jones or Batman, this isn't necessarily a bad thing
  • Aaron Goldberg trashes the PS3, RROD of irony escapes without notice
  • Silicon Knights talks about the Mana system in Too Human
  • Bizzare Creations is no longer doing DLC for Project Gotham Racing 4, up to Microsoft for new content

Big bad ass bosses shown off in new Assault Heroes 2 video

by: Dan - posted: 5/9/2008 2:18 PM - Comments (0)
Here's a new video showing off some of the ginormous boss battles you'll see in Assault Heroes 2 when it's launched next week.  

Spectral Force 3 screens released

by: Dan - posted: 5/9/2008 12:06 PM - Comments (0)
Atlus has been busy today, releasing six more screens for the upcoming Xbox 360 title Spectral Force 3. The game is part Fantasy, part strategy and part RPG, and is set to release on July 29th. The screens show off a bit of the character interaction and battle systems.
[READ MORE]

New Age of Conan screens

by: Dan - posted: 5/9/2008 12:05 PM - Comments (1)
Funcom and Eidos released eight new in-game screens for Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures. Every time I see new screens, this MMORPG seems to look better and better. The screens are from the Poitain area.
[READ MORE]

Don't forget, first Gears of War 2 footage on GameTrailers TV tonight

by: Chuck - posted: 5/9/2008 9:08 AM - Comments (1)
We posted this a few weeks ago but just a quick reminder that the first Gears of War 2 gameplay footage will be on GameTrailers TV tonight along with new footage from the upcoming Ghostbusters game and a new trailer for Space Siege.  The show airs at 1AM on Spike TV so set your DVR if you don't want to stay up that late. [READ MORE]

First info on Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard Characters

by: Dan - posted: 5/9/2008 8:49 AM - Comments (0)
Atlus has released profiles on three characters appearing in their upcoming Nintendo DS RPG Etrian Odyssey II: Heroes of Lagaard. The Alchemist, Landsknecht and Gunner are the first three profiles, and show off the diversity of the game. Also, check out some character concept art after the break.

Alchemist
There isn’t a type of damage that these magic-users can’t dish out: in addition to their mastery over Fire, Ice, and Voltage, they have adopted spells that inflict Slashing, Striking, and Piercing damage to the entire enemy party. Their Return skill is also a lifesaver for parties who have forgotten to bring along a Warp Wire.

Force Skill: Eschaton
This forbidden magic unleashes a wave of pure, untyped energy to obliterate the entire group of enemies.

Landsknecht
Though landsknechts still tend to specialize in either swords or axes—swords for multiple hits, axes for single, powerful blows—they’ve learned to use either weapon in their elemental strikes. They can still abandon all defenses to improve their offense, but now if the enemy should take advantage of this to weaken them, they have new abilities to become even stronger when critically injured.

Force Skill: All Out
A powerful berserker charge that slashes every enemy.

Gunner
These marksmen employ a wide variety of bullets and firing techniques that make them one of the most versatile single-target damage-dealers. Their specially treated ammunition can bind any part of an enemy, inflict any type of elemental damage, or even stun an enemy to allow the rest of the party a chance to move in. Naturally, their trusty firearms allow them to do all this from the back line.

Force Skill: Riot Gun
The gunner focuses all of its will into a single, powerful bullet guaranteed to stun an enemy.
[READ MORE]

Demo of Bad Company coming

by: John - posted: 5/9/2008 8:46 AM - Comments (0)
For Xbox and PS3 owners,  June 5th is the date you can download a demo of Battlefield: Bad Company that will feature both single and multiplayer gameplay. You can also get in if you pre-order the game. The single player portion will let you play a little of the beginning while the multiplayer map consists of Oasis with the Gold Rush mode. The final game will hit stores in the US on June 25th so you get a good 20 days to try it out and see if you like it. [READ MORE]

Everyday Shooter comes to Steam, go buy it now

by: Chuck - posted: 5/9/2008 8:44 AM - Comments (3)
Johnathon Mak's Everyday Shooter is now available on Steam and if you're looking for something fun and different to play this weekend it's well worth your $9.99 (although you can get 10% off this weekend).  Sure it's plays a bit like a Geometry Wars clone but the use of sound and graphics really make the game stand out against all the other Geometry War clones on the market.  I bought the game on the PS3 when it came out and I can't recommend the game enough.

PC getting Burnout

by: John - posted: 5/9/2008 8:43 AM - Comments (0)
This is interesting. Looks like Electronic Arts is going to be putting the console hit Burnout Paradise on the PC. Not only that but it's going to be rebuilt specifically for the PC. Don't know what that entails yet but I'm wondering if this won't be another test bed for their new copy protection scheme with SecuRom. With all the peripherals available for the PC, you can build a pretty kicking rig to race around the city. [READ MORE]

Codemasters steals away F1 license from Sony

by: Chuck - posted: 5/9/2008 8:27 AM - Comments (1)
Codemasters announced today that they have secured the license to create Forumula One games that was previously held by Sony.  Sony was reported to have balked at the high price of the license and decided to pass on it leaving it open for Codemasters to pick up.

It's a smart move Codemasters as they will be releasing cross platform F1 titles in upcoming years, something that Sony was obviously unable to do.  It's a bit of a shame as Dave really liked F1 Championship but it's not like Codemasters doesn't have a great reputation with racing games.  [READ MORE]

LBP trailer from Sony Day warms the dark cockles of Chuck's heart

by: Chuck - posted: 5/9/2008 7:48 AM - Comments (0)
I've made no attempt to cover up my love of Little Bit Planet since I saw it at E3 last year.  Here's the new trailer from the game which debut at the Sony event in London this week.  There's some new gameplay shown off as well as some new Killzone 2 inspired sackboy creatures.   This footage is almost enough to offset the news that we won't be getting a beta of the game before it's released this fall.

Would you kindly not be the next Uwe Boll?

by: John - posted: 5/9/2008 6:35 AM - Comments (1)
Looks like the BioShock movie has a better than expected director. Gore Verbinski is set to direct what he hopes to be an R-rated BioShock movie and I think it's a good choice. The guy turned a theme park ride into one great movie and two OK movies. The game's ripe with great imagery and should produce some incredible set pieces so we just need a good translation of the story here.  Just as long as they change the ending. Just kidding. I threw that in there to poke Cyril a little. :) Anyways, Gore seems to be into video games as there's a little tidbit in an interview alluding to interest in a Portal movie.Who would you want to play the roles?

-Update with Press Release- [READ MORE]

MLB Power Pros 2008 coming to Wii, PS2, and DS

by: Randy - posted: 5/9/2008 1:04 AM - Comments (0)
2K Sports is continuing with their light-hearted tribute to America's favorite pastime, MLB Power Pros 2008.  In addition to the series' traditional Practice, Exhibition, League, and Home Run Challenge modes, this year gets even more up-close and personal as players act as general manager in Season mode, and engage in the Success and MLB Life roleplaying modes.  MLB Power Pros 2008 is coming to the Wii and PS2 this July, and to Nintendo DS later this fall. [READ MORE]