THQ Wireless and Mobile Gaming Developer Mikoishi Announce Publishing Agreement to Offer New Multiplayer Games for Mobile Phones
THQ Wireless Ramps Up Multiplayer Gaming Initiative With Announcement of Three Mikoishi Titles and a State-of-the-Art Data Center to Host Networked Games and More
CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., May 18: THQ Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI), announced today a publishing agreement with Mikoishi, a leading developer of network multiplayer games for mobile phones. Under the terms of the agreement, THQ Wireless adds a number of innovative multiplayer games to their existing portfolio of branded mobile entertainment. The games will be hosted at THQ's state-of-the-art data center located in Phoenix, AZ. With the data center, THQ Wireless can offer a reliable, multi-functional, feature rich, and scalable network capable of supporting millions of users.
"Multiplayer gaming is one of the next big advancements in the mobile space," said Tim Walsh, president of THQ Wireless. "Today's announcement with Mikoishi, a premiere developer of multiplayer games, further illustrates THQ Wireless' commitment to working with great partners and technologies to offer innovative wireless content and create new revenue streams through subscription services."
The first series of Mikoishi games to be released by THQ Wireless in summer of 2005 include:
- Dead Lead -- A fast-paced shooter with dazzling graphics, multiple missions, and real-time head-to-head action.
- Metal Unit -- Players battle one another with giant Mech-Robots, a variety of weapons, tactical reconnaissance, and strategic gameplay.
- Mag Racer -- Mag-Bikes are the ultimate speed machines and this turbo-charged racer let's up to five players compete simultaneously to see who's fastest.
"Our success in Asia has shown that playing against other thinking and breathing opponents is far more compelling than just playing against the logic of a machine," said Alex Goatcher, CEO of Mikoishi. "We are excited to be working with THQ to bring these multiplayer mobile games to the US. The combination of Mikoishi's innovative gaming technology and game catalogue, along with THQ's marketing and distribution will enable wireless gamers to now play with and against each other, on a truly global basis."
Some of the features in Mikoishi's games include Head-to-Head gaming, Game Lobbies, In-game Chat, High Score Management, Buddy Lists, Groups and Clans, Ladders and Tournaments, Player Profiles and Contest Management.
For more information, please visit www.thqwireless.com.
About Mikoishi:
Mikoishi is a game production and services company, based in Singapore, that specializes in the development and operation of multiplayer games for mobile phones. The company operates its games globally, in partnership with major Telco's, Publishers, Network portals and Independent content providers. Mikoishi games represent a leap forward from the current generation of mobile game offerings by featuring true multiplayer game-play and extensive community elements all powered by TheatreTM, Mikoishi's multiplayer gaming technology. Mikoishi games operate on handsets from major phone manufactures such as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, and Sharp. For additional information, please visit www.mikoishi.com.
About THQ Wireless:
THQ Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI), is a global leader in mobile entertainment, offering a wide range of wireless products, including games, personalization products, information services and messaging based on top licenses such as the WWETM, Star Wars, popular Nickelodeon properties and professional sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and the NHRA. In addition to wireless entertainment products, THQ Wireless' controlling interest in MINICK gives the company access to one of the largest premium messaging networks in the world in order to offer a broad range of services from content distribution to mobile marketing campaigns and place the company at the forefront of this rapidly growing messaging market. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ Wireless has offices worldwide, in addition to distribution agreements through wireless carriers across the globe. Further information can be found at www.thqwireless.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 in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Korea and Australia. 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.
This press release may contain "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 THQ Wireless' Game Server Platform (GPS). Such statements are based upon management's 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 economic, competitive and technological factors affecting the operations, markets, products, services and pricing of THQ. 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 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 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2004, and particularly the discussion of risk factors that may affect results of operations set forth therein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.