WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Playable Demo Now Available for Download via PlayStation Network - IGN (original) (raw)

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 playable demo is now available for free download via PlayStation Network exclusively for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. In addition, consumers may obtain a demo copy and take advantage of exclusive gift-with-purchase promotions by pre-ordering the game at select retailers. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is currently scheduled for a North American release on November 9 for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP(PlayStation Portable) system, Wii home videogame system and Nintendo DS. The mobile version of the game is slated to launch on various carriers throughout November.
"Our exclusive PlayStation 3 system playable demo and North American retail program will allow consumers to embrace the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 experience in several unique ways prior to the November 9 launch," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. "The strength of this year's campaign demonstrates retail's continued support of the brand as we prepare to deliver the next installment in our leading fighting videogame franchise."

"As we approach the launch in November, we are pleased to offer fans the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 playable demo exclusively for the PlayStation 3 system," said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. "Fans are certain to enjoy the new options available in this year's tag team match, including 'hot tags,' building team momentum and unique tag team finishing moves in the most advanced WWE videogame experience to date."

About the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Playable Demo

The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 playable demo for the PlayStation 3 system will allow consumers to sample exhibition and tag team matches using the RAW arena. Superstars Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy are available for battle as players explore new game features, including the revitalized tag team experience. Players can now build momentum and attributes as a team, devastate opponents with high impact double teams, pull off new bone-crunching tag team finishers and get the "hot tag" for the win.

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 upholds the franchise's commitment to delivering the definitive videogame simulation of live WWE programming. Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, PlayStation 2 system and PSP system versions of the game will unleash a brand-new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the "hot tag" for the win. The franchise's renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWE's biggest event of the year and lets players experience a franchise-first co-op storyline. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the debut of downloadable content.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform's unique pick-up-and-play experience. Gameplay advances to the next level, giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii will also include a wide variety of new weapons, the debut of online gameplay and much more.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar will provide players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.

More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.

About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go tohttps://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

About THQ Inc.

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 the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular children's toy licenses in the world. JAKKS' diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific, Play Along, Flying Colors, Creative Designs International, Road Champs, Child Guidance, Pentech, Funnoodle, Go Fly a Kite, Color Workshop, JAKKS Pets, EyeClops, Plug It In & Play TV Games, Kids Only and Tollytots. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., World Wrestling Entertainment, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Graco and Cabbage Patch Kids. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.

Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

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 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 playable demo, retail programs and videogame, 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, 2008, 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.

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