THQ Revs Up as 'Cars,' Based Upon the Summer Film From Disney/Pixar, Races Into Stores Across Multiple Video Game Platforms

THQ is Also Gearing Up Xbox 360(TM) Video and Game Entertainment System From Microsoft and Nintendo's Wii Versions for Release This Fall

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., June 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Leading independent publisher THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced the release of the "Cars" video game, based upon the highly anticipated Disney/Pixar film, for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(R) video and game entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance, Nintendo DS(TM), PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system, Windows PC and Mac, at retail outlets nationwide. The game will also be available worldwide in 18 languages, and in more than 40 countries including China, Thailand, Japan, Russia and Poland. Also this fall, the "Cars" video game is expected to release for Xbox 360(TM) next generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Nintendo Wii.

"As a leading publisher of video games for all ages, THQ is excited to bring 'Cars' to every major gaming platform, including the next generation game systems," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, worldwide publishing, THQ. "Disney and Pixar have a legacy of creating blockbuster animated motion pictures with classics such as 'The Incredibles', 'Finding Nemo' and 'Monsters Inc.' THQ's video game adaptations of each of these properties have been top-performers at retail, including games based on 'The Incredibles' film, which shipped more than 7-million units worldwide, and 'Finding Nemo', which shipped more than 8-million units worldwide."

"Combining the creative minds at Pixar Animation Studios and the game development talents at THQ helped to translate 'Cars' into one of this year's most exciting video games for fans of all ages," said "Cars" story artist, Dan Scanlon. "Fans of both the movie and the video games will interact and explore the world of Radiator Springs and the Piston Cup races as we envisioned."

"Disney/Pixar video game properties have experienced tremendous success on a variety of game platforms over the years, and we will continue the brand's tradition of offering high-quality family entertainment to game players worldwide," said Graham Hopper, SVP and General Manager of Disney's Buena Vista Games. "We're proud of our ongoing relationship with the team at THQ to bring these exciting games to life."

About the "Cars" Video Game

The "Cars" video game is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film.

The "Cars" video game was developed within THQ's Studio System, which includes 14 owned studios and more than 25 of the best independent development teams. THQ's critically-acclaimed video game developer, Rainbow Studios developed the PlayStation(R)2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions. THQ's Locomotive Games, Inc. developed the PSP version, while THQ's Helixe studio developed the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions.

About the "Cars" Movie

"Cars," the seventh animated feature film to be created by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, is directed by Pixar's two-time Academy Award(R)-winner John Lasseter, who directed "Toy Story", "A Bug's Life", and "Toy Story 2." Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), a hotshot rookie racecar who is driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the destination. En route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California, McQueen gets waylaid in the sleepy town of Radiator Springs. While sidetracked in the town, McQueen gets to know its offbeat characters -- including Doc Hudson (a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past, voiced by Paul Newman), Sally (a snazzy 2002 Porche, voiced by Bonnie Hunt), and Mater (a rusty, but trusty, tow truck, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) who help him realize there are more important things than trophies, fame and sponsorship.