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WWE Wrestlemania X8 on GameCube

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--June 10, 2002-- THQ Inc. and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. today announced the release of their newest World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) licensed video game, "World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8" exclusively for Nintendo GameCube(TM). "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" is backed by a multi-million dollar marketing campaign that includes national television, print support and point-of-purchase advertising. "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" features an original grapple-based engine that emphasizes simulation-style gameplay, accenting reversals and strong counter moves that Nintendo fans have grown to expect from past WWE(TM) videogames.

"'World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8' will mark the first videogame to feature an updated roster of WWE(TM) talent, as players get a chance to grapple with Superstars such as Rob Van Dam(TM) and the legendary Hollywood Hulk Hogan®," stated Peter Dille, vice president, marketing, THQ. "We are very excited to be shipping 'World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8,' which boasts the most complete collection of WWE(TM) Superstars ever assembled in a videogame and is also backed by a massive marketing campaign that includes a spot produced by the World Wrestling Entertainment(TM)'s in-house production team."

"We are extremely pleased to be supporting 'World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8' for Nintendo GameCube," said George Harrison, senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America Inc. "'WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8' will be one of the key third-party titles released this summer for Nintendo GameCube."

"'World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8' is an excellent first title for Nintendo's newest platform," stated Nelo Lucich, director of interactive, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "The level of detail and functionality in 'World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8' will simply amaze both GameCube and World Wrestling fans everywhere."

Marketing highlights for "World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8" include:

  • National television campaign on FOX, UPN, NBC, TNN, MTV, FX, Comedy Central and other major networks
  • Co-marketing programs with Nintendo, including national television and point-of-purchase advertising
  • Print campaign across major videogame and World Wrestling Entertainment publications
  • National point of purchase program including posters, oversized boxes and in-store trailers at game retailers nationwide
  • World premier event for "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8"
  • Radio promotions including on-air giveaways
  • Coverage on WWE.com (www.wwe.com), as well as the official "World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8" web site, hosted by THQ.com
  • Official "World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8" video game strategy guides
  • Grass roots marketing campaigns and on-site game demonstrations at select WWE(TM) live events

About "World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) WrestleMania® X8"

Developed by Yuke's Co., Ltd. of Japan, "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" is the first game to feature more than 40 Superstars in multiple match types including hardcore, tornado tag and triple threat matches. TV-style presentation complete with dynamic lighting effects, pyrotechnics, camera flashes and multiple camera angles brings the action to life as Superstars enter the arena accompanied by signature TitanTron(TM) videos and music. Players can also choose from a variety of settings including appearance, costumes and special moves to create the ultimate grappler in the game's in-depth Create-a-Superstar mode.

New features exclusive to "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" include "Path of a Champion," where players have the opportunity to take their Superstar up through the ranks pursuing various championship belts, including WWE(TM) Tag-Team, WWE(TM) Hardcore and WWE(TM) Undisputed Championships. For the first time on any game system, "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" includes an updated roster of top Superstars including Booker T(TM), Rob Van Dam(TM) and The Hurricane(TM). "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" is also the first WWE(TM) title to include icon and legend, Hollywood Hulk Hogan®. Each character is personalized with their own unique style and repertoire of finishing moves. These new Superstars in addition to WWE(TM) veterans such as The Rock®, Stone Cold Steve Austin(TM) and Triple H(TM) give "WWE(TM) WrestleMania® X8" the finest collection of talent ever assembled in a video game.

For more information about the THQ/JAKKS Pacific World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) videogame franchises and the rest of THQ's 2002 line-up, visit www.thq.com.

About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.

World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with sales offices in New York City, Chicago, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and wwecorbiz.com.

About JAKKS Pacific

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Arts & Crafts Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush and Dolls. The products are sold under various brand names including Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Remco®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Laser Challenge(TM) and Go Fly a Kite(TM). The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.

About Yuke's Co., Ltd.

Based in Japan and established in 1993, Yuke's Co., Ltd. is a developer of next generation console games in which THQ has a minority interest. Yuke's credits include the multi-million unit selling "WWE(TM) SmackDown!(TM)" franchise.

About THQ

THQ Inc. develops and publishes interactive entertainment software worldwide for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com.

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