AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced that Saints Row(TM), for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, is now shipping to retail outlets worldwide. Featuring stunning next-generation graphics, extensive customization options and the genre's first-ever multiplayer experience, Saints Row is further establishing THQ as a leading publisher of high-profile, original next-generation properties. The Saints Row demo has been downloaded at a record rate since its August 1 release on Xbox Marketplace, according to Microsoft, and gamers can now experience the entire game for a suggested retail price of $59.99.

"The overwhelming support from consumers and press alike is a clear indication that the next generation of open-world gaming has truly arrived," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "Our internal studio, Volition Inc., has re-defined the genre, bringing the open world online for the first time and adding countless hours to an already expansive game-play experience."

Saints Row's advancements in the open-world genre have been met with worldwide critical acclaim from the industry's leading media outlets:

"Saints Row's digital world is so meticulously created that its only real peer in this regard is The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, a game that set soaring new standards for gaming immersion."

- Game Pro -- 4.75 out of 5 -- Editor's Choice

"Saints Row is all I hoped for and more ... Volition has buttoned it up better than promised and balanced it for maximum addiction."

- Play Magazine -- 9 out of 10

" ... It's the team based modes like Protect Tha Pimp and Blinged Out Ride that really deliver something you haven't seen before. And once you get a taste of it, the rest of your 360 library will start collecting dust."

- Game Informer -- 8.75 out of 10

"Saints Row is not only a 30-40 hour single-player game with a smart progression system, a breadth of engaging missions, and tons of car and character customization, it's the first game in this genre to successfully negotiate online and multiplayer waters, including online and System Link co-op functionality."

- IGN -- 8.5 out of 10

About Saints Row

In Saints Row, players begin the game as a member of the 3rd Street Saints, battling rival gangs and corrupt officials while attempting to conquer the city of Stilwater. Gamers will personalize their experience through an unparalleled level of character customization and the freedom to progress through multiple storylines in any order they choose. Unique activities such as Insurance Fraud and Snatch will help a player earn respect, which will in turn open up missions, and unveil the vast, next-generation potential of the fully dynamic city. Saints Row brings online multiplayer to the open-world genre for the first time allowing gamers to form and battle rival gangs online in a variety of different modes. T he game will support 12 players on the Xbox Live(R) online entertainment network.

More information about Saints Row can be found at http://www.saintsrow.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 is a top producer of original intellectual properties including titles such as Destroy All Humans!(R), Juiced(TM), MX vs ATV, Titan Quest(TM), Saints Row and upcoming Company of Heroes(TM). More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, Volition, Inc., Company of Heroes, Destroy All Humans!, Juiced, MX vs. ATV, Saints Row, Titan Quest, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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 Saints Row video game 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, 2006, 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.

Rob Cassel
THQ/Media Relations
818/ 871-8514

Julie MacMedan
THQ/Investor Relations
818/ 871-5125

SOURCE THQ Inc.
08/29/2006

Posted: August 29, 2006