October 19th, 2001 (12:00am) - THQ and Sega today announced an exclusive, multi-title co-publishing
agreement. Under the agreement, THQ will co-publish 16 Game Boy® Advance
titles featuring Sega brands through 2003 throughout North America. The
first six titles, Sonic Advance(tm), an MLB-licensed game (working title),
Columns Crown*, The House of the Dead(tm) Pinball (working title), Smash
Pack* and Puyo Pop*, are scheduled to release through March 2002.
The agreement provides Sega with greater exposure on the Game Boy Advance
platform as it transitions exclusively to software publishing and provides
THQ with highly recognizable content and further solidifies its position as
a leading independent Game Boy Advance publisher. Sega and THQ will
collaborate on all Sega-branded Game Boy Advance games to ensure concurrent
release with Sega’s major platform titles.
"Sega has a long and storied history of software innovation," stated Brian
Farrell, President and CEO, THQ. "We look forward to expanding our
leadership position in the handheld category by bringing some of their
leading brands including Sonic and Major League Baseball to Game Boy
Advance."
"For years, we have had a huge cult following...gamers who have stayed
committed to the brand and content and are the soul of Sega," said Peter
Moore, President and COO, Sega of America. "This alliance helps us bring the
Sega experience to an expanded universe of gamers. Using THQ’s unparalleled
know-how with the GBA platform even better positions us to meet our long
term goals in the shortest amount of time."
The first six titles to be published through this deal include the
following:
Columns Crown(tm) - Collect Magic Gems to score points in this classic Sega
puzzle game, either solo, or 2-player via the Game Boy Advance Game Link
Puyo Pop(tm) - Clear the screen of Puyo and make up to four opponents’
screens harder to clear by sending them Block Puyo through the Game Boy
Advance Game Link
The House of the Dead(tm) Pinball (working title) - Based on the popular The
House of the Dead franchise, manipulate a pinball to rescue citizens and
take out zombies
Sonic Advance(tm) - Marking the 2D return of Sega’s mascot Sonic, solve
puzzles and avoid traps to foil Dr. Eggman’s evil plot with the help of
Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or Amy. Up to four players with the Game Boy Advance
Game Link.
Smash Pack(tm) - Play numerous memorable Sega titles from the days of Sega
Genesis*.
MLB-licensed game (working title) - Enjoy America’s favorite pastime on GBA,
featuring real Major League Baseball players and fields. Follow teams
throughout the season to the pennant race, solo or multiplayer though the
Game Boy Advance Game Link.
In addition, the two companies have identified ten more titles, which they
will co-develop and release through 2003.
THQ and Sega will be hosting a joint conference call at 10 a.m. pacific,
Thursday, October 11 to discuss the details of this agreement. The call will
be webcast live over the internet here.
