THQ and Encore 'PAL' for International Console Rights

THQ International Ltd, a subsidiary of THQ Inc. and Encore, Inc. today announced an agreement granting THQ international PAL publishing rights for a number of new titles from Encore’s next-generation console portfolio.

The titles in the agreement include Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars for the Xbox video game system and PlayStation2 computer entertainment system; Dragon’s Lair 3D, a completely new 3D version of the classic Dragon’s Lair arcade game for Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2; and an additional next generation console title: Daredevil. All of the games are scheduled for release in 2002. Territories covered by the agreement are PAL videogame system areas governed by THQ International’s four territorial offices comprising UK/Export, France, Germany and Asia-Pacific.

Tim Walsh, Senior Vice President - International Publishing, THQ, commented, “Encore’s innovative titles are a great addition to our publishing portfolio. We look forward to working with Encore to expand their international exposure.”

Added Scott Berlin, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales at Encore, “THQ is a terrific partner for international markets, and both companies share a focus on high-quality brands. THQ has built a solid sales infrastructure in Europe, which will be a tremendous asset in getting Encore’s exciting new games widely distributed in this growing market.“

The 2002 Encore/THQ international lineup includes

• Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars is the first and only videogame to reproduce the lethal excitement of Roman chariot racing, pitting the player into the frenetic heart of the most popular sport of Ancient Rome. Gamers choose their team and then race, fight and conquer across seven territories and nineteen tracks to reach the pinnacle of chariot racing – the 250,000 capacity Circus Maximus of Rome.
  
  
• Dragon’s Lair 3D is a completely new, 3D version of the legendary 1983 coin-op game. Players will guide Dirk the Daring through a fantasy adventure as they battle the deadly beasts of the Dark Castle in a quest to save the Princess Daphne from the clutches of the evil wizard Mordroc. The game stays true to the design and storyline of the 1980’s arcade game, while offering exciting game elements such as full control of Dirk and over 250 rooms to explore within the castle.
  
  
• Daredevil is based on Marvel Comics' immensely popular comic book character. Daredevil will battle Kingpin, ruler of the East Coast underworld, and Bullseye, the ruthless assassin; the game will also feature Elektra, a martial-arts expert and Daredevil’s femme fatale lover. Daredevil will also be the subject of a live-action movie scheduled for release in early 2003 starring Ben Affleck as Daredevil, Jennifer Garner as Elektra, and The Green Mile’s Michael Clarke Duncan as Kingpin.
  
  
  Encore Software’s range of PC entertainment titles will continue to be sold directly by Encore in the UK and Europe.