They weren't content to just invade the console market...
THQ has announced they have signed an exclusive agreement with Microsoft to publish Game Boy Advance versions of popular Microsoft properties. The first announced games under the deal are Oddworld: Munch's Oddyssey and Monster Truck Madness 2.0, both currently scheduled for 2003. Here's the full press release:
THQ AND MICROSOFT ANNOUNCE
GAME BOY ADVANCE PUBLISHING AGREEMENT
Multi-Property, Multi-Year Deal Includes Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee
And Monster Truck Madness 2.0 in 2003
CALABASAS HILLS, CA, June 25, 2002 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ NMS: THQI) and Microsoft today announced an exclusive, worldwide Game Boy Advance publishing agreement. Under the agreement, THQ will publish several of Microsoft Game Studios’ top-selling Xbox and PC game properties on the popular Game Boy® Advance system. In addition to Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee™ and Monster Truck Madness 2.0, THQ and Microsoft Game Studios will work together to identify additional properties for release under the agreement.
“Microsoft Game Studios has created several innovative game franchises that have met with tremendous success among PC and Xbox gamers,” stated Germaine Gioia, vice president, licensing, THQ. “This unique deal augments our longstanding leadership position in handheld gaming with an additional pipeline of great gaming content for the Game Boy Advance system.”
“Our partnership with THQ provides an exciting licensing opportunity to introduce some of Microsoft Game Studios’ best-selling franchises to new and broader audiences worldwide,” said John Jordan, Director of Xbox Business Development at Microsoft Game Studios. “THQ has a stellar reputation for game development, and we look forward to working with them to bring Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee™, Monster Truck Madness 2.0 and other best-selling franchises to the hand-held platform.”
“We always look for expansion opportunities for our games, and hand-held platforms provide a great opportunity to capture a new worldwide audience,” said Ed Ventura, Director of PC Business Development at Microsoft Game Studios. “By working with THQ, we introduce Game Boy Advance into the platform mix for our titles giving consumers another opportunity to experience our award-winning products and franchises.”
