Cars Video Game Races Into Stores

Leading independent publisher THQ Inc. today announced the release of the "Cars" video game, based upon the highly anticipated Disney/Pixar film, for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video and game entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Windows PC and Mac, at retail outlets nationwide. The game will also be available worldwide in 18 languages, and in more than 40 countries including China, Thailand, Japan, Russia and Poland.

Also this fall, the "Cars" video game is expected to release for Xbox 360 next generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Nintendo Wii.


"As a leading publisher of video games for all ages, THQ is excited to bring 'Cars' to every major gaming platform, including the next generation game systems," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, worldwide publishing, THQ. "Disney and Pixar have a legacy of creating blockbuster animated motion pictures with classics such as 'The Incredibles', 'Finding Nemo' and 'Monsters Inc.' THQ's video game adaptations of each of these properties have been top-performers at retail, including games based on 'The Incredibles' film, which shipped more than 7-million units worldwide, and 'Finding Nemo', which shipped more than 8-million units worldwide."

"Combining the creative minds at Pixar Animation Studios and the game development talents at THQ helped to translate 'Cars' into one of this year's most exciting video games for fans of all ages," said "Cars" story artist, Dan Scanlon. "Fans of both the movie and the video games will interact and explore the world of Radiator Springs and the Piston Cup races as we envisioned."

"Disney/Pixar video game properties have experienced tremendous success on a variety of game platforms over the years, and we will continue the brand's tradition of offering high-quality family entertainment to game players worldwide," said Graham Hopper, SVP and General Manager of Disney's Buena Vista Games. "We're proud of our ongoing relationship with the team at THQ to bring these exciting games to life."

The "Cars" video game is a high performance interactive experience in the open world created in the film, challenging players to relive the excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans will discover unique characters and environments inspired by the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley, which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players while maintaining the artistic style of the film.

The "Cars" video game was developed within THQ's Studio System, which includes 14 owned studios and more than 25 of the best independent development teams. THQ's critically-acclaimed video game developer, Rainbow Studios developed the PlayStation(R)2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube versions. THQ's Locomotive Games, Inc. developed the PSP version, while THQ's Helixe studio developed the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions.