THQ Announces Details On Downloadable Content For Smackdown vs. Raw 2011

– THQ sent out the following announcement today…

THQ Announces Details of Extensive Downloadable Content Purchase Program for WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011

Simulation-Based Cornerstone of the Company’s Renowned WWE Videogame Portfolio Set to Offer Extensive Variety of Playable In-Game Content and Customization Options to Further Enhance the Virtual WWE Experience

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Oct 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — THQ Inc. today announced details surrounding the new downloadable content purchase program for WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011, the forthcoming simulation-based experience from the company’s World Wrestling Entertainment(R) videogame portfolio. Fan Axxess will enable WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 owners to obtain select downloadable content released throughout the life of the videogame for a one-time anticipated purchase cost of 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE(R) for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft or $9.99 on PlayStation(R)Network for the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system. The downloadable content will include a number of playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, a WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer, instant access to all unlockable content and an in-game badge to recognize the videogame’s biggest supporters.

“The Fan Axxess program for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 offers consumers a very attractive value proposition to significantly enhance the virtual WWE experience,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “We have some of the most passionate fans in the industry, and we are pleased to offer them an opportunity to access premium gameplay content, customization features and recognition for their loyalty for one price point.”

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 — Fan Axxess Elements

The first downloadable content package for Fan Axxess, currently scheduled for release this holiday season, will include WWE Legends British Bulldog and Lex Luger; WWE Superstars Wade Barrett(TM), David Otunga(TM) and Justin Gabriel(TM); WWE Diva Layla(R); alternate ring gear for WWE Superstars Shawn Michaels(R) and Shad(R); and a playable WWE NXT(TM) arena. The downloadable content package will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 560 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $6.99 on PlayStation Network.

The second downloadable content package for Fan Axxess, currently scheduled for release in early 2011, will include alternate ring gear for WWE Superstars John Cena(R), Undertaker(R) and CM Punk(R), as well as a playable WCW(R) arena. The downloadable content package will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $2.99 on PlayStation Network.

The WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer will enable players to determine the overall rankings and attribute levels of every WWE Legend, WWE Superstar and WWE Diva in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. While the videogame will ship to retail outlets with pre-established in-game Superstar ratings, this feature will give players even greater customization freedom to define their own personalized visions of WWE. The WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $0.99 on PlayStation Network.

Players will also be able to quickly access more than 60 unlockable items in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, including playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, WWE Championships and more. Instant access to all unlockable content will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $0.99 on PlayStation Network.

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011

Having shipped more than 50 million units worldwide, the renowned WWE simulation experience and annual centerpiece in THQ’s expanding WWE videogame portfolio returns to define players’ ultimate WWE moments and give players even greater creative and decision-making freedom throughout their storied journeys within WWE.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will empower players more than ever to define their gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE. In WWE Universe Mode, a new addition to the franchise, gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for new rivalries, alliances, championship matches and more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring. Additionally, the popular, story-driven Road to WrestleMania(R) mode will return with significant updates and new storylines, including the ability to freely roam through locker room areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfill destinies based on player choices.

A hallmark of the franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will deliver its largest offering to date of best-in-class creation and customization features. Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their created Superstars, finishing moves, story designs, paint tool creations and more. Searching and sharing content will be greatly simplified through improvements to the highly regarded WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads in its franchise debut.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast one of the largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and WWE Divas. Each in-game model will feature new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving WWE Superstars and WWE Divas ever seen in a WWE videogame. In addition, players will round out their virtual WWE experience with more than 100 match types, including Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC), Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank, as well as an extensive number of new playable arenas. A brand new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence and authenticity of WWE.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast the franchise’s largest online feature set to date, including a robust downloadable content plan slated to include playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, new arenas and more. Online access and the game’s first downloadable content package, which is scheduled to include WWE Superstar Chris Masters(R) (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio(R) (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly(R) (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire), will be free of charge with the videogame through a back of manual code for first-time purchasers. Second-time buyers can also purchase the content via Xbox LIVE at an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points, as well as on PlayStationNetwork for an anticipated cost of $9.99. Additional content packages will be sold separately throughout the life of the product and are also available through a one-time purchase Fan Axxess program for an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $9.99 on PlayStation Network.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is currently in development for the Xbox 360, PlayStation(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment systems, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo, with a scheduled release date of October 26, 2010. For more information on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, please visit wwe.thq.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and twitter.com/WWEgames.