THQ Returns as Title Sponsor of 2002 THQ U.S. Open.

Business/Entertainment Editors & High-Tech Writers

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 11, 2002

THQ Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI) today announced that it will return as the title sponsor of the 2002 THQ U.S. Open, a two-night showdown between the greatest supercross riders on the planet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth consecutive year. THQ has been involved with the U.S. Open since 1999.

"THQ has taken a very active role in supporting the sport of motocross with major sponsorships like the THQ U.S. Open and is responsible for creating some of the most innovative motocross experiences widely enjoyed by both the fans and the actual riders themselves," said Eric Peronnard, founder of the U.S. Open. "THQ's strong sponsorship support has given this event unparalleled excellence and we are proud to have them back as our title sponsor for the fourth consecutive year."

THQ's strong support of the sport of motocross began in 1999 with the release of their first motocross racing game, "Championship Motocross(TM) featuring Ricky Carmichael" for the original PlayStation(R) video game console. Since then the company has released three more motocross games, including the recently released "MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael" for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system. The critically acclaimed game franchise has evolved along with the sport of motocross, incorporating the widely popular freestyle aspect of the sport, and now boasts the highest market share in its category, according to NPD TRST data. Throughout the years, THQ has fostered strong relationships within the motocross community and has worked with more than 20 apparel, equipment and industry companies in cross-promotional efforts and sponsorship opportunities.

"We are excited to return as the title sponsor of the 2002 THQ U.S. Open," said Peter Dille, vice president, marketing, THQ. "THQ has been actively involved in the motocross community for several years and the THQ U.S. Open has been a great way to anchor our presence and provide a platform to promote `MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael'. We're looking forward to another great event."

THQ's title rider, two-time winner of the THQ U.S. and defending 250cc supercross and motocross champion, Ricky Carmichael, has been invited back to the 2002 THQ U.S. Open. Carmichael could make history at this year's event by becoming the first rider to win the event three times.

About "MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael"

"MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael" is the only game that features seven-time AMA National Champion Ricky Carmichael as well as 27 other pro riders from the 125cc, 250cc and freestyle ranks. In addition to the real pro riders, the game showcases 22 motocross, supercross and amateur tracks making it the most authentic MX game on the market. Expanded career modes allow riders to earn cash and upgrade their bikes and equipment in both racing and freestyle modes. MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael also features 11 mini-games, an enhanced freestyle mode with all new tricks, expansive environments and wide-open worlds for gamers to explore as well as a powerful freestyle stunt track editor that allows players to create and design the ultimate motocross course. Numerous hidden characters and bikes add to the mix including rock-rap superstar and motocross enthusiast Vanilla Ice. Visual enhancements include new particle effects, reflection mapping and dirt accumulation on riders creating one of the most realistic looking motocross games to date. Players will reap the rewards of racing through an entire season of pulse pounding motocross action while ESPN commentators Cameron Steele and Davey Coombs join in for all the fun.

"MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael" will also be available for the Xbox(TM) videogame system from Microsoft in the fall.

Tickets for Las Vegas MGM Grand's 5th Annual THQ U.S. Open (October 11-12, 2002), and the 2nd Annual Amateur Arenacross World Finals (October 13, 2002), are currently on-sale. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster at 702/474-4000, the MGM Grand Box office, or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ussx.com. Hotel space goes quickly for the U.S. Open, so for reservations, contact the MGM Grand Hotel at 800/929-1111 or the Las Vegas Reservation system at 800/233-5594. Book your rooms and tickets now, as space is limited.

About THQ

THQ Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com. The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about THQ's business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of THQ's future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the following: changes in demand for THQ's products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses. In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and general domestic and international economic conditions. Specific information concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ's Prospectus dated March 26, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2002. A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.