NA deal for Big Mutha Truckers

THQ and Empire Interactive Announce North American Distribution Agreement Rights to ``Big Mutha Truckers'' Humorous 18-Wheeler Trading Simulator Scheduled for Multi-Platform Release CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. - March 17, 2003 - THQ® Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI - News) today announced that it will distribute Empire Interactive's "Big Mutha Truckers(TM)" for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo® GameCube(TM), Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft and PC. "Big Mutha Truckers" places players behind the wheel of an 18-wheeled big rig deep in the heart of the South with a cast of colorful characters and plenty of campy humor. "Big Mutha Truckers" will be available at retail outlets nationwide summer 2003. "`Big Mutha Truckers' is an imaginative property that continues THQ's commitment to publish fun and original content for all gaming platforms," said Alison Locke, executive vice president, North American publishing, THQ. "The clever humor and unique gameplay of `Big Mutha Truckers' will give gaming fans everywhere a chance to climb into the cab of an 18-wheeler to pursue the riches of the road." "We believe that our partnership with THQ will allow `Big Mutha Truckers' the opportunity for great success derived from THQ's strength in distribution in North America," said Empire Interactive's North American General Manager, Jimmy Lamorticelli. About "Big Mutha Truckers" Developed by Eutechnyx Limited, "Big Mutha Truckers" is set in Hick State County located in the heart of the South. Recently retired trucking proprietor Ma Jackson faces the dilemma of which of her four children will take claim to her trucking company, Big Mutha Trucking Company. Players can compete as any one of Ma's four children, each possessing his or her own personality, driving style and attributes like Bobbie Sue Jackson, whose powder blue diesel is covered in bright red kisses. The player who makes the most money buying, selling and hauling cargo around Hick State County in 60 days will inherit Ma's trucking empire. "Big Mutha Truckers" features a non-linear style of gameplay that allows players to explore the various cities and discover new routes and hidden bonuses along the way. Players can buy low and sell high various cargos ranging from cell phones to crude oil to canned peaches. They will also have to battle various truck jackers along the way and outrun the local county mounties to deliver their cargo on time. For more information about "Big Mutha Truckers," please check out www.bigmuthatruckers.com. Initial Press Response: "`Big Mutha Truckers' looks to be a fresh and unique driving game that deviates from the norm." -- PSE2 "I didn't expect so many interesting dynamics and while the racing and combat elements are fun, there's quiet a lot more to do than just hop in a truck and drive." -- IGN.com "This game won't be just a simple race -- think truck driving with an RPG flair with elements like constant upkeep and upgrades for your rig, money management and nonlinear paths." -- Gamepro For more information about "Big Mutha Truckers" and the rest of THQ's 2003 videogame line-up, please visit the THQ website at www.thq.com