Journey to the World of Dragons

[keithlewis]

Journey to the World of Dragons as THQ*ICE Announces Details behind ‘Dragonica™ Online’

Fast-Paced MMORPG is First Offering for New Online Games Platform

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heralding the launch of its new online games platform, THQ*ICE today revealed details about its first product, Dragonica™ Online with the debut of the game’s web site located at dragonica.thqice.com. Dragonica Online is being introduced as part of the joint venture with between THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and ICE Entertainment ("ICE"), an operator of online games located in Shanghai, China, to create micro-transaction-based massively multiplayer online ("MMO") games that will be available at http://www.thqice.com.

Recently available in China under the name Dream Dragon, where it has already become one of the most popular MMOs, Dragonica Online merges innovative 3D side-scrolling, fast-paced combat and a comical, yet devastating, skill system into a single free-to-play MMO offering. The game is being developed by Barunson Interactive and is scheduled to launch online and at retail this fall, but fans can get a hands-on preview of the game when it opens for beta testing, currently scheduled for summer.

“Our new online game platform integrates ICE’s online operating experience with THQ’s product development and retail publishing expertise to develop and deliver innovative game content to consumers,” said Eddie Chen, CEO of THQ*ICE. “Dragonica Online exemplifies the original and entertaining casual MMO experiences that we plan to offer via our platform and we believe its distinct perspective and pacing will excite a broad audience of online action fans.”

About Dragonica Online

At its core, Dragonica Online is a fast-paced fantasy-action MMO whose unique 3D side-scrolling perspective brings a new level of strategy to the category. Combat is fast and intense so players need to master the unique attacks, combo chains and advanced skills of their class to dominate. Multiple gameplay modes provide endless scenarios for combat and exploration, as players face off against massive bosses, explore mysterious dungeons or engage in PvP and Guild–on-Guild free-for-alls. Cash Shop items and a diverse pet system help players customize their experience, while social elements such as Player Matching and community celebrations, add a collegial element to the game.

For additional information about Dragonica Online or to register and receive product updates, please visit the official Web site at dragonica.thqice.com.

About THQ*ICE

THQ*ICE is an online games operator specializing in casual massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. As a joint venture between THQ Inc. and ICE Entertainment, THQ*ICE combines THQ's product development and retail publishing expertise with ICE's technology and service operations experience. THQ*ICE is dedicated to building an online platform of high quality games and premium content featuring free-to-play, micro transaction models. Dragonica and its respective logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ*ICE LLC in the U.S.

About ICE Entertainment

Founded in 2006, ICE is an online game operator based in Shanghai, China, with an established online technology platform and proven management team, including CEO Sun Tao, former vice president and chief technical officer of leading Chinese operator The9, among others, with many years of experience in the online game field. ICE is focused on the development and operation of massively multiplayer online games. More information about ICE Entertainment may be found at http://www.icee.cn.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at http://www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.