THQ announces development of game show TV series turned games

by: Tina - posted: 6/9/2010 11:21:00 PM

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have already been announced by THQ, but they are now officially in development for the Wii and DS systems. When they release this Fall, both games will feature Wii Speak, which is pretty obviously perfectly suited for game show series such as these two. To add to the immersive experience, both games will feature authentic voices from the shows' hosts" Pat Sajak, Vanna White and Alex Trebek.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – June 9, 2010 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that Wheel of Fortune and JEOPARDY!, the first games to be released under the company’s multi-year licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc., are currently in development exclusively for Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. Available this fall, both games will utilize the Wii Speak™ feature for an enhanced gameplay experience and will feature the voices of the show hosts, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and Alex Trebek.

“We strive to create video games that immerse players into the world of each game,” said Doug Clemmer, Executive Vice President of THQ’s Kids, Family and Casual Games division. “With the introduction of the Wheel of Fortune and JEOPARDY! video games, we will give friends and families a play experience that brings these two iconic game show properties to life in an entirely new and unique way.”

“We’re excited to partner with THQ to bring the Wheel of Fortune and JEOPARDY! properties to new platforms,” said Mark Caplan, Vice President Licensing, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc. “Both video games include features and interactive experiences that will let players feel like true show contestants.”

About the Wheel of Fortune Video Game
Making its high-definition debut, Wheel of Fortune brings the fun and excitement of TV’s No. 1 syndicated game show to life in this re-creation video game for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Voiced by show hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White, the game will follow the format of the show by putting up to three players at the wheel to solve thousands of word puzzles to win virtual cash prizes. With the show hosts’ avatars cheering contestants on, players can insert their own favorite Mii character to represent them within the game. Contestants can play commercial break mini-games for an enhanced gameplay experience. As players work their way up proving their puzzle solving skills, they can unlock new sets and props, as well as customization options for their Mii character.

About the JEOPARDY! Video Game
For the first time, “America’s Favorite Quiz Show,” ‘JEOPARDY!’, comes to the Wii and Nintendo DS. The video game based on TV’s No. 2 syndicated game show is voiced by host Alex Trebek and comes to life with an authentic show set that includes lights, cameras and a “live” studio audience. Inviting up to three players to compete with each other and represented by their favorite Mii character, participants test their knowledge in Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy! rounds by providing responses to the clues provided. The Wii Speak technology can also be utilized to verbally respond to the clues, as well as the handwriting recognition technology on the DS version. Additionally, the Clue Crew will make a cameo in the game to present contestants with visual clues. In addition to the main gameplay, participants can play the commercial break mini-games to unlock new, trendy outfits for their Mii characters. The JEOPARDY! video game includes a comprehensive tracking system that stores the players statistics, such as number of wins and fastest response time.
For more information, please visit www.thq.com.