AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – August 30, 2010 – THQ Inc. today announced new details surrounding the company’s retail incentive programs in the United States and Canada for WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2011. WWE Legend and Hall of Famer Bret Hart® will be a playable character for consumers who pre-order the game for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft or the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system at Best Buy in the United States, as well as at any major retailer throughout Canada. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system owners may also acquire “Ministry of Darkness” entrance gear for WWE Superstar Undertaker® with purchase at Toys R Us (while supplies last). In addition, three alternate attire options (t-shirt, suit and referee uniform) for WWE Superstar Randy Orton® will be available for Amazon.com consumers who pre-order the game on any platform, while Walmart will offer a “Tribute to the Troops” playable arena with purchase for all platforms (while supplies last). Retail incentive programs for other regions, including Europe, are scheduled to be announced later this year.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is currently in development for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and the Wii™ system from Nintendo, with a scheduled release date of October 26, 2010.
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® 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 (DLC) plan slated to include playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas, alternate ring gear and new arenas. Online access and the game’s first DLC package, which is scheduled to include WWE Superstar Chris Masters® (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio® (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly® (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire), will be free of charge with the videogame through a back of manual code for purchasers of new copies of the game. Purchasers of used copies of the game can also purchase the content via Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 at an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points, as well as on PlayStation®Network for an anticipated cost of $9.99. Additional DLC packages, as well as their suggested price points will be revealed later this year.