Leader in interactive entertainment software development and production -
U.S.-based company, THQ Inc, sets up operations in Greater Montréal

MONTREAL , Dec. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - The U.S.-based company, THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI), specializing in the design and manufacturing of interactive entertainment software, sets up operations in Montréal to increase its North-American production capacity. The new entity, THQ Montréal, is benefiting from the assistance of the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation du Québec (MDEIE), Invest Québec and Montréal International (MI) to establish itself in the Québec metropolis. THQ plans to hire more than 400 employees over the next five years.

THQ's head office is located in Los Angeles , California (U.S.). The company also has offices in Europe and Asia Pacific. THQ, a world leader in the video game intended software development and production is on the cutting edge of innovation with a vast network of studios throughout the world. The company's Montréal subsidiary will play a key role in product translation and quality control, taking advantage of the Montréal area's multilingual resources.

"THQ's presence in Montréal confirms more than ever the place that our city is taking as a world leader in the field of video games", declared the Mayor of Montréal, Gérald Tremblay. "With players such as Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Eidos, A2M and now THQ, Montréal offers a pool of outstanding expertise that represents well the values of creativity and innovation which set us apart from the competition. I am highly pleased with this decision and trust that it will attract attention from other international players," he added.

THQ Montréal plans to create innovative video games for next generation game consoles and computers. The company also intends to set up various research and development projects and specialize in 3D art content, animation and cinematic sequences.

"Montréal International is pleased to participate in the opening of a THQ subsidiary in the Montréal area. The fulfilment of this large-scale project results from a collaboration between MDEIE, Invest Québec, Emploi Québec and Montréal International. Establishing THQ in the Montréal region confirms yet again the metropolitan area's major strengths in the high-tech industry: qualified, creative and bilingual workforce, the presence of world leaders and operational costs amongst the most competitive in North America ," underlined the President and CEO of Montréal International, André Gamache.

About THQ Inc.

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Based in Los Angeles County, California, the company develops and publishes content for all interactive video game and content platforms, handheld platforms, wireless devices and personal computers. The company boasts a portfolio of top selling, award winning interactive entertainment and a network of internal development studios whose focus on new intellectual property and technology positions THQ at the forefront of gaming innovation. To learn more, please visit THQ website at http://us.thq.com/us.

About Montréal International

Montréal International (MI) was created in 1996 as a result of a private/public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of metropolitan Montréal and to enhance its international status. Its mandates include attracting foreign investment, international organizations and qualified workers, supporting the development of innovation and metropolitan clusters, and promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International is funded by the private sector, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community), the City of Montréal and the Governments of Canada and Québec.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract more than $7 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 40 000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed more than 25 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and attract more than 3 000 qualified foreign workers. To learn more, please visit MI Web site at: www.montrealinternational.com.

For further information: Benoît Lefèvre, Communications Advisor, Montréal International, [phone], [email protected]