Massive and THQ Sign Multiyear Deal to Enable Dynamic In-Game Advertising Within THQ Titles

THQ names Massive as exclusive in-game ad provider in global, multiyear, multi-title deal.

NEW YORK — Massive Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp., and a leading network for video game advertising, and THQ Inc. today announced a global, multiyear deal naming Massive as the exclusive, dynamic, in-game advertising partner for THQ’s upcoming game titles on the PC and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system.

Massive’s collaboration with THQ will include dynamic in-game advertising within several of THQ’s owned properties, including the critically acclaimed, open-world “Saints Row®” franchise. “Saints Row 2” shipped more than 2 million units globally in the first two weeks of its October 2008 release and will be one of the first titles to feature dynamic in-game ads as part of the deal with Massive.

“By aligning with THQ, Massive is now poised to represent new content and franchises that are realizing enormous market success globally,” said Eric Bassman, COO of Massive. “And with an open-world, mission-based game such as “Saints Row 2” coming into the Massive network, we can work creatively with advertisers to place their brands in new, edgy environments.”

The Massive partnership also extends to a portfolio of established THQ titles that span varied game genres and target a diversity of age and location demographics. The addition of THQ to Massive’s existing publisher portfolio strengthens Massive’s footprint within the gaming industry and extends its ability to offer new advertising opportunities to brands aiming to reach traditionally hard-to-reach audiences.

“We have entered into a strategic agreement with Massive because it is a leader in the emerging industry of in-game advertising,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of publishing at THQ. “The Massive team has a strong track record of collaborating with game developers, sports leagues and advertisers to find a unique way to place brands and products that enhance the gameplay experience.”

About THQ Inc.

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 www.thq.com. THQ, Saints Row, Saints Row 2 and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About Massive Inc.

Massive Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp., is the creator of a leading network for dynamic video game advertising. The Massive Network offers advertisers the ability to engage an aggregated gaming audience in real time across multiple platforms. Over 300 blue-chip advertisers have run campaigns across the Massive Network throughout North America and Europe. Publishers in the Massive Network generate revenue through dynamic in-game advertising, enabling them to fully realize the value of their content while preserving and enhancing the game experience. Massive’s technology allows for all forms of downloadable media and advertising content to be contextually integrated into the game environment, including image, audio, video and game object formats. More information can be found online at http://www.massiveincorporated.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.