THQ and Marvel Developing Super Hero Squad Game

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THQ and Marvel Developing Super Hero Squad Game

Source:THQ Inc.

May 8, 2008

THQ and Marvel have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for video games based on Marvel's "Super Hero Squad." Here is the full press release:

THQ Inc. and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced today that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to create video games based on the burgeoning, kid-friendly Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise. Pursuant to the multi-year agreement, THQ has obtained the exclusive, worldwide rights to publish content for all current and next-generation consoles, handheld systems, as well as Windows PC. The initial Marvel Super Hero Squad game is scheduled for release in fall 2009.

The agreement fits perfectly in both THQ's and Marvel's growth strategies. For THQ, the addition of the Marvel brand further strengthens its position as the pre-eminent creator and publisher of kids video games. For Marvel, the relationship with THQ provides a premier interactive entertainment partner for its important Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise, which is designed to be an engaging introduction into the Marvel Universe for young kids.

"Marvel is one of the true crown jewels in the entertainment industry and we are thrilled at the prospect of both building the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand and further developing our relationship with Marvel," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. "We are dedicated to expanding our unmatched success story in the kids space and this agreement with Marvel is an excellent complement to our portfolio."

Simon Phillips, President, Marvel International and Head of Worldwide Animation and Video Games, added, "Licensing of the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand is a priority for Marvel, as we see it as a great entry point for kids to experience our renowned characters. We are making a strong commitment to the brand across toys, television and other media and consumer product channels and developing Marvel Super Hero Squad as a video game will play an important role in the development of this brand. The platform is an incredibly powerful medium that enables kids to experience the excitement of our franchises, as well as extend our characters and storylines. With THQ, we are confident we have a partner with a best in class pedigree of building and extending licensed kid-friendly brands in the interactive space."

An all-new Marvel brand, Marvel Super Hero Squad features an exciting, super-stylized look of the greatest Marvel Super Heroes, serving to expand the traditional Marvel audience to a core 4-10 year-old audience. Fun and humor are waiting around every corner in Marvel Super Hero Squad where popular characters including Iron-Man, Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, The Fantastic Four, and many more are thrust into adventures in a single caricatured Super Hero City. Along the way, they will have to thwart the plans of popular Marvel villains Doctor Doom, Magneto, Iron Monger, Loki, the Abomination and countless other infamous baddies.

Marvel is launching a major multi-media campaign for the brand. Marvel Animation is currently in production on an animated television series that is expected to debut on air in 2009. Additionally, Marvel Comics is now featuring Marvel Super Hero Squad comic strips within several of its all ages books and will be introducing a dedicated Marvel Super Hero Squad comic book series in fall 2008. Marvel has already secured deals with Hasbro as master toy partner, Disguise/Cesar for dress-up and Mega Bloks for construction toys and continues to seek deals with industry leading partners to develop merchandise based on the unique look of the Marvel Super Hero Squad property.

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Posted by: herc on May 8, 2008 at 11:00:59

ahhhhhhhhhh

Posted by: pfhensel on May 8, 2008 at 11:05:45

squad in my mouth.....EXCITED

Posted by: quitschiboy on May 8, 2008 at 11:07:38

"a core 4-10 year-old audience" ...
A game for kids? Boy, this is gonna suck then ...

Posted by: murdernexxus on May 8, 2008 at 11:09:28

a core 4-10 year old audience

yeah make it for the kiddies and screw the guys who have supported Marvel for the past 30 years!!!!!

Didnt they learn anything with that crapfest SPIDERMAN FRIEND OR FOE........who the **** is gonna buy this stupid ****

Posted by: pot plant on May 8, 2008 at 11:14:04

ptang yang kipper bang urrgghhhhh

Posted by: Metal Mike on May 8, 2008 at 11:14:38

Kinda like The Avengers....but for kids.

Posted by: pot plant on May 8, 2008 at 11:15:09

all life in the universe will implode if i dont get my pot noodle

Posted by: Kev21 on May 8, 2008 at 11:16:46

I think its a pretty good idea. Kids should enjoy this and im glad companies like Marvel making stuff for the younger generation. There really arent to many shows, movies and games made for the kids. I remember coming home from school at 3pm and turning on the TV to watch the Disney Afternoon cartoons. Now they come home and watch Jerry Springer, Different Judge shows and other trash. Good job Marvel.

Posted by: bman on May 8, 2008 at 11:25:43

This is a good idea. Is "big boys" should not b complaining. Guys, we have Spider-Man: Web of Shadows coming in the fall, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, and in 2009 EA's Marvel fighting game.
Marvel is going to use this to try to bring in a younger market and get them familiar with the heroes and villains without forcing them to succumb to all the violence and 40 plus years of storylines that we're familiar with.

And by violence, I mean how graphic some of the comic battles can be and all that stuff, obviously we'll see the guys knocking the crap out of bad guys but, again, it'll be probably cartoony like Spiderman Friend or Foe and hopefully better.

Posted by: anrrd on May 8, 2008 at 11:32:46

god forbid marvel try to branch out to younger audience...really guys its kind of selfish to expect EVERY title marvel releases to be aimed at your demographic. what happens when we are all in our 40's or 50's and are past the point of spending all our time playing games and readin comics? MARVEL is now screwed because they failed to capture the attention of younger fans. fanboys piss me off sometimes...

Posted by: The ButnakedAvenger on May 8, 2008 at 11:35:33

Yeah... who the hell actually thinks this is screwing over the older marvel fans?? If the announcement read "Marvel will now gear all products towards tots" i might agree... but a series of video games based on a product already geared towards kids sounds quite alright to this nakey avenger.

Plant the seed now, so the younger generation can grow up to complain on message boards about their favorite heroes in later years. That way, when i'm 45, I can enjoy Spider-Man 12 (assuming 3 didn't kill the whole damn thing).

Posted by: mikey on May 8, 2008 at 11:41:32

wait why are people complaining...if you don't want to play it don't buy it. i know i'm not interested so i won't be playing it.

also, remember the days when you were a child gamer? i mean, i was pretty young when the NES was first released, so i know i was there. this is just a chance to get young kids into the gaming universe as well as the marvel universe.

Posted by: OsGom on May 8, 2008 at 11:45:49

Indoctrinating younger fans is never a bad thing. Means more money for more future projects. Future projects means more geekfests for me and the other fanboys.

Posted by: Nice Guy Joey on May 8, 2008 at 11:46:27

Yeah, I'll pass on this one.

Can they just hurry up with an Ultimate Alliance follow-up!!!!

Posted by: storyteller1023 on May 8, 2008 at 11:56:47

I can't believe how selfish some people can come off as.....wow, someone got angry because a game exists that wasn't targeted at them? Does Murdernexxus and Quitschiboy ***** and moan every time a new Bratz or Barbie game hit the market too?

Guys, you sound simple when you whine like this....I'm just glad the majority of the posters agree. This doesn't sound like my sort of game either, but I'm glad its being made for the younger set, absolutely!

Posted by: John N. on May 8, 2008 at 12:03:28

I Don't have a problem w/ this, let the 4-10 yr olds have their fun...but it just seems like everything that should be more geared toward an older demographic is being geared toward this age group... in particular the animated shows. It just seems as if the scales are leaning more on one side than the other these days.

Posted by: JoKeR on May 8, 2008 at 12:08:43

damn lets face it latly the games these days have just hit the ****s ya know. the only game im looking forward to play is star wars force unleashed. thats like the only cool game coming out this year. most of the games realy hit the ****s these days. lets face it they just dont make'm like they use to.

Posted by: lamplighter on May 8, 2008 at 12:14:08

cool lets get kids hooked on comics and super heroes early. Help make sure that comics have a future.

Posted by: bman on May 8, 2008 at 12:14:38

To john and others, thats why we older boys have the movies and the cartoons will always be for the kids!

Spectacular Spider-Man is surprisingly faithful to the comics and in terms of story development has become something that old and young can enjoy. Is the animation my cup of tea? No. But as long as younger generations are liking it and keeping up the support and enthusiasm for these characters, then great!

The cartoon medium is something I personally will always be expected to be geared at younger kids. The saturday morning bunch. Just like when I was a kid. And occasionally they release some toons for us mature guys like Spawn which is fantastic, Doc Strange and the Hellboy toons were not that bad. And of course theres Anime, but I'm not really a fan of that, just not my thing.

Bottom line, get used to this. Us older geeks have got our secret wars and invasions and slew of marvel movies coming out with the above mentioned games and the kids will have their toons and games as well. The playing field really doesnt seem that uneven when you stand back and look at the big picture to whats available to us.

Posted by: daniel clavette on May 8, 2008 at 12:31:52

That is truly cool news about new videi game from marvel.

Posted by: Young_Nastyman on May 8, 2008 at 12:49:04

Are you guys a just a little to old to be playing with super hero squad?

Posted by: tRican on May 8, 2008 at 12:50:24

I can say I will get this.

I have been collecting comics since 86 and have well over 11,000 now (yes the wife HATES them). I also have a four year old son who is an avid comic book fan. So this is the perfect game for him. Heck for me to sit with my son and spend time together. What a concept?! Yes Marvel is soooo stupid to do something that may bridge the gap between the generations of comic book fans.

Posted by: anrrd on May 8, 2008 at 12:52:17

my nephew has almost ALL of the superhero squad toys, and he id always asking me to play with him because he knows how much of a comic nut i am....i know of atleast one 6 year old who will be in line with his dad on day one to get it. i think it will be intertaining to see all the deformed looking little marvel characters running around blowing stuff up lol. im probably going to end up playing it with him just like i did with SM:FOF. personally though im getting geared up for MUA2 and MK vs DC

Posted by: baTT on May 8, 2008 at 12:58:18

I think this is a great move for them. With expansion of things like the Ultimate line and grittier stories, this is a smart move on Marvels part to tackle the toddlers.

Posted by: Lcn1 on May 8, 2008 at 12:58:27

yeah, it's an alright idea. it will keep video game publishers from ruining our games by adding "child friendly" elements, if there is a separate line intended solely for children that is. At least that's the theory (I hope).

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