THQ® SHIPS RED FACTION® II FOR PLAYSTATION® 2 Sequel to Volition Inc.’s Top-Selling, Critically Acclaimed Hit Backed by Multi-Million Dollar Marketing Campaign

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. – October 16, 2002 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ NMS: THQI) today announced that its highly anticipated action title, Red Faction II for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, is now available.  Backed by a multi-million dollar marketing campaign including national television and print advertising as well as extensive product sampling, Red Faction II is the sequel to one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed original game franchises of 2001.

“In addition to being an original, internally developed brand, Red Faction II successfully targets the expanding mature gaming audience,” said Alison Locke, executive vice president, North American publishing, THQ. “To ensure Red Faction II’s success, we are launching the game with one of our most ambitious marketing campaigns to date, complete with a national TV buy, innovative print ads and extensive consumer sampling.”

“In addition to groundbreaking Geo-Mod™ technology, Red Faction II offers gamers a complete entertainment experience including a deep storyline, stunning visuals and intense action,” said Mike Kulas, president, Volition Inc. ”We are extremely excited to be delivering Volition’s most in-depth action game to date to PlayStation 2 owners this fall.”

Marketing highlights for Red Faction II include:

• ·     A network and cable television campaign targeted toward 18-34 males. The :30 spot consists of Red Faction II imagery cut to the classic Jefferson Airplane song “White Rabbit” and will run on NBC, TNT, TBS, ESPN, ESPN2, MTV, FX, E!, UPN, TNN, G4, Sci-Fi and Comedy Central.

• ·     A three-month print campaign featuring three consecutive spread ads depicting “The Plight of the Red Faction” with ad creative done in a black and white, photo-journalism style keeping with Red Faction II’s storyline.

• ·     An extensive demo disc campaign distributed via redfaction2.com, wwe.com, retail outlets and magazine cover   mounts. By the time Red Faction II ships, more than 600,000 consumers will have sampled the game.

• ·      An exclusive “White Rabbit” trailer distribution through online media and magazine cover mounts.

• ·      Pre-sell programs with select retailers that include a special gift with purchase of the game

• ·      Leading up to launch, exclusive email updates to the members of  “The Faction” on redfaction2.com

Press reaction to Red Faction II: "Between the consistently entertaining destruction and the improved multiplayer mode, Red Faction II offers more than your money's worth this season.” Score: 9.2  - IGN  “… you should definitely sign on for this revolution.” 4.5 out of 5 – GamePro  “Red Faction II is one of the year's best console shooters.” 8.3 out of 10 - GameSpot

About Red Faction II  

Featuring an enhanced Geo-Mod engine that allows players to strategically alter and destroy the game environment in real-time, Red Faction II builds upon the experience and technology of the original game. Players will defend their country as Alias, a demolitions expert, with the help of five elite squad members, each specialized in their own means of destruction. Tasked with completing multiple mission objectives in a number of diverse levels, players will have a number of vehicles and an arsenal of powerful weapons at their disposal in a rampage to overthrow the government. Red Faction II features actor Lance Henriksen (The Terminator, Aliens, Millennium) as the voice of squad leader Molov. Refined graphics, enhanced enemy AI and dynamic environments are also featured in Red Faction II along with four-player split screen action including customizable computer opponents.

For more information, artwork and to view weekly updates on the game’s development please visit www.redfaction2.com.

About Volition

Located in Champaign, Illinois, Volition is one of THQ’s premier internal game development studios responsible for high-end creations on next generation systems and PC. Its credits include the best-selling Red Faction, the original Summoner, the acclaimed Freespace and Freespace 2, as well as the award-winning Descent and Descent 2 as a part of Parallax Software.

About THQ

THQ Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including PC CD-ROM, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft. The THQ web site is located at www.thq.com .  The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com.

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about THQ’s business based, in part, on assumptions made by its management.  These statements are not guarantees of THQ’s future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.  Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above and the following: changes in demand for THQ’s products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing and difficulties encountered in the integration of acquired businesses.  In addition, such statements could be affected by growth rates and market conditions relating to the interactive software industry and general domestic and international economic conditions.  Specific information concerning these and other such factors is contained in THQ’s Prospectus dated March 26, 2002 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2002.  A copy of this filing may be obtained by contacting THQ or the SEC.  The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and THQ does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.