Moto GP demo
by VGLN Staff

Wednesday, September 25, 2002

THQ Announces MotoGP: Online Demo to Ship With Xbox Live Starter Kit on November 15th!

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. Sept. 25, 2002--THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced that a trial version of its critically acclaimed MotoGP for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft will be shipping with the Xbox Live Starter Kit on November 15. Dubbed MotoGP: Online Demo, this playable, trial version will allow players to experience the world's fastest, most advanced form of motorcycle racing online with up to 16 other Xbox Live players on three separate courses. As a bonus for those Xbox owners who already own the full retail version of MotoGP that shipped earlier this year, the Xbox Live Starter Kit will completely unlock online play for all of the tracks in the game.

"This is the type of entertainment experience the videogame industry has been moving towards for years. MotoGP is an intense racing game you can play online-- not just another online game," stated Tim Walsh, senior vice president, International publishing, THQ. "THQ is very proud to be setting such a high standard with MotoGP as the first third party publisher to deliver for Xbox Live."

In MotoGP: Online Demo players will have access to 23 riders as well as three courses: Jerez, Mugello and Sachsenring. The demo lets gamers check out two gameplay modes: "Play Live" allows them to race against 16 other Xbox Live players and trash talk with the three closest riders using the Xbox Communicator, while "Time Trial" lets them attempt to set the best lap time in a solo race. MotoGP also supports voice masking with eight different preset options, including an option where gamers can fully customize their voice. For those who already own the full version of MotoGP, the Xbox Live Starter Kit will completely unlock online play for all of the tracks in the game. Owners of the full version can also import custom riders into the game and race with them online. Those who have yet to purchase the full game can still take MotoGP for a spin on the locked tracks as a ghost rider.

About MotoGP

MotoGP is the world's fastest, most advanced form of motorcycle racing. With 16 Grand Prix races taking place on all five continents, MotoGP is watched in 192 countries around the world with an average audience of 329 million television viewers per event. The world's leading motorcycle manufacturers including Honda, Suzuki, Aprilia and Yamaha all participate with their own state-of-the-art, high-tech motorcycles unique to the MotoGP World Championships and other manufacturers such as Ducati and Kawasaki are ready to join the field. MotoGP is owned and controlled by Dorna Sports.

MotoGP puts players in control of some of the most advanced racing machines on the planet. Developed by Climax, the game features ten real world tracks, all of the 500cc bikes and riders from the 2001 MotoGP series and an intuitive, arcade style control system with experience credits for the hardcore racing fan. With a variety of innovative gameplay elements, supported by revolutionary graphical and technical features, MotoGP brings the ideal mix of speed, style and technology to Xbox. Ultra realistic vehicle physics, the ability to develop and customize riders, and a four-player, split-screen, multiplayer mode make this one of the most in-depth motorcycle racing games to date. Climax's proprietary DYNE physics model provides superior handling, range of stunts such as wheelies, endos, and burnouts, and convincing rider tumbles during crash sequences.