THQ AND EMPIRE INTERACTIVE ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT RIGHTS TO BIG MUTHA TRUCKERS

Humorous 18 – Wheeler Trading Simulator Scheduled for Multi-Platform Release

CALABASAS HILLS, Calif. – March 17, 2003 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that it will distribute Empire Interactive’s Big Mutha Truckers™ for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo® GameCube™, Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft and PC.  Big Mutha Truckers places players behind the wheel of an 18-wheeled big rig deep in the heart of the South with a cast of colorful characters and plenty of campy humor.   Big Mutha Truckers will be available at retail outlets nationwide summer 2003.

“Big Mutha Truckers is an imaginative property that continues THQ’s commitment to publish fun and original content for all gaming platforms,” said Alison Locke, executive vice president, North American publishing, THQ.  “The clever humor and unique gameplay of Big Mutha Truckers will give gaming fans everywhere a chance to climb into the cab of an 18-wheeler to pursue the riches of the road.”

“We believe that our partnership with THQ will allow Big Mutha Truckers the opportunity for great success derived from THQ’s strength in distribution in North America,” said Empire Interactive’s North American General Manager, Jimmy Lamorticelli.

About Big Mutha Truckers

Developed by Eutechnyx Limited, Big Mutha Truckers is set in Hick State County located in the heart of the South.  Recently retired trucking proprietor Ma Jackson faces the dilemma of which of her four children will take claim to her trucking company, Big Mutha Trucking Company.  Players can compete as any one of Ma’s four children, each possessing his or her own personality, driving style and attributes like Bobbie Sue Jackson, whose powder blue diesel is covered in bright red kisses.  The player who makes the most money buying, selling and hauling cargo around Hick State County in 60 days will inherit Ma’s trucking empire.  Big Mutha Truckers features a non-linear style of gameplay that allows players to explore the various cities and discover new routes and hidden bonuses along the way.  Players can buy low and sell high various cargos ranging from cell phones to crude oil to canned peaches.   They will also have to battle various truck jackers along the way and outrun the local county mounties to deliver their cargo on time.   For more information about Big Mutha Truckers please check out www.bigmuthatruckers.com.  

Initial Press Response:

“Big Mutha Truckers looks to be a fresh and unique driving game that deviates from the norm.” – PSE2

“I didn’t expect so many interesting dynamics and while the racing and combat elements are fun, there’s quiet a lot more to do than just hop in a truck and drive.” – IGN.com

“…this game won’t be just a simple race – think truck driving with an RPG flair with elements like constant upkeep and upgrades for your rig, money management and nonlinear paths.” – Gamepro

For more information about Big Mutha Truckers and the rest of THQ’s 2003 videogame line-up, please visit the THQ website at www.thq.com

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. THQ and its logo are registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About Empire Interactive

Founded in 1987, Empire Interactive (London: EMP) is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software.  The company is publicly traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange.  Headquartered in the UK, Empire Interactive also has offices in the Germany, Italy, Spain and headquartered in the US in San Francisco, California.  The company develops and publishes a varied range of titles for the PlayStationâ game console, PlayStationâ2 computer entertainment system, and other next generation console systems, handheld systems, and multimedia PC markets in the US, Europe and Asia.  Further information about Empire Interactive and its products can be found at: http://us.empireinteractive.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 or the performance of Big Mutha Truckers, and involves 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, including Big Mutha Truckers, 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 the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 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.

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