THQ Signs 'Integrated' Marketing Plan With WWE

THQ said that it signed an "integrated marketing agreement" with World Wrestling Entertainment that "significantly expands THQ's previous marketing efforts" around the launches the publisher's cornerstone wrestling titles such as WWE Smackdown vs. Raw and WWE All Stars. The agreement includes featuring WWE Smackdown vs. Raw and WWE All Stars gaming kiosks at 40 WWE live events, starting last week through mid-April, 2011. THQ will also have high-profile sponsorship of WWE pay-per-views and TV programming, with more integrated appearances of THQ video games. Other expanded marketing initiatives include more presence on WWE.com, greater video game presence at international WWE events and cross-promotion in 15-20 WWE DVD releases. THQ CEO Brian Farrell commented, "We are expanding our WWE video game offerings with social applications and brand extensions to help WWE fans enjoy different interactive experiences throughout the year." The publisher's VP of core games Danny Bilson earlier this year talked about expanding to new venues for marketing and advertising. "[TV advertising is] incredibly expensive, and what I can do with $2 million, which will buy a few TV spots on a big sporting event, what I can do in outdoor, or on the web, or direct-to-consumer is way more exciting," said Bilson.