THQ Exercises Freedom of Movement with the Announcement of The Biggest Loser Challenge Video Game
June 10, 2010 04:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time
THQ Exercises Freedom of Movement with the Announcement of The Biggest Loser Challenge Video Game
New Game Gets Players Up and Moving with All New Routines and Challenges
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that The Biggest Loser Challenge, the latest addition to THQ’s Health/Fitness games portfolio, is currently in development for Wii™. Hitting store shelves this fall, the new interactive health and fitness game based on the highly successful NBC television show will allow players to experience fitness interactivity on a whole new level by having the option to workout controller-free. The Biggest Loser Challenge will also once again feature the expertise of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, as well as include actress and show host, Alison Sweeney. The Biggest Loser Challenge is being developed and released through a license agreement with NBC Universal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group and Reveille LLC.
“The Biggest Loser Challenge health and fitness video game is a prime example of how we’re incorporating new and interactive features into the gameplay experience to keep players engaged and moving,” said Martin Good, Executive Vice President of THQ’s Kids, Family, Casual Games, and Global Online Services. “The video game will include all-new exercise moves, routines, recipes and more, as well as provide players with the option to workout with friends and family.”
“As evidenced on ‘The Biggest Loser’, weight-loss plans are successfully completed at a higher rate when people do them together,” said Bob Harper, “The Biggest Loser” trainer. “The Biggest Loser Challenge video game allows friends and family to go through the journey together making the experience more approachable and effective.”
About The Biggest Loser Challenge Video Game
The Biggest Loser Challenge is an exhilarating interactive health and fitness video game that will allow players to experience grueling workouts, competitive challenges, the thrill of winning a weigh-in, and making an easy, healthy meal. In the new game, players can create their own avatar and watch as their body transforms both on and off the screen as they workout in four environments featured from the TV show, including “The Biggest Loser” Ranch, “The Biggest Loser” Gym, “The Biggest Loser” Yoga Area and “The Biggest Loser” Boxing Ring. Players can workout with a friend in 4, 8 or 12-week programs that can be customized from more than 125 exercise moves, including upper body, lower body, core, cardio, yoga and cardio boxing. The game also allows players to select from 10 pre-set programs that range from a 4-week New You beginner program with a focus on all-around fitness; a challenging 8-week Belly Buster program designed to slim, tone and strengthen stomach muscles; and an intense 12-week Fighting Fit program intended to improve agility, coordination and stamina through cardio boxing.
The Biggest Loser Challenge encourages friends and families to participate together by linking players’ profiles so that they can congratulate one another for accomplishments or help motivate those who may not have signed in recently and are behind in their regimen. Players can also join in on another player’s activity without interrupting the game.
Other new features in The Biggest Loser Challenge video game include:
* Enhanced Fitness Experience: Players can create a more intense program by incorporating the Wii Balance Board™, a stability ball or resistance bands into their gameplay. The game will also offer a customized workout experience by adjusting its level of difficulty based on a player’s performance throughout the routine.
* Progress Tracking: An in-game calendar tracks players’ progress while also suggesting a recommended routine for that day, challenges, weigh-in information and personalized nutrition information, such as recommended calorie intake, calories burned and calories consumed. Players have the option of inputting outside activity as well so that it counts toward their overall goal.
* New Recipes: The game features 50 all-new recipes from The New York Times best-selling book series The Biggest Loser, completing the game as an all-encompassing workout tool.
* Motivation: Players are directed and encouraged throughout the game with suggestions and tips from the show’s trainers and former contestants.
For more information on The Biggest Loser Challenge video game, please visit www.biggestloserthegame.com.
About “The Biggest Loser” on NBC
The first reality series where everybody “loses,” “The Biggest Loser” challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney (“Days of our Lives”), the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of “the biggest loser.” Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. “The Biggest Loser” is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.
Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, “The Biggest Loser” has become a worldwide hit appearing in more than 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, “The Biggest Loser” has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $50 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. The Biggest Loser was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age’s 2008 Marketing 50. Check out www.biggestloser.com for more information.
About NBC Universal Television DVD, Music, and Consumer Products Group
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. NBC Universal Television DVD, Music, and Consumer Products Group manages all global ancillary television business endeavors for the NBC Universal Television Group, including third-party home entertainment distribution, consumer products, musical soundtracks, special markets projects and the NBC Universal Online Store.
Reveille
Reveille is a leading independent television studio with a major presence in scripted and unscripted television and digital entertainment, and a world leader in creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. Reveille’s scripted entertainment programming includes “The Office” and “Kath and Kim” (NBC), “Ugly Betty” (ABC) and “The Tudors” (Showtime). The company’s roster of highly successful reality programming includes “The Biggest Loser”, “American Gladiators”, and “Nashville Star” (NBC), “30 Days” (FX), “Parental Control” (MTV) and many more. Through its distribution arm, ShineReveille International, Reveille distributes its extensive library of high-quality programming, along with a broad array of programming acquired from independent producers and U.S. networks, to more than 150 countries. Reveille is part of the Shine Group, one of the world’s foremost multinational entertainment and drama companies. The Shine Group also includes UK independent producers Kudos, Princess, Dragonfly and Shine TV.
About Bob Harper
Soon entering his 10th season as one of the fitness trainers on NBC’s worldwide hit “The Biggest Loser,” Bob Harper has become one of the most credible and sought-after motivational experts on television, on DVD, in books and in personal appearances. In addition to his leadership on “The Biggest Loser,” Harper is a regular on “The Dr. Oz Show,” as a member of “Core Team Oz.” His book, “Are You Ready!” was published in 2008. Harper has appeared on several shows to talk about health and fitness, including “Oprah,” “Larry King Live,” “CNN Live,” and “Ellen.” Harper has spent more than a decade in Los Angeles developing his trademark brand of fitness and nutritional integration that leads to lasting lifestyle transformations. In so doing, he has cultivated a devoted following of clients. Harper’s approach is founded upon knowing that quick-fix fitness does not lead to continuing and meaningful changes. Harper is certified with the American Fitness Training of Athletics and with Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.
About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
