THQ and Nickelodeon to Cocreate Kids Games

Nickelodeon and THQ announced today that they have signed an agreement granting THQ exclusive rights to publish titles based on the SpongeBob SquarePants and Rocket Power television shows. The license is good through 2004 for all console systems, be it a Sega, Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft system. Development is already under way for PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games to be released in 2001.

"Nickelodeon remains one of the most innovative kids' programming creators in the business," stated THQ's Germaine Gioia, vice president of licensing. "The unique characters of SpongeBob SquarePants and Rocket Power provide the perfect foundation for games kids of all ages will love to play over and over again. We are delighted to be expanding our relationship with Nickelodeon to include these truly fun and entertaining properties."

"Viewer response to both shows has been overwhelming," said Steve Youngwood, vice president of interactive products and publishing for Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "SpongeBob SquarePants and Rocket Power are both topping the ratings charts with their unique characters and fun adventures that truly captivate kids of all ages. THQ's proven ability to create exciting gameplay based on fresh kids' programs makes them the ideal interactive partner for SpongeBob SquarePants and Rocket Power."