THQ today announced details surrounding the new downloadable content purchase program for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, the forthcoming simulation-based experience from the company’s World Wrestling Entertainment videogame portfolio.

Fan Axxess will enable WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 owners to obtain select downloadable content released throughout the life of the videogame for a one-time anticipated purchase cost of 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $9.99 on PlayStation Network. The downloadable content will include a number of playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, a WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer, instant access to all unlockable content and an in-game badge to recognize the videogame’s biggest supporters.

"The Fan Axxess program for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 offers consumers a very attractive value proposition to significantly enhance the virtual WWE experience," said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. "We have some of the most passionate fans in the industry, and we are pleased to offer them an opportunity to access premium gameplay content, customization features and recognition for their loyalty for one price point."

You can probably read that as "This is how we’re going to keep profiting off second-hand game sales and take content out of the game to make more money." (-Ed.)

The first downloadable content package for Fan Axxess, currently scheduled for release this holiday season, will include WWE Legends British Bulldog and Lex Luger; WWE Superstars Wade Barrett, David Otunga and Justin Gabriel; WWE Diva Layla; alternate ring gear for WWE Superstars Shawn Michaels and Shad; and a playable WWE NXT arena. The downloadable content package will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 560 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $6.99 on PlayStation Network.

The second downloadable content package for Fan Axxess, currently scheduled for release in early 2011, will include alternate ring gear for WWE Superstars John Cena, Undertaker and CM Punk, as well as a playable WCW arena. The downloadable content package will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $2.99 on PlayStation Network.

The WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer will enable players to determine the overall rankings and attribute levels of every WWE Legend, WWE Superstar and WWE Diva in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. While the videogame will ship to retail outlets with pre-established in-game Superstar ratings, this feature will give players even greater customization freedom to define their own personalized visions of WWE. The WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $0.99 on PlayStation Network.

Players will also be able to quickly access more than 60 unlockable items in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, including playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, WWE Championships and more. Instant access to all unlockable content will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $0.99 on PlayStation Network.