It seems that reports of THQ's demise were greatly exaggerated. Last week, rumors were swirling that the company had canceled its entire 2014 slate. This morning, the company has clarified its plans. THQ says its dropping "traditional kids’ licensed video games" in order to focus on core video game franchises. That's good news for you, Mr. Hardcore Gaming Guy.
Here's how Brian Farrell, President and CEO, THQ, put it in a recent press release:
“THQ will be a more streamlined organization focused only on our strongest franchises...The success of Saints Row: The Third is an example of what our revised strategy and focus can achieve. We have now shipped 3.8 million units globally and are currently expecting to ship between five and six million units lifetime on this title. Additionally, our robust digital content offerings for this game have resulted in the highest digital revenue of any console title in our history.”
If you're a game-industry watcher like me, expect to get more information on THQ's plans on Thursday, February 2, when the company is hosting its third quarter earnings conference call. I'll be putting up with an hour of talk of profit margins and accounting practices to bring you nuggets of gaming news, so make sure you check back!
Little, Tiny Update: I spoke to THQ, who had no comment on the fate of specific THQ titles.
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Comments
Displaying 1–12 of 12
DuceWilliams
the outfit... I LOVED THAT GAME... it inspired my GT and all my usernames, rest in peace Deuce Williams
or they should buy the rights to evil genius cuz that game is right up their ally
DuceWilliams
the outfit... I LOVED THAT GAME... it inspired my GT and all my usernames, rest in peace Deuce Williams
or they should buy the rights to evil genius cuz that game is right up their ally
DuceWilliams
the outfit... I LOVED THAT GAME... it inspired my GT and all my usernames, rest in peace Deuce Williams
or they should buy the rights to evil genius cuz that game is right up their ally
AmericanKing01
I'm torn I like the direction they are going but I grew up on THQ's kid games.
Tylerr
Man i really hate the word "core"
just say hardcore games.
crocodilius
what is THQ's core, isnt it WWE games?
bunnyglomp
Dont forget the Game from deltoro 'iNsane
TD_ThA_MoNsTa
I like what THQ is doing now, and it's good to hear that they're not shuttering their doors as was once rumored about a week ago, for I admittingly grrew up on some of their games. I believe they have a very interesting future ahead of them with their stable franchises like Darksiders, Saints Row, and HomeFront, as well as new IP's like Guilermo Del Torro's inSANE, and Itagaki-san's Devil's Third.
devroz
just curious what are the kiddy games we are losing in the process?
GamebustaZX
bout damn time
top8cat
imo THQs success is long over due, it has always seemed like that odd child in the back who is worthy of great things but can't seem to find its calling while everyone else continues to out shine them.
Andarach
Seems like they are making good moves to make themselves a more respectful publisher and push Activision, EA, Ubisoft and the like to try and leapfrog one of them, even if their stock is worthless right now. If they are dropping the kids games and focusing on Saint's Row, Homfront (now being made by Crytek), the Warhammer 40k games, Metro 2033, Darksiders, and in some amazing dream STALKER they could move in the right direction. Hope they can add a big IP or two and wish them luck.
Displaying 1–12 of 12
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