Rumors of THQ's demise are abound, but they have—it goes without saying—been greatly exaggerated. The publisher announced today its plans to exit traditional kids' licensed video games to focus on the core games that really matter.
Unlike other publishers, who branch out into every possible venue, THQ plans to consolidate its efforts on the core gaming market with a strong portfolio of its existing franchises, with new games on current and future platforms.
"THQ will be a more streamlined organization focused only on our strongest franchises," said Brian Farrell, President and CEO, THQ. "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."
The company's five internal studios are developing games which include UFC Undisputed 3, Darksiders 2, as well as unannounced games for the Company of Heroes, InSANE, Saints Row, and Warhammer 40,000 franchises.
The press release also goes on to note that Patrice Désilets' team continues to work on their as-yet-unnamed title.
If you were hoping for a Darksiders III, there's a pretty good chance that it'll see the light of day.