While THQ boasted positive financial results for its most recent quarter, the company declared its intentions for 2011's fiscal year to serve as a building period towards an even bigger future, with "brand extensions" and another major IP to come next year.
With E3 beckoning, THQ was reluctant to divulge names and dates for future titles, but the company did acknowledge that it is currently in the midst of major change, and that the recently concluded fiscal year was dedicated to turning the company's fortunes around, while the next twelve will be dedicated to rebuilding a solid foundation, and the following year set to add a third core franchise to stand alongside Red Faction and Saint's Row.
Key to the company's growth will be a "Brand Extension" for the WWE IP that will be introduced at E3 2010. While THQ already publishes a yearly wrestling game, and has introduced an online WWE game in Korea, another major title for the sports-entertainment company should be on tap for E3. Key to the growth was the recent removal of Jakks Pacific as an intermediary in the negotiation between WWE and its primary game publishers, with a THQ spokesperson calling the terms of the new partnership "a breath of fresh air." During the Q&A session of the call, a THQ spokesperson acknowledged that other IPs could grow similarly, stating that the company will enable "brand extensions on any licenses that warrant it."
In addition to previously-announced future titles like a new Red Faction, Saint's Row 3, and Warhammer: Space Marine, another Biggest Loser game is on the horizon for THQ, with the company high on the potential for the game due to the strength of its IP and the immunity it should have to fitness game accessory overload. More nebulous in THQ's future is the addition of 3D technology integration, as a THQ spokesman acknowledged that the technology and installed base needed to make the development viable is still a few years away form being available. THQ's partnership with Pixar is similarly hazy, as the company is contracted to produce a game based on the studio's still-unannounced next movie, but is still currently speaking with Disney about Pixar's gaming future.
Source: Daily News from GamePro.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010