THQ closes three studios as part of internal restructuring

Strategic realignment results in studio closures, less focus on licensed titles

Posted on Aug 9, 2011 - 8:20pm EST

THQ has announced a strategic realignment of its internal studio development teams. The company is in the process of transitioning its portfolio away from licensed kids titles and movie-based entertainment properties for consoles, and has also decided not to actively pursue further development of the MX vs. ATV franchise. As a result, the company announced the closure of two studios in Australia, and the elimination of a development team at the company's Phoenix location.

Today's actions will result in a personnel reduction of approximately 200 people. It is said that all affected employees are eligible to apply for open positions within the company globally.

"With this realignment, we are narrowing our focus to high-quality owned IP with broad appeal that can be leveraged across multiple platforms, and to work with the best talent in the industry. By right-sizing our internal development capacities for our console portfolio, our five internal studios are focused on delivering high-quality games with talented teams driving the execution of those titles to market," said Brian Farrell, President and CEO, THQ.

THQ's five remaining internal development studios are focused on key franchises: THQ Montreal, creating an unannounced new IP; Volition, developing the upcoming game Saints Row: The Third and inSANE; Relic Entertainment, creators of Company of Heroes and the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine; Vigil Games, developing Darksiders II and Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online; and THQ San Diego, developers of WWE All Stars.