Joystiq

Cut the Rope inks toy deal, getting 'Bath Time' content update soon

David Hinkle — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Cut the Rope will transcend the virtual world inside of your techno-gizmo for that of the real. Several new partnerships will ensure Cut the Rope-branded products are in your local brick-and-mortar soon.

A new board game that mimics the gameplay of the app will launch from Mattel, along with digitally enhanced toys that interact with your device. An example given details an OmNom toy interacting with an iPad to unlock a special Cut the Rope app. Jakk's Pacific will produce a plug-and-play game console for your TV. It will come with a special controller to play Cut the Rope on your TV.

Finally, there will also be a new update for Cut the Rope: Experiments that introduces a new character and new physics, and adds water-based puzzles into the mix. No word on when the update will launch as of right now -- ZeptoLabs is waiting on Apple approval right now for Bath Time.

Continue reading Cut the Rope inks toy deal, getting 'Bath Time' content update soon

Cut the Rope inks toy deal, getting 'Bath Time' content update soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinectimals plush toys coming in Spring 2011

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:15:00 EST

We know, we know -- Fur Town is getting kind of lonely these days. All your Kinectimals have been petted and played with so many times and, well, you're getting kinda bored of them. Thankfully, according to an announcement from Jakks Pacific this morning, Microsoft has plans to release "five unique plush animals" in the first wave of Kinectimals stuffed animals coming out in Spring 2011.

Like the King Cheetah and Maltese Tiger included in the game's collector's editions, the plush animals can be scanned into Fur Town and be played with in-game to heart's content. No pricing was given in the announcement -- but can you even put a price on cuteness?

Kinectimals plush toys coming in Spring 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ and Jakks Pacific founder Jack Friedman passes away at 70

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:00 EST

After being hospitalized for several weeks, THQ and Jakks Pacific founder Jack Friedman passed away yesterday at the age of 70. Friedman started THQ in 1989 and led the company for six years, when he founded toymaker Jakks Pacific and served as chairman and CEO until March of this year.

Before founding THQ in the late '80s, Friedman held a position at LJN Toys, helping to develop licensed toys for major motion pictures (E.T., among others). When the company was purchased by MCA in 1985, Friedman moved on and eventually founded "Toy Headquarters" (THQ) with $1 million of his own startup capital. Jakks Pacific CEO Stephen Berman said of his company's founder and former CEO, " Jack was a legendary toymaker and a real titan in our industry. He dedicated his talents to Jakks Pacific for 15 years, and he will be sorely missed. On behalf of all Jakks employees, we send our sincere condolences to his wife Karen and his children for their loss."

[Via Gamasutra]

THQ and Jakks Pacific founder Jack Friedman passes away at 70 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ pins WWE license down for 8 years

JC Fletcher — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

The new, extended deadline for THQ to sign its WWE licensing agreement elapsed two days ago, leaving several people in suspense about the outcome. Today, THQ shared the news that it has secured the exclusive rights to develop and publish games based on the WWE wrestling license for eight additional years, effective January 1, 2010.

Not coincidentally, THQ has also settled its legal issues with WWE toy producer Jakks Pacific. THQ and Jakks will dissolve their venture using the other universal solvent: money. THQ has agreed to pay the company $20 million, along with previously earned royalties, and will pay the WWE $13.2 million.

All of the companies found this agreement preferable to the previous offer, wherein WWE and Jakks would hit THQ with folding chairs while the referee mysteriously looked away.

THQ pins WWE license down for 8 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ stock loses 12 percent after WWE extension

Justin McElroy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

It seems investors are unhappy that one of THQ's most important relationships continues to be in flux. After the news that the company was extending its renewal notice with the WWE on October 28, its stock has lost 12 percent of its value, according to GameIndustry.biz. When compared to its worth on September 23, the company is down 26 percent.

THQ's convoluted relationship with JAKKS Pacific and the WWE is fully explained here, but it suffices to say that things are pretty messy right now, and it seems the stockholders are getting impatient for tidiness.

THQ stock loses 12 percent after WWE extension originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST

THQ announced today that World Wrestling Entertainment has extended a deadline that allows the publisher to renew its licensing contract. The extension lasts until December 21, 2009 -- the original deadline was November 1. If signed, the agreement would be good through December 31, 2014.

THQ is cool with the WWE, but it's not very chummy with JAKKS Pacific, its longtime partner in the WWE licensing venture. The wounds also run deep between JAKKS and the WWE. When asked for comment on the license renewal and further details regarding the three-way deal, a THQ representative told Joystiq that the publisher plans to renew its contract with the WWE, and then added, "Beyond that, I cannot comment."

The business, politics and legal issues are certainly complicated. We spoke with Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter who laid out multiple scenarios, but in the end he believes the most likely outcome is that the joint venture between THQ and JAKKS will be terminated. If JAKKS enforces its (believed to be one-year) non-compete clause, then no WWE games can be produced. Neither side would benefit from that, however.

Pachter suggests that the WWE's renewal deadline was extended to give THQ and JAKKS time to settle their issues. What it sounds like to us: THQ and WWE want to move forward as a couple, and the previous arrangement, featuring JAKKS as the third wheel, has worn out its welcome. Check out Pachter's complete analysis after the break.

Continue reading THQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains

THQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 dated, detailed

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST

Other than a recent countdown offered by THQ, we haven't heard much about the publisher's next effort in its longtime wrestling franchise, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010. Today though, THQ announced an October 20 release date for the game, along with a clear marketing push towards online play.

Nelo Lucich, a senior VP at licensor JAKKS Pacific, leads the charge, saying, "The vast array of creative and online options allow players the ability to create their own unique Superstars, right down to their tattoos and customized ring gear." He goes on to tout the game's "Community Creations interface" and other options for online play, remaining confident. And maybe he should be, considering the game's October release now has a much better chance of standing out in a delay-riddled holiday season than ever before.

WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 dated, detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ triumphant in WWE / JAKKS Pacific dispute

David Hinkle — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST

You may not know this, but THQ and JAKKS Pacific have been locked in a vicious courtroom tussle over payment for work on some of THQ's WWE titles. See, THQ and JAKKS had a deal wherein THQ was to pay JAKKS 10% of money accrued from the sale of the JAKKS-developed WWE games; however, the two ALL CAPS companies were set to renegotiate that deal when JAKKS jumped the gun, signing a new contract without THQ's consent. And, as you've probably guessed, that's when THQ sicked the lawyers on 'em. Today, the result of this ongoing cage match are in and THQ managed to pin JAKKS for the 1-2-3.

In the end, THQ was able to get that 10% figure lowered to only 6%, which will save the company "approximately" $23 million. JAKKS is surely upset: before the suit, the company was set to receive $57 million for its efforts in developing WWE titles; now that figure is a much lower $34 million. And what have we learned here? In the fantastical world of WWE, signing important documents without the consent of your business partner might make for great television but ... wait, we need to rethink this lesson ...

Source - THQ Prevails in JAKKS Pacific Arbitration Dispute
Source - JAKKS Pacific Announces Result in THQ Arbitration

THQ triumphant in WWE / JAKKS Pacific dispute originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snap Judgment: Star Wars: Republic Squadron

Justin McElroy — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:25:00 EST

Listen, we know that you've seen it on the shelves and been curious. Who can blame you? Not only does the Star Wars: Republic Squadron TV game look totally awesome, it also has motion controls! How can you beat that?

Anyway, we've taken the bullet for you and are happy to present our video hands-on with the game, which wasn't nearly as bad as we assumed. Enjoy.

Snap Judgment: Star Wars: Republic Squadron originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WWE sues THQ

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

The WWE has filed a lawsuit against THQ and others, alleging that these companies used bribes to obtain the WWE videogame license. The WWE wishes to void this license and seek damages. THQ released a statement yesterday, claiming, "[It] is not directly accused of any wrongdoing in the complaint." Indeed, Jakks Pacific, THQ's partner, is carrying the brunt of the allegations, believed to have offered more than $100,000 to WWE senior vp of licensing & merchandising James Bell and WWE licensing agent Stanley Shenker for the videogame license back in 1998. At any rate, the lawsuit will not effect any current WWE games, namely WWE Smackdown! vs. RAW & Wrestlemania XXI.

WWE sues THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2004 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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