Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium MMO now single-player game, 118 laid off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/warhammer-40-000-dark-millennium-mmo-now-single-player-game-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/warhammer-40-000-dark-millennium-mmo-now-single-player-game-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/warhammer-40-000-dark-millennium-mmo-now-single-player-game-10/#comments Troubled publisher THQ announced today that Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online will drop the "online" portion of its name and become a solo experience -- with multiplayer aspects. Actual product details will be made later.

"As previously announced, we have been actively looking for a business partner for the game as an MMO. However, based on changing market dynamics and the additional investment required to complete the game as an MMO, we believe the right direction for us is to shift the title from an MMO to a premium experience with single and multiplayer gameplay, robust digital content and community features," THQ CEO Brian Farrell wrote in a statement.

As a result of this change, THQ raises the body count of its collapse, with 79 full-time employees let go at Vigil Games in Austin and another 39 employees at Relic Entertainment.

JoystiqWarhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium MMO now single-player game, 118 laid off originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffspcRelicRelic-Entertainmentthqvigil-gameswarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ shutting down Japanese office]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/report-thq-shutting-down-japanese-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/report-thq-shutting-down-japanese-office/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/report-thq-shutting-down-japanese-office/#comments GAME Watch is reporting that THQ will shut down its Japanese publishing operation on February 29. The article notes that it is as yet undetermined who will provide ongoing support for existing THQ titles, and whether the company has found a new publishing partner for the region. This puts the status of upcoming games including Darksiders 2 into question.

This is in line with a rumor that popped up in late January -- one to which THQ responded by saying "'closing' is not accurate."

JoystiqReport: THQ shutting down Japanese office originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanlayoffsthqthq-japanWed, 15 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ confirms layoffs of 240 employees [updated]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-confirms-layoffs-of-240-employees-across-nine-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-confirms-layoffs-of-240-employees-across-nine-months/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/thq-confirms-layoffs-of-240-employees-across-nine-months/#comments THQ has confirmed planned layoffs of "up to 240 selling, general and administrative personnel worldwide," with plans to finalize the proceedings by September 30, 2012. The company promises that the "majority" of said layoffs will occur before March 31, 2012 and many of the employees affected have already been notified.

The 240 number is a marked increase from numbers we heard earlier today, making the situation at THQ look all the more dire. Today's announcement reflects specific numbers for layoffs that THQ first confirmed last week.

Though the company makes note of the recently announced restructuring away from kids and licensed titles, nothing is mentioned of the rumored cancelation of the Warhammer 40K MMO. We expect to hear even more when THQ announces its fiscal third quarter results tomorrow afternoon.

Update: THQ tells Joystiq that, "These are the cuts we described in our statement last week. No studios are a part of this. It's administration and publishing offices worldwide." The company declined to comment on whether these layoffs will affect any currently announced projects.

Update 2: This post originally stated that THQ would be laying off the 240 employees across nine months, which is inaccurate. Due to varying employment guidelines around the world and internal financial considerations, the restructuring will be completed by September 30, 2012, but most of the affected employees have already been notified.

JoystiqTHQ confirms layoffs of 240 employees [updated] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffssecsecurities-and-exchange-commissionthqWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ VP of Tech Mark DeLoura out, alongside 174 others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/report-thq-vp-of-tech-mark-deloura-out-alongside-174-others/#comments When THQ announced plans for layoffs that didn't affect its five main internal studios, we didn't think folks like VP of tech Mark DeLoura would end up getting cut. But that's what an automated response from his email address confirmed to us last night. The response outright states, "Mark DeLoura is no longer with THQ." According to DeLoura's LinkedIn page, he was "responsible for technology strategy, the online game and MMO operations teams, the centralized online technology group, and relationships with platform and technology manufacturers."

More specifically, we're told that DeLoura was leading up management on the upcoming Warhammer 40K MMO -- the same MMO that's rumored to be canceled. At the time, THQ responded to allegations that the MMO was canned with a nebulous statement: "[THQ] has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO."

Additionally, IGDA Mobile SIG chair Kevin Dent alleges that during the recent round of THQ restructuring, 174 employees were let go -- Dent was the origin of the aforementioned cancelation rumors (he isn't related to Harvey Dent, we're told). The company is also facing potential delisting on the NASDAQ stock exchange. THQ declined to offer comment regarding this report, and once more directed us to this Thursday's investor call.

JoystiqReport: THQ VP of Tech Mark DeLoura out, alongside 174 others originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kevin-dentlayoffslinkedinmark-delourapcreportthqwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineWed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rumor-thq-reduces-au-staff-by-14-japan-office-set-to-close/#comments One "anonymous source" speaking to Kotaku's Australian arm believes that more layoffs are affecting THQ, this time specifically targeting 14 AU-based employees and the remainders of the company's Japan-based office. As has been the company line throughout the the past week of intermittent layoffs, "THQ's five internal studios have not ben affected," the piece says, referencing THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

The rumor seemingly falls in step with last week's news of "administrative and publishing departments" being affected, as THQ's Australian and Japanese presence amounts to little more than distribution offices. The rumors follow two confirmed rounds of layoffs at the ailing publisher, whose stock price is trading at roughly $.70 currently.

THQ had yet to return request for comment as of publishing, but we'll update this post as we hear more. The publisher will report its financial third quarter results this Thursday, where it's promising more information about recent restructuring.

Update: THQ issued a response to Joystiq, which reads: "The actions in APAC [Asia-Pacific] are related to our reduction in force from last week - same statement applies. However, 'closing' is not accurate as we still have staff on the ground there and our OZ office has always handled our business relationships in APAC."

JoystiqRumor: THQ reduces AU staff by 14, Japan office set to close [update: THQ responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiajapanlayoffsreportrumorthqthq-australiathq-japanMon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/thq-incurs-more-layoffs-five-internal-studios-not-affected/#comments THQ went through another wave of layoffs today, which affected its administrative and publishing departments. The company would not share details about how many people lost their jobs, but stressed that this did not affect its five internal studios: THQ San Diego, Relic, Volition, Vigil and THQ Montreal.

"As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids' licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives," THQ stated on the issue. "The company will provide greater financial detail regarding the costs and organizational benefit on its third quarter 2012 conference call scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012."

THQ announced a new strategic realignment earlier this week, shutting down its children's properties and focusing on "core games," like those provided by the unaffected studios.

JoystiqTHQ incurs more layoffs, five internal studios not affected originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Layoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3THQwiixboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/alleged-former-thq-staffer-sends-furious-note-to-board-press/#comments An anonymous letter sent to media and THQ's board of directors, allegedly written by a former employee of THQ, rains fire on the company's management and, specifically, CEO Brian Farrell. The letter arrives the same day as THQ announces another strategic realignment, a little over a week after the company had to spin a major cancellation rumor and over a month after THQ's stock dropped below $1.

"It is to the point where having [THQ] on your resume is not a point in your favor. And that shouldn't be the case," the "Formerly Mismanaged" writes. "I'm/We're sending this note anonymously because some of us are still awaiting final checks and others know how little corporations like employees who air their dirty laundry. We feel the need to say something to combat the partial misinformation being written."

The Formerly Mismanaged lays out its belief that the beginning of the end came when the cash rich company went on an acquisition spree years ago, allegedly "with no plan" -- many of those studios have since been shuttered or sold off. Then came what the accuser(s) call bad licensing deals and the most recent business miscalculation with the uDraw tablet, which caused the company to lower its fiscal outlook for the year.

The scope of THQ's problems is expected to come into slightly better focus when it announces its current financial position on February 2. Wedbush Morgan Financial Analyst Michael Pachter has pointed out he believes THQ will generate a "substantial loss" at the end of its fiscal year and that "THQ is at risk of running out of cash by the June 2012 quarter."

You can read the entire letter by "The Formerly Mismanaged" after the break.

Continue reading Alleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press

JoystiqAlleged former THQ staffer sends furious note to board, press originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousBrian-FarrellFormerly-Mismanagedlayoffsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdTHQwiiwii-uxboxWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lays off 30 Play THQ employees]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/thq-lays-off-30-play-thq-employees/#comments The business world, like the rest of the world, is a cruel and unforgiving mistress. Following the "weaker than expected" sales figures achieved by THQ's uDraw tablet during the third quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, THQ has let go 30 members of its Play THQ team; the Agoura Hills unit responsible for uDraw.

"We are taking a difficult but important step to reduce the number of employees that supported this brand," a THQ representative said in a statement to Game Informer. "30 people will be leaving the company and business unit leader Martin Good will also be leaving to pursue new opportunities outside the company."

THQ is still hopeful that the success of Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12 will pull out a fourth quarter turnaround before the end of fiscal 2012.

JoystiqTHQ lays off 30 Play THQ employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firedfiscal-2012laid-offlay-offslayoffslet-gomicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3Q3Q4tabletTHQuDrawwiixboxSat, 10 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Australian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/australian-indie-from-ratings-systems-to-a-boom-of-small-studio/#comments Australia has one of the most lenient video-game-rating systems in the world.

No, really -- despite its reputation as an ultra-conservative, mature-rating hating government, "the reality is that many more games that are restricted to 17-year-olds in the U.S. or 18-year-olds in Europe are available without edit for 15-year-olds in Australia," said Chris Wright, former marketing head for THQ's two Australian studios, Blue Tongue and Studio Australia. "On balance, Australia is probably the most lenient country in the world for access to mature games."

No, really -- Wright was the man who presented Saints Row to the Australian classification board and he prepared plenty of ratings submissions in the country, both as head of THQ Asia Pacific and its two Australian studios. He knows the system, meaning he knows what it has and what it doesn't, such as an R18+ rating.

"I believe passionately that Australia needs an R18+ rating," Wright said. "But for me the R18+ rating is not about access to games, but parity with other entertainment forms and the acknowledgement of gaming as an adult pursuit. The R18+ rating will have a net effect of greater overall restrictions on access to games -- many games that would have previously been available to 15-year-olds will now only be available for 18-year-olds and above -- but will mean that a few games at the top end of the maturity scale are allowed to be released."

Legislation in Australia recently approved the R18+ rating (though it may take a few years to be enacted) and its Law Reform Commission is attempting to revamp the country's video-game rating system to acknowledge its adult audience. But recently, Australia has had more than ratings to worry about.

Continue reading Australian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive

JoystiqAustralian indie: From ratings systems to a boom of small studios, how AU will survive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaChris-WrightclosureDe-BlobDestroy-All-HumansIndieLA-Noirelayoffsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3ratingsSaints-RowTHQwiixboxSun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lets 200 go, shifts development focus away from kids and licensed titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/thq-fires-200-shifts-development-focus-away-from-kids-and-licen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/thq-fires-200-shifts-development-focus-away-from-kids-and-licen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/thq-fires-200-shifts-development-focus-away-from-kids-and-licen/#comments THQ has high hopes for its fiscal Q3 (October through December) this year, this much we all know. And in light of recent disappointments (looking at you, Red Faction Armageddon!), the company has announced that it's shifting its focus away from kids and movie-based licensed titles, closing down two development studios in Australia and nixing its Phoenix-based development team. Overall, 200 people have gotten the axe, though they're able to apply for other vacant THQ positions.

THQ's five main studios will continue working on their own projects: THQ Montreal will continue to work on Patrice Désilets' unannounced game; Volition will continue work on Saints Row: The Third and its collaboration with Guillermo del Toro, inSANE; Relic's getting ready to launch Space Marine; Vigil is busy with Darksiders 2 and its MMO, Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online; and THQ San Diego will continue to handle the WWE All-Stars series.

Finally, like Red Faction before it, THQ will hang up the MX vs ATV series -- the latest entry (obviously) didn't do so well.

JoystiqTHQ lets 200 go, shifts development focus away from kids and licensed titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdslayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsaints-row-the-thirdsonyTHQwiixboxTue, 09 Aug 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lays off 33 across Kaos Studios and Volition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/thq-lays-off-33-across-kaos-studios-and-volition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/thq-lays-off-33-across-kaos-studios-and-volition/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/thq-lays-off-33-across-kaos-studios-and-volition/#comments And the hits just keep on coming. THQ has confirmed to Gamasutra that it has reduced the staff sizes of Red Faction developer Volition, Inc. and Homefront developer Kaos Studios. Volition, whose team of around 200 is also working on the next, bonersword-equipped installment in the Saint's Row franchise, had its headcount cut by 16 positions. Kaos Studios, which employs more than 100 developers, lost 17 across its departments.

In its statement to Gamasutra, representatives for THQ explained, "The changes are not expected to affect any current or future titles in development with Volition." The statement adds that Kaos has a "dedicated team in place" to continue supporting Homefront with post-launch content while preparing for future projects. We wish the 33 folks affected by the cutbacks the best of luck in getting back on their feet.

JoystiqTHQ lays off 33 across Kaos Studios and Volition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kaos-studioslayoffsmicrosoftplaystationps3Red-Faction-ArmageddonthqvolitionxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders dev David Adams gushes about THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/darksiders-dev-david-adams-gushes-about-thq/#comments Unlike the less than wonderful relations some developers are currently having with their publishing partners, Vigil Games' general manager David Adams says things between his studio and THQ couldn't have been better during the development of Darksiders. "We were pretty lucky, just because our publisher had this weird, insane faith in us that I don't necessarily think any other publisher would have had ... our take was that if we just did really cool stuff, people would see that -- they'd want to jump on the bandwagon and support us, and THQ did," Adams tells GamesIndustry.biz in a recent interview.

Adams adds that his studio is constantly "trying to be more efficient, do stuff quicker, using less money," so that certainly can't hurt how THQ feels about Vigil, especially given the last year of "restructuring" the publisher underwent to become financially solvent once again. "THQ went through a lot of pain and restructuring -- they took a lot of bullets so we could continue to make our game, and that's a good indication of their faith in us, and their drive to make great-quality products." We'd like to point out that, in this situation, we're all winners because THQ has seemingly become a competitive publisher again, due to producing quality products that we get to play -- and hey, tons of people don't lose their jobs.

JoystiqDarksiders dev David Adams gushes about THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksidersdavid-adamsdevelopmentlayoffsMicrosoftthqvigilvigil-gamesXbox-360Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ closes mobile developer Universomo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/thq-closes-mobile-developer-universomo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/thq-closes-mobile-developer-universomo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/04/thq-closes-mobile-developer-universomo/#commentsTHQ has confirmed the closure of Finnish developer Universomo, who worked on mobile licensed games for the publisher -- and whose original (and interesting-looking) DS game, Beat City, is expected to be released this spring. Paradoxically, the confirmation of the shutdown was given to Mobile Entertainment as part of a note about THQ's increased dedication to mobile gaming.

"We are very excited about digital gaming and have increased our investment in this area," a THQ rep said. "We have more than 15 games and entertainment applications scheduled for release on mobile handsets this year. That said, we did place Universomo into liquidation." THQ plans to use external companies for the development of these titles. Even so, it seems Universomo picked the wrong time to make a DS game instead of a cell phone game.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqTHQ closes mobile developer Universomo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beat-cityclosureDSlayoffsNintendothquniversomoThu, 04 Mar 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ lays off 60, focuses Juice Games, Rainbow Studios on downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/thq-lays-off-60-focuses-juice-games-rainbow-studios-on-downloa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/thq-lays-off-60-focuses-juice-games-rainbow-studios-on-downloa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/thq-lays-off-60-focuses-juice-games-rainbow-studios-on-downloa/#commentsTHQ announced a bit of restructuring today, which means, sadly, layoffs. The publisher announced that it's refocusing Juiced developer Juice Games and MX vs. ATV/Deadly Creatures developer Rainbow Studios for content intended for digital distribution. The studios will be renamed THQ Digital Studios Warrington and THQ Digital Studios Phoenix, respectively. About 60 total staff are being laid off as part of this restructuring. Juice Games was already subject to layoffs in late 2008.

The studios will develop games for "all major digital platforms, including Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, iPhone and iPad" -- so much for WiiWare and DSiWare -- and will also work together on a community platform to be used across THQ's lineup of core games.

JoystiqTHQ lays off 60, focuses Juice Games, Rainbow Studios on downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appledigital-distributionipadiPodjuice-gameslayoffsMicrosoftpsnrainbow-studiosrestructuringthqthq-digital-studiosxblaXbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[In limbo: Big Huge Games ... games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/in-limbo-big-huge-games-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/in-limbo-big-huge-games-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/in-limbo-big-huge-games-games/#comments
Big Huge Games could be saved from the swinging axe, according to a report from Kotaku, which also details two games the company was in the middle of developing: God: The Game and Ascendant. God: The Game was planned for Wii, with obvious inspiration from games such as Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda, and seems to have been early in development based on the game art available.

The other title, Ascendant, was destined for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC, and is (was?) an action RPG set in a fantasy world. A brief trailer for the game confirms that Ken Rolston, lead designer for Oblivion, was involved. Based on that trailer and some in-game shots, we'd say Big Huge Games was on the verge of living up to its name.

There could still be hope for these games, though. Unnamed sources claim that several buyers are checking out the developer, including Curt Schilling's 38 Studios. Hopefully, Big Huge Games can be big huge saved.

JoystiqIn limbo: Big Huge Games ... games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosascendantbig-huge-gamesgod-the-gamelayoffsMicrosoftNintendothqWiiXbox-360Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ achieves cost savings goal (thanks, everyone who got fired!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/thq-achieves-cost-savings-goal-thanks-everyone-who-got-fired/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/thq-achieves-cost-savings-goal-thanks-everyone-who-got-fired/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/thq-achieves-cost-savings-goal-thanks-everyone-who-got-fired/#comments
Intercepted communiqué from THQ to all former employees:

Dear Fallen Comrades,

We thought you'd like you to know that your removal from the ledger helped us achieve our goal of removing $220 million from the budget. Isn't that awesome?! Our illustrious leader, CEO Brian Farrell, would like you to know that your former employer's goal to reach "profitability and generate positive cash flow" will hopefully occur in fiscal 2010. In the meantime, we expect to announce $45 million in business realignment expenses, $4 million in severance and "other employee-related costs" and $41 million in "impairment charges" related to cancellation of games and studio closures.

Best of luck in finding new jobs.

XOXO,
Your Former & Ever-loving Employer

JoystiqTHQ achieves cost savings goal (thanks, everyone who got fired!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-farrellbusinesslayoffsthqThu, 02 Apr 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ selling Rise of Nations dev Big Huge Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/report-thq-selling-rise-of-nations-dev-big-huge-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/report-thq-selling-rise-of-nations-dev-big-huge-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/report-thq-selling-rise-of-nations-dev-big-huge-games/#comments
With the new developer smell (which is really more of a musk) still hanging in the air, Maryland-based Big Huge Games has found itself in the path of THQ's unyielding axe. This according to Crispy Gamer, which reports that the embattled publisher plans to close the studio if it can't sell off the Rise of Nations and Rise of Legends developer in, to use THQ mouthpiece Julie MacMedan's timeline, the "near future."

The company was only just acquired by THQ early last year, but 2008 was a simpler time -- well before the publisher's plans to cut nearly a quarter of its workforce and its shortfall last quarter of nearly $200 million. As analysts continue to circle overhead, THQ's financial future may very well be pinned on Big Huge Games' sale. Well, unless Fiddy can be persuaded to part with a certain crystal skull.

JoystiqReport: THQ selling Rise of Nations dev Big Huge Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-huge-gameslayoffsrise-of-legendsrise-of-nationsthqWed, 18 Mar 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Volition QA staff lost in THQ restructuring [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/volition-qa-staff-lost-in-thq-restructuring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/volition-qa-staff-lost-in-thq-restructuring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/04/volition-qa-staff-lost-in-thq-restructuring/#comments THQ's wild swings have finally brought the axe down on Red Faction and Saints Row creator Volition, reportedly culling the bulk of the Champaign, IL studio's QA staff out from the developer's ranks. Speaking with Kotaku, a THQ spokesperson confirmed that Volition lost 86 employees in the cut, including 47 temporary workers and 39 full-time staff.

The numbers represent the lion's share of the QA department's 102 employees, with quality assurance duties now "primarily" falling to "THQ's centralized QA facilities, with a small staff remaining on-site in Champaign," according to a THQ statement. The layoffs are part of THQ's larger move to eliminate nearly a quarter of its jobs in an effort to cut costs and keep analyst bankruptcy predictions from coming true.

Update: THQ's Julie MacMedan chimed in this afternoon to clear the air as well as any confusion regarding these layoffs, which according to the corporate communications VP only affected the publisher's QA facility in Champaign, IL and left Volition's "core development teams" untouched.

"This will result in the eventual closure of the facility with a transfer of sixteen employees to Volition," wrote MacMedan in an email statement. "It will not result in any layoffs within the core development teams at Volition. Volition remains a key development studio within THQ and will continue to employ 236 staff."

Confirming earlier information, she added: "The layoffs include 47 temporary employees who will not be having their service extended. Unfortunately, fluctuating headcount among the temporary staff is common based on when our games ship. In addition, 39 full-time staff will be laid off."

In conclusion, and in a refreshing change of pace to these sorts of reductions, MacMedan wrote: "All laid off employees (both full-time and temporary) will be given at least sixty days' notice. We will do what we can to assist them in finding work in the community or elsewhere in THQ."

JoystiqVolition QA staff lost in THQ restructuring [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioneconomyillinoislayoffsMicrosoftqared-factionred-faction-guerrillasaints-rowsaints-row-2saints-row-3SandboxthqvolitionXbox-360Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ closes International branch in Zurich]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/report-thq-closes-international-branch-in-zurich/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/report-thq-closes-international-branch-in-zurich/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/report-thq-closes-international-branch-in-zurich/#comments
THQ's recent effort to eliminate nearly a quarter of its entire workforce has shuttered the studios' International office in Zurich, putting another ten of the company's former staff on the unemployment line, according to GI.biz. Earlier this month THQ announced plans to do away with 600 jobs on its payroll, a number representing a staggering 24 percent of the publisher's global headcount.

The cuts are just the latest to follow in the wake of dismal Q3 earnings and cutbacks at its wireless division in late January. The report suggests that the paint had only begun to dry at the Zurich branch, which had only been open for about a year and was expected to help with THQ's plans for expansion into other unspecified territories. After posting losses of over $191 million, however, the only territory THQ is likely looking to expand into now is profitability.

JoystiqReport: THQ closes International branch in Zurich originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internationallayoffsthqzurichThu, 26 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ eliminating 600 jobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-eliminating-600-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-eliminating-600-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/thq-eliminating-600-jobs/#commentsFiled under:


Beleaguered publisher THQ is giving the axe to 24 percent of its workforce -- about 600 employees -- as part of cost reduction measures. The publisher has not disclosed which divisions or specific studios will be affected by the layoffs, stating only that it "will reduce costs in each functional area."

THQ eliminated 100 jobs at its mobile division offices in San Diego, Germany, and the UK at the end of January. It's currently unclear if these jobs are in addition to the 600 the company announced plans to do away with today.

JoystiqTHQ eliminating 600 jobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsthqWed, 04 Feb 2009 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ mobile shake up leaves 100 staffers without jobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/thq-mobile-shake-up-leaves-100-staffers-without-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/thq-mobile-shake-up-leaves-100-staffers-without-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/thq-mobile-shake-up-leaves-100-staffers-without-jobs/#comments
True to its word, THQ downsized its wireless division. According to THQ's Brian Farrell, the realignment will see the company "focus only on games for high-end handheld devices," sending around a hundred of its mobile phone staff to the unemployment line.

The company stated plans to "restructure" its European wireless subsidiary earlier this week, though Moconews reports that THQ has also shuttered is San Diego mobile studio in addition to its wireless offices in both the UK and Germany. For now, the company's Universomo studio in Finland will be the hub for THQ's wireless efforts, promising that iPhone users will have all the Worms they can handle for the foreseeable future.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqTHQ mobile shake up leaves 100 staffers without jobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-ferrelleuropegermanyiphonelayofflayoffsmobilemobile-phonemobilephonesan-diegothqukwirelessSat, 31 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ: Rumored closure false, Euro wireless subsidiary restructured]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/thq-rumored-closure-false-euro-wireless-subsidiary-restruct/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/thq-rumored-closure-false-euro-wireless-subsidiary-restruct/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/thq-rumored-closure-false-euro-wireless-subsidiary-restruct/#comments Earlier today, a rumor circulated across the interwebs, stating that THQ had closed its doors and laid off* all its employees. The origin of the story seems to be a "source" close to N-Europe. We've already heard of "significant business realignments," as well as one analyst's proclamation that the publisher's franchises were slumping, but just this week it hinted at sequels to de Blob -- so what gives?

As it turns out, this is (probably) much ado about nothing. We've got an official statement from the publisher rebuking the story. Said THQ, "Today, we advised our staff of a restructuring of our wireless subsidiary in Europe. That's all that has happened." N-Europe has also updated a retraction to the story. False alarm, folks, go back to your Spongebob games.

* Feel free to substitute with axed, sacked, made redundant, karate chopped, etc.

JoystiqTHQ: Rumored closure false, Euro wireless subsidiary restructured originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesslayofflayoffsrumorrumorongthqThu, 29 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST