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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ex-thq-president-rubin-discusses-terrible-metro-working-conditio/#comments Former THQ president Jason Rubin has spoken about the struggles Metro: Last Light developer 4A Games went through to get its game to launch. In a post on GamesIndustry International, Rubin extolled the efforts of the Ukrainian studio, citing a relatively meager budget, cramped working conditions, and extreme logistical troubles as major adversities.

According to Rubin, the game's development budget was "less than some of its competitors spend on cut scenes, a mere 10 percent of the budget of its biggest competitors." That budget apparently didn't extend to swanky office equipment, with 4A's staff sat "elbow to elbow" at card tables and on folding chairs. Upon seeing 4A Games in person, Rubin wrote, he wanted to buy them proper office chairs, but the logistics were something else.

"When 4A needed another dev kit, or high-end PC, or whatever," Rubin wrote, "Someone from 4A had to fly to the States and sneak it back to the Ukraine in a backpack lest it be 'seized' at the border by thieving customs officials. After visiting the team I wanted to buy them Aeron office chairs, considered a fundamental human right in the west. There were no outlets in the Ukraine, and our only option was to pack a truck in Poland and try to find an 'expediter' to help bribe its way down to Kiev."

In the end, the offices were too cramped for the wider Aeron chairs anyway.

Continue reading Ex-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions

JoystiqEx-THQ president Rubin discusses cramped Metro working conditions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4a-gamesdeep-silvermetro-2033-last-lightmetro-2034metro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxWed, 15 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft fired another THQ Montreal veteran yesterday, Desilets says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ubisoft-fired-another-thq-montreal-veteran-yesterday-desilets-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ubisoft-fired-another-thq-montreal-veteran-yesterday-desilets-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ubisoft-fired-another-thq-montreal-veteran-yesterday-desilets-s/#commentsUbisoft fired another THQ Montreal veteran yesterday, Desilets says Ubisoft fired original Assassin's Creed creative director Patrice Desilets yesterday, after his rocky transition from Ubisoft, to THQ Montreal and back to Ubisoft. One of his colleagues, Jean-François Boivin, was also fired yesterday, Desilets tweeted. Boivin traveled from Ubisoft to THQ Montreal, before being pulled back in at Ubisoft, just as Desilets did.

"Thinking of my good friend and producer @JFBoivin who also got fired yesterday," Desilets wrote. "I'm sharing your support with him."

Boivin's LinkedIn profile says he joined Ubisoft in 2005 and held a variety of production roles - including production manager for Assassin's Creed and Assassin's Creed 2 with Desilets - until 2011, when he joined THQ Montreal to work on a new IP. Desilets left Ubisoft in 2010 and began work at THQ Montreal after a one-year non-compete agreement. When the agreement was up in 2011, THQ brought over three people from Ubisoft, whom Desilets said he needed.

During the THQ bankruptcy auction in January, Ubisoft bought THQ Montreal, effectively rehiring Boivin and Desilets. There's no word if Boivin's firing was as dramatic as Desilets'.

JoystiqUbisoft fired another THQ Montreal veteran yesterday, Desilets says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firedfiringlayoffspatrice-desiletsTHQthq-bankruptcythq-montrealUbisoftWed, 08 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/double-fine-codemasters-former-president-rubin-more-seeking-p/#comments THQ may be no more, but several parties have filed claims against the defunct video game publisher. The Kurtzman Carson Consultancy group shows Double Fine, Codemasters and even individual former executives Jason Kay and Jason Rubin are seeking financial compensation for unpaid obligations from THQ

Double Fine (PDF link) is looking for $595,000, claiming THQ offered up Stacking and Costume Quest as free PlayStation Plus downloads without Double Fine's knowledge, and that none of the PS Plus revenue was shared. Codemasters (PDF link) is looking for an exact $1,002,714.25, seeking reimbursement for unpaid royalties and storing quantities of Bodycount, Dirt 3 and F1 2011 discs in a warehouse somewhere. Kay (PDF link) and Rubin (PDF link) are seeking $2.1 million each for failed "employment obligations." The two claim unpaid vacation time, sick leave and severance.

THQ's final assets were auctioned off for nearly $7 million earlier this week, including Darksiders, Homeworld and the Drawn to Life series. The results of the first auction were posted in January, facilitating the transfer of ownership for Saints Row 4, Homefront, Company of Heroes 2 and more.

JoystiqDouble Fine, Codemasters, former president Rubin, more seeking payment from THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountclaimcodemasterscostume-questdirt-3double-finef1-2011jason-kayjason-rubinlawsuitstackingthqFri, 26 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nordic Games involved with THQ since January, is talking sequels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/nordic-games-involved-with-thq-since-january-is-talking-sequels/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/nordic-games-involved-with-thq-since-january-is-talking-sequels/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/nordic-games-involved-with-thq-since-january-is-talking-sequels/#comments Nordic Games involved with THQ since January, is talking sequelsNordic Games picked up most of the IPs in THQ's back catalog auction, dishing out $4.9 million for Darksiders, Red Faction, MX vs ATV, Titan Quest and a slew of unannounced games from THQ's long list of for-sale properties. Nordic was a surprise to some, especially next to Gearbox, which picked up the Homeworld franchise, and 505 Games, which snagged Drawn to Life and its sequel. But Nordic isn't new.

"We've been in conversation with THQ since January," Nordic CEO Lars Wingefors told Game Informer. "We signed all the NDAs in January."

Wingefors has been in the gaming industry for 20 years, he said, and has handled "a lot" of THQ products during that time. In November 2011, Nordic acquired publisher JoWood, in charge of Painkiller and Torchlight, and also ended up with Canadian publisher Dreamcatcher, spawning Nordic's publishing focus.

Nordic took part in the first THQ auction as well, which sold off properties such as Saints Row and some development studios for upwards of $20 million. That sale was too rich for Wingefors: "Saints Row went for $22 million and Koch bought that development studio with that burn rate on a daily basis. Even though I do have financial resources, I don't have those kind of resources."

Wingefors didn't want a studio. Nordic is a "middle man" looking for the right team to make some new sequels; there's already been plenty of interest in Darksiders, he said.

"We have to be very honest," Wingefors said. "I am a business man within the games industry. We are not the creative, talented developer that brings out new versions in house. I understand the potential of the IPs. I respect the original creators and the creative people who are able to create sequels. In the past 24 hours, we have been contacted and there have been a few discussions (but I can't confirm names)."

Nordic took home more than 50 former THQ games, but has yet to release the full list.

"As we still have some open points with regards to a couple of titles we will not publish a comprehensive list at this stage," a Nordic Games representative told Joystiq yesterday. "However, once everything is fixed and the ink is dry - around mid-May - we will go out with a comprehensive list of titles which we have acquired in the process."

Nordic will hold talks this summer with different developers, during E3 especially. Don't expect any sequels too soon, though.

"You won't see a new Darksiders this year," Wingefors said. "I don't believe in bringing out a shitty sequel."

JoystiqNordic Games involved with THQ since January, is talking sequels originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsauctionDarksidersmacmicrosoftmobilemx-vs-atvnintendonordic-gamespcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Red-FactionTHQthq-bankruptcytitan-questvitawii-uxboxTue, 23 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/thq-auction-darksiders-red-faction-homeworld/#comments THQ auction results Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction 505 Games is Drawn to Life
The THQ back catalog auction results are in, with Nordic Games riding away with the intellectual property (IP) rights to Darksiders, Red Faction and MX vs. ATV for $4.9 million. The company picked up nearly all the assets in the auction, including Titan Quest, Supreme Commander, Frontlines, Stuntman, Juiced, Full Spectrum Warrior, Destroy All Humans and much more.

"First and foremost we are very happy about this deal which also turns over a new leaf for the entire Nordic Games Group. In the long term, we either want to cooperate with the original creators or best possible developers in order to work on sequels or additional content for these titles," said Nordic Games CEO Lars Wingefors. "A very important point for us is not to dash into several self-financed multi-million dollar projects right away, but rather to continue our in-depth analysis of all titles and carefully selecting different financing models for developing new instalments of acquired IPs."

The other reveal is 505 Games grabbed the rights to Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for $300K.

The news follows this afternoon's unexpected acquisition of the Homeworld franchise by Gearbox Software. We now know the price tag for Gearbox to re-release the original games on digital distribution networks and take a swing at its own spin on the real-time strategy franchise was $1.35 million.

We've listed the winning bids in greater detail after the break.

Continue reading THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life

JoystiqTHQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesDarksidersdarksiders-2Destroy-All-HumansHomeworldmicrosoftnordic-gamesnordic-games-licensing-abpcplaystationps3red-factionSupreme-Commanderthqthq-bankruptcyxboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Homeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/homeworld-gearbox-ip-purchase/#comments Homeworld IP purchased by GearboxGearbox Software, best known for the Borderlands series, has purchased the rights to the Homeworld intellectual property during the recent THQ back catalog auction round.

Gearbox Chief Creative Officer Brian Martel has "great love and respect for Relic's brilliant, fun and innovative game and personally spearheaded the acquisition," according to a studio statement.

The company's subspace communication continues: "Brian intends as first priority to direct Gearbox's interest to preserve and assemble the purest form of the original acclaimed and beloved games, Homeworld and Homeworld 2, with the intent of making them accessible on today's leading digital platforms."

The Homeworld series was originally developed by Relic Entertainment, which was purchased by Sega during a previous round of the THQ bankruptcy auctions.

It is unclear at this time if Sega bid on Homeworld. We do know that Galactic Civilization developer and Sins of a Solar Empire publisher Stardock was in the running. CEO Brad Wardell tweeted us, "I'm surprised. I was wondering who had outbid us. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it. As long as I get [Homeworld 3]!"

JoystiqHomeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgearbox-softwarepcRelicRelic-Entertainmentthqthq-bankruptcyMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ owed WWE $7.6 million, disclosure statement reveals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/thq-owed-wwe-7-6-million-disclosure-statement-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/thq-owed-wwe-7-6-million-disclosure-statement-reveals/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/thq-owed-wwe-7-6-million-disclosure-statement-reveals/#comments A recent disclosure statement filed by THQ revealed details of the terms the publisher came to with the WWE and series developer Yuke's when the publisher folded. At the time of THQ's bankruptcy filing in December 2012, it owed approximately $7.6 million to WWE for marketing and royalties expenses, as well as $15 million to $20 million to Yuke's.

According to the statement, THQ, WWE and Yuke's all signed termination agreements on February 12, 2013 that relieved THQ of responsibility in paying WWE and Yuke's of those claims. THQ agreed to pay WWE royalties for sales of WWE games during its Chapter 11 case, and will also pay Yuke's $250,000 in settlement for royalties from sales during the time of its bankruptcy filing.

As a result, WWE and Yuke's terminated existing contracts with THQ in order to pursue a publishing agreement for future WWE games with Take-Two. Damage claims against THQ that were eliminated as a result of the termination agreement "may have exceeded $60 million," according to the document.

JoystiqTHQ owed WWE $7.6 million, disclosure statement reveals originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>licensingterminationTHQthq-bankruptcyWWEwwe-14wwe-2k14YukesSat, 20 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Crowdfunders fail to win Homeworld IP in THQ auction, issue refunds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/crowdfunders-fail-to-win-homeworld-ip-in-thq-auction-issue-refu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/crowdfunders-fail-to-win-homeworld-ip-in-thq-auction-issue-refu/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/crowdfunders-fail-to-win-homeworld-ip-in-thq-auction-issue-refu/#comments Crowdfunders fail to buy Homeworld IP from THQ, refund bidding moneyWhen THQ went bankrupt and saw several of its IPs heading to the auction block, indie developer teamPixel began crowdfunding bidding money to win the Homeworld property for use in its upcoming space RTS game. Even after garnering $58,644 through a successful Kickstarter campaign and $13,675 on Indiegogo, teamPixel recently announced that it failed to win the Homeworld IP during the auction process.

"We hope you will join us in supporting Homeworld's new owners in building a future for the franchise," the developer said in a Kickstarter update. "We anticipate an announcement of the new owner to be made within a couple weeks and for the sale to be finalized around mid-May."

Well into development on its own Homeworld-inspired strategy game, teamPixel will refund all money earned during its crowdfunding efforts while also offering donors a "special credit" in the game. The developer's "Save Homeworld" site has since transformed to a landing page for tracking donor refunds.

The final THQ auction is expected to earn $6 million to $7 million. First details of the bidding results are expected to be revealed Monday.

JoystiqCrowdfunders fail to win Homeworld IP in THQ auction, issue refunds originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbiddingcrowdfundingHomeworldIndieGoGoiosipadiphonekickstartermobilerefundteampixelTHQSat, 20 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final THQ auction raised $6-7 million, details expected Monday afternoon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/final-thq-auction-raised-6-7-million-details-expected-monday-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/final-thq-auction-raised-6-7-million-details-expected-monday-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/final-thq-auction-raised-6-7-million-details-expected-monday-a/#comments
A recent disclosure statement on defunct publisher THQ notes the back catalog auction round for the company's intellectual properties (IP) received 17 final bids and is expected to generate $6 million to $7 million.

"The final news will be out Monday afternoon," a person with knowledge of the proceedings informs Joystiq.

This final auction, which included the IP rights for franchises Darksiders, Red Faction and Homeworld, began on April 1 and ended on April 15. The disclosure document notes the plan is to present the sales to the bankruptcy court for approval in May and close the sales by the end of the month.

A prior auction saw the purchase of franchises Saints Row, Company of Heroes and Metro.

JoystiqFinal THQ auction raised $6-7 million, details expected Monday afternoon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>thqthq-bankruptcyFri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek declares intent to acquire Darksiders IP in April's THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/crytek-declares-intent-to-acquire-darksiders-ip-in-aprils-thq-a/#comments Crytek USA Corp. CEO David Adams revealed his company will bid on the Darksiders IP when it's auctioned next month. Posting on Twitter, Adams said the property "belongs at home with its creators," referring to himself and the other 35 ex-Vigil employees at the recently-formed Crytek USA studio. Darksiders creator Vigil was shuttered by now defunct publisher THQ.

Ryan Stefanelli, Crytek USA principal designer and Vigil co-founder, furthered Adams' comments. Talking to Destructoid, Stefanelli said, "When the Darksiders IP goes up for auction, Crytek will be bidding for it. Not much more to say since the rest is left up to courts and legal shenanigans, but we're all excited at the prospect."

The IP, which comprises the two Darksiders games, goes up for sale on April 1 in THQ's back catalog auction, with bidding ending on April 15. Other properties in the impending auction include Homeworld and Red Faction.

JoystiqCrytek declares intent to acquire Darksiders IP in April's THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-usadarksidersdarksiders-2thqvigil-gamesFri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2 disappearing from Wii U eShop in Europe March 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/darksiders-2-disappearing-from-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/darksiders-2-disappearing-from-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/darksiders-2-disappearing-from-wii-u-eshop-in-europe-march-31/#comments Darksiders 2 disappearing from Wii U eShop in Europe March 31For reasons currently unknown, Darksiders 2 will be removed from Europe's Wii U eShop on March 31. A message displayed on the shop notes that it will be available for re-download only for those who have purchased the game, and otherwise unavailable digitally. We suspect the reason has something to do with the implosion of publisher THQ.

We've checked in with both Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe for more information - Europe for specific reasoning, and America to see if Darksiders 2's eShop life is nearing its expiration date here as well.

JoystiqDarksiders 2 disappearing from Wii U eShop in Europe March 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2eshopnintendoremovalthqwii-uThu, 28 Mar 2013 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes 2 deploys June 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/company-of-heroes-2-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/company-of-heroes-2-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/company-of-heroes-2-release-date/#comments Company of Heroes 2 calls for smart, aggressive decisionmakersSega has just announced that Company of Heroes 2 will march to retail on June 25 in North America and Europe.

Company of Heroes and developer Relic Entertainment were the most expensive properties in the THQ asset auction earlier this year, going for $26.6 million. The studio and franchise almost ended up in the hands of Zenimax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks (Fallout, Elder Scrolls), for $26.3 million.

"Our acquisition by Sega has given us the chance to work with a new partner that has a great track record of working with long standing PC franchises," said Company of Heroes 2 executive producer Jonathan Dowdeswell. "It gives us great confidence to know that we have a well aligned team working to bring the best experience we can to gamers around the world."

Sega is one of the few publishers supporting high-quality real-time strategy games in the market. The publisher is also responsible for the Total War franchise.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (3/6/13)

Continue reading Company of Heroes 2 deploys June 25

JoystiqCompany of Heroes 2 deploys June 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>company-of-heroes-2pcrelease-dateRelic-EntertainmentsegathqWed, 06 Mar 2013 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine trying to get Costume Quest, Stacking IP back from THQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/double-fine-trying-to-get-costume-quest-stacking-ip-back-from-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/double-fine-trying-to-get-costume-quest-stacking-ip-back-from-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/double-fine-trying-to-get-costume-quest-stacking-ip-back-from-t/#comments Double Fine has self-published Costume Quest and Stacking on PC, but THQ still holds some of the rights to those games as publisher of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. Those games are among the properties being sold off in THQ's latest auction - however, they're being sold as a bundle with dozens of other properties. Officially, they can't be sold outside of the lot, but Double Fine is hopeful.

"THQ retained limited distribution rights that we bid on during the previous process to reclaim them prior to their expiration," Justin Bailey, VP of business development, told Polygon. "We are optimistic about regaining these distribution rights, as this process has already demonstrated that when there are parties interested in specific assets, those assets are worth more when sold separately." Double Fine has yet to hear back from THQ about any potential deals.

JoystiqDouble Fine trying to get Costume Quest, Stacking IP back from THQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncostume-questdouble-finemicrosoftpcplaystationps3stackingthqxboxThu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexuiz servers shut down on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/nexuiz-servers-shut-down-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/nexuiz-servers-shut-down-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/nexuiz-servers-shut-down-on-xbox-360/#comments The aftershock of THQ's dissolution continues, as servers for the Xbox 360 version of Nexuiz have been shut down. Developer Illfonic announced the news on its Facebook page, noting that the servers were being run by THQ and "cannot be maintained anymore." The PC servers, however, will remain online courtesy of Illfonic itself.

Nexuiz is currently slated to be sold off in an upcoming auction of more THQ properties this April, alongside the likes of Darksiders, Homeworld and Red Faction.

JoystiqNexuiz servers shut down on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>illfonicmicrosoftnexuizthqxboxxbox-liveWed, 27 Feb 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders, Homeworld, Red Faction and other IPs next on THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/darksiders-homeworld-red-faction-and-other-ips-next-on-thq-auc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/darksiders-homeworld-red-faction-and-other-ips-next-on-thq-auc/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/darksiders-homeworld-red-faction-and-other-ips-next-on-thq-auc/#comments THQ has announced that it will be auctioning off the intellectual property rights for a large portion of its back catalogue, including Darksiders, Red Faction and Homeworld. The full list of properties up for sale, broken into six lots and posted in full after the break, also includes games like Destroy All Humans! and numerous licensed products.

Once interested bidders have gone through the proper channels, initial bids must be submitted by April 1, 2013, with final bids due on April 15. Once all bids have been submitted, THQ will talk the situation over with the various entities it owes money to and will then designate a primary and back-up bid for each lot. Once all that has been completed, the sales will be presented to the court for final approval, expected to take place in May.

Continue reading Darksiders, Homeworld, Red Faction and other IPs next on THQ auction

JoystiqDarksiders, Homeworld, Red Faction and other IPs next on THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbankruptcyDarksidersDestroy-All-HumansHomeworldRed-FactionTHQTue, 26 Feb 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE '14 coming in fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/take-two-officially-takes-over-wwe-license-wwe-2k14-coming-in-f/#comments We knew this was coming last week, but now it's official: Take-Two is now the holder of the WWE license. The first game to come from the new WWE publisher is due this fall, titled WWE '14 - in line with 2K Sports' branding of sports games. [Update: The original ESPN source cited a name change, but Take-Two's press release confirms the new game will be called WWE '14.]

Take-Two struck a five-year deal with WWE, WWE executive vice president of consumer products Casey Collins confirmed to ESPN. The previous WWE license holder was THQ, who has been pumping out wrasslin' games since 1999. THQ has since become no more, forced to sell off all its assets to the highest bidder - but before that silent auction, THQ and WWE got together to hold private bidding for the license. According to Collins, Take-Two was the right fit, a publisher he sees as "a leader going forward on these next-gen systems."

Not only that, but Take-Two's success with the NBA 2K series also spurred interest, Collins said. "The work they do, and the quality of the games they put out and how they've been able to grow their franchise with not only the simulation aspect of the game, but also the entertainment aspect, we thought they'd be a perfect partner."

WWE '14 will launch this fall, a joint collaboration between 2K Sports studio Visual Concepts and longtime WWE series developer Yukes, located in Japan. As part of this five-year deal, Take-Two has also hired on some designers from THQ to work with Visual Concepts. "What we're going to do moving forward is meld Yukes with the team at Visual Concepts, so we can have the best of both worlds," Collins said. "Having Yukes' experience and then getting the Visual Concepts guys on board with them, we think this is going to be a dynamic duo."

Collins confirmed that folks from THQ's "Fight Team" were being hired at Take-Two to help Visual Concepts with the transition. "The THQ Fight Team is also being brought over, and they'll report directly to Visual Concepts. Their experience in the marketing, their experience in the development, their experience with our franchise for years ... we thought that it was very valuable to keep that continuity."

[Note: Image taken from WWE '13, but you probably knew that because it says WWE '13 right on the image.

JoystiqTake-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE '14 coming in fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-sportscasey-collinstake-twothqvisual-conceptsworld-wrestling-entertainmentwwewwe-2k14yukesWed, 20 Feb 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two to publish WWE games pending court approval]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/take-two-to-publish-wwe-games-pending-court-approval/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/take-two-to-publish-wwe-games-pending-court-approval/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/take-two-to-publish-wwe-games-pending-court-approval/#comments WWE 13 review Gimme a hell yeahTake-Two Interactive is set to enter a publishing deal for WWE games, confirming a previous report. IGN obtained a quote from the parent company of 2K Games, 2K Sports and Rockstar that it expects to take over the license previously held by defunct publisher THQ.

"At this time, the agreement is pending court approval and we anticipate that it will be finalized shortly," a company representative told IGN. "We are very excited about the potential of this agreement and will have more to share at the appropriate time."

Take-Two plans to keep developer Yukes on to helm the franchise. The exact financial terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed. WWE isn't the only thing Take-Two picked up from the collapse of THQ, spending $10.9 million on Turtle Rock's still secret Evolve during the asset auction last month.

JoystiqTake-Two to publish WWE games pending court approval originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Sportsmicrosoftplaystationps3Take-Two-InteractiveTHQWWEwwe-13xboxyukesThu, 14 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/company-of-heroes-movie-will-arrive-on-dvd-blu-ray-feb-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/company-of-heroes-movie-will-arrive-on-dvd-blu-ray-feb-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/company-of-heroes-movie-will-arrive-on-dvd-blu-ray-feb-26/#comments Company of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Bluray February 26THQ may have had its last stand, but the Company of Heroes movie is apparently still a go, as we've gotten word that it's still coming to DVD and Blu-ray on February 26. The full-length film, based on Relic Entertainment's critically acclaimed real-time strategy series (now owned by Sega), stars Tom Sizemore, Vinnie Jones, and Neal McDonough. It follows a band of soldiers trying to stop Nazi Germany from creating an atomic weapon during the Battle of the Bulge.

Will it be any good? We don't know yet. But if you want to honor the old THQ brotherhood (and get a nice taste of the setting before Company of Heroes 2 comes out), you can grab a copy of by the end of the month.

JoystiqCompany of Heroes movie will arrive on DVD, Blu-ray Feb. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raycompany-of-heroescompany-of-heroes-2dvdmicrosoftmoviepcplaystationps3releaserelicrelic-entertainmentsegathqtom-sizemorevinnie-jonesxboxThu, 14 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Multiplayer shooter Nexuiz tied up in the future of THQ Partners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/nexuiz-tied-up-in-the-future-of-thq-partners/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/nexuiz-tied-up-in-the-future-of-thq-partners/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/nexuiz-tied-up-in-the-future-of-thq-partners/#comments Nexuiz in limbo following THQ dissolutionNexuiz, an arena-based product of Illfonic and THQ Partners, is in limbo following THQ's bankruptcy and assets sale, during which the Partners brand was not sold.

"Our deal with THQ was basically a licensing deal through THQ Partners, so we do have a period of time [in which] THQ has the rights to be the exclusive publisher," Illfonic president Chuck Brungardt tells Polygon. "Now with them folding we are still trying to figure out what this means and awaiting details from our contacts handling the transitions at THQ."

Brungardt says it will probably take another month to figure out the future of Nexuiz and the remaining THQ assets. Nexuiz is lumped in with THQ Partners, the Darksiders franchise, Vigil Games and other back catalog properties that former THQ president Jason Rubin said will be sold off in a separate process.

JoystiqMultiplayer shooter Nexuiz tied up in the future of THQ Partners originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>illfonicmicrosoftnexuizpcplaystationps3THQthq-bankruptcythq-partnersxboxWed, 13 Feb 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ formally drops Farrell, Rubin, executive staff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/thq-formally-drops-farrell-rubin-executive-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/thq-formally-drops-farrell-rubin-executive-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/thq-formally-drops-farrell-rubin-executive-staff/#comments THQ's storybook is down to the final pages, following the rising action of its dropping stock, and the climax of its bankruptcy at the end of 2012 and asset sale in January. Now for the falling action: THQ formally terminated CEO Brian Farrell, President Jason Rubin and Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kay on January 30, made public in an 8-K form filed today.

Earlier in February, Rubin said that THQ's failure was its own fault, and it boiled down to missteps with franchises such as uDraw, the Warhammer 40K MMO and Homefront. "THQ had every chance to survive, had it not made massive mistakes," he said.

THQ's epilogue is up next, wherein we find out what all these new companies will do with its former properties.

JoystiqTHQ formally drops Farrell, Rubin, executive staff originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brian-Farrellfiredjason-kayjason-rubinTHQthq-bankruptcyTue, 05 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek USA was the result of a single meeting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/crytek-usa-was-the-result-of-a-single-meeting/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/crytek-usa-was-the-result-of-a-single-meeting/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/crytek-usa-was-the-result-of-a-single-meeting/#comments The formation of Crytek USA was a whirlwind affair, reports GamesBeat, with the fledgling company founded on the basis of a single meeting. On Friday, January 25, the day that Vigil Games was officially shuttered, studio head David Adams was told that Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli was flying in from Germany. "He came out the next day," said Adams told. "We met, and the day after we were pulling a new studio together called Crytek USA." Yerli had spoken with Adams during the final days of THQ. Crytek had considered bidding on Vigil during the auction of THQ assets, but Yerli said there were "too many unknowns."

He had been impressed by Adams, however, and Crytek had already decided its US operation would be based in Austin, Texas, Vigil's home turf. Yerli flew out to meet with Adams on a Saturday, the day after Vigil shut down. They held a meeting with the former Vigil staff the next day, and it was the team's solidarity under Adams that sealed the deal for Yerli. "When they all showed up and expressed that they really wanted to work together - that team integrity and the fact that they really didn't want to split up was enough for me to say this goes beyond an interview."

Yerli didn't read a single resume or conduct any formal interviews, even for Adams. The team's commitment, and the quality of the Darksiders series, was enough. And that Monday, three days after Vigil closed down forever, Crytek USA was born.

JoystiqCrytek USA was the result of a single meeting originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekcrytek-usathqTue, 05 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rubin: THQ could have survived, but made 'massive mistakes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/rubin-thq-could-have-survived-but-made-massive-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/rubin-thq-could-have-survived-but-made-massive-mistakes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/rubin-thq-could-have-survived-but-made-massive-mistakes/#comments We know pretty much all there is to know about the dissolution of THQ, how its valuable studios and properties were sold off, while others were left to fend for themselves. We're pretty well versed on why it all happened. Now, former THQ president Jason Rubin has given MCV his opinion on why the publisher went south.

Rubin refuted the notion that THQ was simply a victim of a changing industry, that it was unable to keep up with bigger publishers. "THQ had every chance to survive," he said, "had it not made massive mistakes." Said mistakes - things like bungling uDraw, the Warhammer 40K MMO and Homefront - didn't happen on Rubin's watch, however, as he was only appointed in May of 2012. Ultimately, there was "too much negative hanging on [THQ's] books," he said.

THQ's failure didn't boil down to bad luck either. "Could Homefront have caught a nerve and sold 10m copies? It's possible I guess, but probably not without better production," he said, adding that luck certainly wasn't a factor in THQ's decision to cancel Warhammer 40K: Dark Millennium Online. "That was simply a bad decision in a sea of bad decisions."

JoystiqRubin: THQ could have survived, but made 'massive mistakes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homefrontjason-rubinthqudrawwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineFri, 01 Feb 2013 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Crytek on Homefront 2 purchase from THQ: It's 'beneficial for us to have control']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/crytek-on-homefront-2-purchase-from-thq-its-beneficial-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/crytek-on-homefront-2-purchase-from-thq-its-beneficial-for-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/crytek-on-homefront-2-purchase-from-thq-its-beneficial-for-us/#comments Crytek spent over half a million bucks to make sure the Homefront IP stuck around after the collapse of THQ and now has the potential to do anything with it - a position Crytek general manager of games Nick Button-Brown says will allow developer Crytek UK to finish its work for the sequel to Kaos Studios' 2011 game.

"The worst case scenario for us was that this situation meant that all that work just ended up being thrown into the bin, so we wanted to buy the IP to make sure the team can finish off the game they wish to make," Button-Brown said. He added that "it's now beneficial for us to have control over the IP's destiny," noting earlier in the VG 24/7 interview that current Homefront 2 progress is "great" and that the "last milestone was excellent."

Button-Brown also noted that such control would allow the developer to "be a little more open" about the game's development "than if we were working with a publisher," yet he would not comment on how this acquisition changes potential launch timing for Homefront 2. Previously, THQ pegged Homefront 2 for launch during the company's fiscal 2014, ranging between April 2013 and March 2014 - Button-Brown dodged the question on current launch timing, replying that Crytek "might change the release date that we haven't announced, and move this to another release date we won't announce yet either."

JoystiqCrytek on Homefront 2 purchase from THQ: It's 'beneficial for us to have control' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crytekhomefronthomefront-2microsoftpcplaystationps3thqxboxMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft mum on THQ Montreal plans, 'looking forward' to working with Patrice Desilets]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/ubisoft-mum-on-thq-montreal-plans-looking-forward-to-working/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/ubisoft-mum-on-thq-montreal-plans-looking-forward-to-working/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/ubisoft-mum-on-thq-montreal-plans-looking-forward-to-working/#comments The dust is beginning to settle after the pieces of THQ were sold off one-by-one last week. Among those pieces is THQ Montreal, which was acquired by Ubisoft. CEO of Ubisoft Montreal and head of Ubisoft Canada, Yannis Mallat, spoke to the Financial Post about the publisher's plans for the studio. First of all, regarding the two IPs acquired in the sale, 1666 and Underdog, Mallat didn't offer concrete details, saying that both are still unannounced projects and "we don't talk about that." For now, Ubisoft is conducting a "thorough analysis" of the studio in order to decide what to do with it going forward.

Mallat said that Ubisoft plans to keep the existing studio space, as well as the "possibility" for existing employees to stay with the studio. When asked explicitly whether any staff would be let go, Mallat said only "we had and we still have very ambitious plans in terms of growth even before this acquisition," adding that Ubisoft is "thrilled" to be working with the studio on future projects.

Of course, one of the most interesting notes of the sale is that THQ Montreal's creative director is none other than Patrice Desilets, who previously served as creative director on both Assassin's Creed and its fantastically received follow-up, Assassin's Creed 2 (pictured). Desilets left Ubisoft in 2010, later signing on with THQ in 2011. "I've known Patrice for 13 years and I know him very well, he's a great talent and I respect him as a creator," said Mallat, though he did not directly confirm whether Desilets will remain with the studio. Mallat did note, however, that the team is "very happy to look forward to working with him again" and that there are "definitely" plans to discuss Desilets' return to Ubisoft.

JoystiqUbisoft mum on THQ Montreal plans, 'looking forward' to working with Patrice Desilets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1666patrice-desiletsthqthq-montrealubisoftunderdogyannis-mallatMon, 28 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie company teamPixel crowdfunds to buy THQ's Homeworld IP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/indie-company-teampixel-crowdfunds-to-buy-thqs-homeworld-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/indie-company-teampixel-crowdfunds-to-buy-thqs-homeworld-ip/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/indie-company-teampixel-crowdfunds-to-buy-thqs-homeworld-ip/#comments
With a separate process slated to happen in the coming weeks that would see THQ's back catalog landing in the hands of bidders, indie studio teamPixel took to Indiegogo to crowdsource the funds to bid on one of the forlorn properties: Homeworld. The team's goal is to bring Homeworld to GoG and Steam, launch a mobile version of the spacefaring RTS called Homeworld Touch and develop Homeworld 3. To be clear, teamPixel already began work on its own space RTS that is inspired by the Homeworld brand, so Homeworld Touch would become an "official version" of sorts, should the company manage to buy the IP.

The studio's lofty aspirations start with a significant crowd-funding goal: teamPixel hopes to raise $50,000 by Thursday, February 7 in order to acquire the property. Former Homeworld developer Relic were purchased by Sega during THQ's auction process. Relic teased the development of Homeworld 3 in November 2008, though nothing came to fruition.

JoystiqIndie company teamPixel crowdfunds to buy THQ's Homeworld IP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcrowdfundingHomeworldhomeworld-3homeworld-touchIndieGoGoiosipadiphonemobilepcRelicteampixelTHQSun, 27 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ memo asks employees to pack up today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/thq-memo-asks-employees-to-pack-up-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/thq-memo-asks-employees-to-pack-up-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/thq-memo-asks-employees-to-pack-up-today/#comments Employees of THQ's corporate HQ and Vigil studio will conclude working for the bankrupt publisher today. In a memo obtained by IGN, employees received a "frequently asked questions" memo regarding the end of their employment.

The memo notes employees should remove all personal items by the end of the day, as access to the building will be shut off today. Employees will be paid through today, have health insurance until January 31, with severance and leftover vacation day pay yet to be determined. All stock is worthless.

An auction was held this week to sell off most of THQ's assets, with the publisher's intellectual property and some studios picked up by other companies. Another auction is planned to handle whatever's left over.

JoystiqTHQ memo asks employees to pack up today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsthqthq-bankruptcyFri, 25 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rubin: Vigil's new IP meant 'even more risk' for potential buyers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/rubin-vigils-new-ip-meant-even-more-risk-for-potential-buyer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/rubin-vigils-new-ip-meant-even-more-risk-for-potential-buyer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/rubin-vigils-new-ip-meant-even-more-risk-for-potential-buyer/#comments Despite many of its major brands and studios being snatched up during this week's auction, several of THQ's intellectual properties remain unclaimed, their respective studios dissolving as a result. Among those unclaimed properties is the Darksiders franchise, which failed to garner any bids during the auction proceedings.

"Having just finished a product, Vigil was farthest from release of their next game," THQ president Jason Rubin told Game Informer. "We were not able to garner any interest from buyers, despite a herculean effort. Additionally, they were working on a new IP, which meant even more risk for a buyer."

Vigil's new IP, codenamed Crawler, was a show-stopper by all internal accounts: "When the teams got together recently to show each other their titles, Crawler dropped the most jaws," Rubin said. "It is a fantastic idea, and truly unique. The fact that nobody bid for the team and title is a travesty. It makes no sense to me."

Darksiders will be sold (along with THQ's other remaining properties) in the coming weeks, though what that process entails remains unknown.

JoystiqRubin: Vigil's new IP meant 'even more risk' for potential buyers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncodename-crawlercrawlerdarksiders-2jason-rubinTHQthq-auctionVigilThu, 24 Jan 2013 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Important member of THQ family says goodbye (Rubin also pictured)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/important-member-of-thq-family-says-goodbye-rubin-also-pictured/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/important-member-of-thq-family-says-goodbye-rubin-also-pictured/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/important-member-of-thq-family-says-goodbye-rubin-also-pictured/#comments Important member of THQ family says goodbye Rubin is in the picture tooHe came.
He saw it sold off in pieces.
He exited through the gift shop.

"Not leaving @THQ without my personal effects. For the record, still #notembarrased," former THQ president Jason Rubin tweeted, flashing a memorable promo item from Saints Row: The Third.

JoystiqImportant member of THQ family says goodbye (Rubin also pictured) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jason-Rubinsaints-row-the-thirdthqThu, 24 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ 'back catalog' to be sold off in 'separate process']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/thq-back-catalog-to-be-sold-off-in-separate-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/thq-back-catalog-to-be-sold-off-in-separate-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/thq-back-catalog-to-be-sold-off-in-separate-process/#comments THQ sold off much of its intellectual property, and existing catalog, yesterday in an auction. But what about all the THQ IP that wasn't included, like Darksiders and (why not) uDraw? THQ president Jason Rubin told Game Informer that other sales of legacy holdings will be forthcoming.

"There will be a separate process to sell off the back catalog and IP," Rubin said. "That process will take place in the coming weeks." Rubin did not say what form the "process" would take, whether it will involve private individual deals or further auctioning.

JoystiqTHQ 'back catalog' to be sold off in 'separate process' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionjason-rubinthqthq-bankruptcyThu, 24 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Court approves THQ asset sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/court-approves-thq-asset-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/court-approves-thq-asset-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/court-approves-thq-asset-sales/#comments The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has approved the sale of THQ's assets to Ubisoft, Sega, and other companies, THQ announced this morning. The sales are all expected to close today. THQ totals the proceeds from the sale at $72 million, making a total of $100 million when added to the company's estimate of its remaining assets.

In a statement issued by THQ (sure to be one of the last), CEO Brian Farrell said "While we had hoped that the restructuring process would allow the company to remain intact, I am heartened that the majority of our studios and games will continue under new ownership."

New president Jason Rubin echoed the sentiment. "I was brought in eight months ago to help turn this ship around," Rubin said, "and while I'm disappointed that we could not effect a sale for the entire operating business, I am pleased that the new buyers will be providing jobs to many of our very talented personnel. When we first announced the sale process, I said I would be happy if the company's games and people had a bright future, even if it meant I did not have a job at the end of it. And I still feel that way."

Continue reading Court approves THQ asset sales

JoystiqCourt approves THQ asset sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcythqthq-bankruptcyus-bankruptcy-courtThu, 24 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ's WWE license going to Take-Two]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/report-thqs-wwe-license-going-to-take-two/#comments While most of THQ's coffers have already been cleaned out, there's been no official word on any party making a move on the WWE license. An IGN source suggests Take-Two will take over the WWE line of games.

The negotiations for the WWE license apparently took place outside of the formal THQ auction, IGN notes. According to documents obtained by Joystiq, Take-Two has already spent $10.9 million snagging Turtle Rock's Evolve from THQ.

JoystiqReport: THQ's WWE license going to Take-Two originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2kmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3reporttake-twotake-two-interactivethqthq-bankruptcywiiworld-wrestling-entertainmentwwewwe-13xboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbye]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/vigil-games-lead-combat-designer-stands-up-says-goodbye/#comments Vigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbyeVigil Games Lead Combat Designer Ben Cureton and the rest of the Vigil staff cleaned out the office today, after Vigil was left untouched at THQ's auction. Vigil was shuttered, and as per THQ's letter to employees, everyone working there was laid off. In a post on NeoGAF, Cureton compared the scene in the office to a silent warzone.

"The walls look bare," he wrote. "It's quiet. The seats are empty."

Vigil Games, the studio behind Darksiders 2, was working on something called Crawler, a project we first heard about in THQ's December bankruptcy filing. After two months working on Crawler, Cureton was convinced that it would blow people's minds.

"I knew, without a shadow of the doubt, that the project we were working on (Codenamed: Crawler) was going to blow people away. In fact, it did blow people away. We did, in two months, what many companies haven't done in a year. The pride of knowing that no one was doing anything like us was so satisfying, it kept us coming to work and giving 100 percent every single day, even through the dark times."

Today was one of those dark times. Cureton was taken aback when he didn't find Vigil's name on the list of purchased properties.

"Maybe you can imagine what it feels like when you read the list of who bought what only to discover your name is not on the list," he said. "Why? Did we do something wrong? Were we not good enough? Were we not worth 'anything?' Imagine that."

In the end, Cureton thanked fans of the Darksiders series and promised to continue making games, having already worked in the industry 20 years.

"In closing, I can only say thank you to the fans of Vigil games," Cureton said. "Your support means more than you can imagine. Your feedback (both positive and negative) gave us long-lasting insight that we will all take with us, wherever we may go. You are the reason we made Darksiders 1 and 2... and you are the reason we will continue to make games.

"And with that... my seat is empty."

JoystiqVigil Games Lead Combat Designer stands up, says goodbye originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureDarksidersdarksiders-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3shut-downshutteredTHQvigil-gameswii-uxboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Deep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/deep-silver-confirms-acquisition-of-saints-row-metro-and-voliti/#comments Koch Media/Deep Silver officially announced today it has secured the intellectual property rights for two THQ franchises: Saints Row and Metro. It has also obtained Volition, the Chicago-based development studio responsible for Saints Row.

"These franchises hold a special place in the hearts and minds of anyone who loves exceptional video games," said Deep Silver COO Geoff Mulligan. "We're thrilled to usher in a new era for these franchises and are proud to welcome the visionaries and talented forces at Volition on board."

Although Deep Silver doesn't mention the cost of these acquisitions, the Saints Row IP and Volition Studio sold for $22.3 million, according to documents obtained by Joystiq, while the rights to Metro 2033 and upcoming sequel Metro: Last Light sold for $5.9 million. Deep Silver will elaborate upon future plans for each franchise in the coming months.

Continue reading Deep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition

JoystiqDeep Silver confirms acquisition of Saints Row, Metro and Volition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverKoch-mediametro-last-lightmicrosoftpcplaystationps3saints-rowsaints-row-4saints-row-the-thirdthqxboxWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New THQ Montreal game in auction filing: Underdog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-thq-montreal-game-in-auction-filing-underdog/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-thq-montreal-game-in-auction-filing-underdog/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-thq-montreal-game-in-auction-filing-underdog/#comments The results from THQ's auction reveal not only how much its studios and IPs were worth to other companies, but also an unannounced game: THQ Montreal's Underdog.

Ubisoft placed the only bid for THQ Montreal, snagging the studio, Underdog and 1666 for $2.5 million. The filing doesn't list any details about either game, though 1666 has shown up in previous THQ bankruptcy documents.

The auction results reaffirm the existence of Evolve (aka Metamorphosis), a co-op multiplayer action game from Turtle Rock Studios, and reveal that it runs on Crytek's CryEngine 3.

See the entire roundup of bids for former THQ studios and IPs in our THQ winners and losers post.

JoystiqNew THQ Montreal game in auction filing: Underdog originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>THQthq-bankruptcythq-montrealUbisoftunderdogWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ bid winners, prices and runners-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-bid-winners-prices-and-runners-up/#comments Joystiq has obtained details on the winning auction bids for the various THQ intellectual properties and licenses made available during the company's bankruptcy auction. We've listed the winning bids and runners up below.

To clarify, we've noted whether the asset is a studio, intellectual property (IP) or license.

Relic (studio) and Company of Heroes (IP)
Winning bid: $26.6 million - Sega Corporation
Backup bidder: $26.3 million - Zenimax Media

THQ Montreal (studio), with 1666 (IP) and Underdog (IP)
Winning bid: $2.5 million - Ubisoft
Backup bidder: N/A

Continue reading THQ bid winners, prices and runners-up

JoystiqTHQ bid winners, prices and runners-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deep-silverkoch-mediatake-twothqthq-bankruptcyubisoftvolitionWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: THQ assets divided]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/thq-assets-divided/#comments The THQ auction has resulted in the company's assets being distributed among several publishers.
  • Developer Volition and the Saints Row franchise, along with the Metro license, have been purchased by Dead Island publisher Deep Silver.
  • Relic Games (Warhammer 40K, Company of Heroes) has gone to Sega.
  • The South Park game and THQ Montreal have been purchased by Ubisoft.
  • Take-Two Interactive has purchased Evolve.
Vigil and other unnamed THQ properties not included in the sale will "remain part of the chapter 11 case," and THQ will look for buyers. According to a letter sent to employees, "If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end."

Update 2:Official court documents of THQ bid winners with prices, along with runners-up.

Update: DDinvesting reports THQ auction results:
  • $500k Homefront (Crytek)
  • $26M for Relic (Sega)
  • $2.5M for THQ Montreal (Ubisoft)
  • $3.2M for South Park (Ubisoft)
  • $11M for Evolve (Take-Two)
  • $22.3M for Volition (Koch Media)
  • $5.8M for Metro (Koch Media)

JoystiqReport: THQ assets divided originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darksiders-2deep-silverrelicsaints-row-3segaTake-Two-Interactivethqthq-bankruptcythq-montrealubisoftWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sega purchases Relic during THQ auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/rumor-sega-purchases-relic-during-thq-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/rumor-sega-purchases-relic-during-thq-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/rumor-sega-purchases-relic-during-thq-auction/#comments Update: A letter from THQ CEO Brian Farrell and president Jason Rubin to their employees appears to corroborate the below information, as well as provide further details regarding the results of the auction.

Sega may be the proud new owner of Relic Entertainment, based on initial signs coming out of this week's THQ asset auction. Relic developer Kyle Berndt has tweeted that he is now a Sega employee, indicating that the company may have been purchased by Sega during the auction proceedings.

No official announcements have been made regarding the fates of THQ's various studios and their respective intellectual property, but we're keeping our collective ears to the ground as more news continues to trickle down.

JoystiqReport: Sega purchases Relic during THQ auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionCompany-of-HeroesrelicRelic-EntertainmentSEGATHQWarhammer-40KWed, 23 Jan 2013 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park Studios battles THQ over potential sale of The Stick of Truth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/south-park-studios-battles-thq-over-potential-sale-of-the-stick/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/south-park-studios-battles-thq-over-potential-sale-of-the-stick/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/south-park-studios-battles-thq-over-potential-sale-of-the-stick/#comments South Park Studios battles THQ over potential sale of The Stick of TruthOn January 18, South Park Digital Studios filed a preliminary objection to THQ's proposed sale of South Park: The Stick of Truth. THQ and South Park Studios entered into a Deal Memo, granting THQ use of certain South Park trademarks and copyrights, on June 29, 2011. THQ filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 19 and is being auctioned off today, January 22, at 3 p.m. EST.

In an objection filed in Delaware bankruptcy court, South Park Studios claims that the Deal Memo does not allow other parties use of the South Park IP, and even if the game does end up at a different company, THQ owes South Park Studios at least $2.275 million. South Park Studios "also reserves the right to exercise its option to acquire from THQ all elements of the games and related products under the Deal Memo."

THQ filed a reply on January 21, requesting that the court overrule the objection and allow the sale to continue, though it says it is working toward a consensual resolution with South Park Studios. THQ argues that the license is exclusive and therefore transferable as THQ sees fit. As for the $2.275 million, THQ is "evaluating the amount that South Park asserts is owing" and plans to work with South Park Studios to resolve the issue.

All bids in the THQ bankruptcy sale were due by 9 a.m. EST today and the auction begins at 3 p.m. Hearing on the sale takes place tomorrow, January 23, at 9:30 a.m., with the closing on January 24. THQ will only sell assets individually if it receives bids of more than $60 million (plus a $10 million note) that Clearlake Capital Group is offering for the entire company. The auction has attracted the attention of EA, Warner Bros., Double Fine and others.

JoystiqSouth Park Studios battles THQ over potential sale of The Stick of Truth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionbankruptcymicrosoftpcplaystationps3south-parksouth-park-studiossouth-park-the-gamesouth-park-the-stick-of-truthTHQthq-bankruptcyxboxTue, 22 Jan 2013 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New THQ sale on Amazon: Metro 2033, Saints Rows, Red Factions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/new-thq-sale-on-amazon-metro-2033-saints-rows-red-factions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/new-thq-sale-on-amazon-metro-2033-saints-rows-red-factions/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/20/new-thq-sale-on-amazon-metro-2033-saints-rows-red-factions/#comments New THQ sale on Amazon Metro 2033, Saints Rows, Red FactionsTHQ is at it again on Amazon, this week offering a bundle of 19 game downloads for $25, including Darksiders 1 and 2, Metro 2033, Red Faction Armageddon and Guerrilla, Saints Row 2 and The Third, and four Warhammer 40,000 games. This THQ Mega Pack normally runs $50, putting it at half off now through January 26. Buying the games individually would run into the hundreds of dollars.

Last week Amazon hosted the Tantalizing THQ Medley, which was six games for $12. The THQ Mega Pack includes all if the games in the Tantalizing bundle except for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. It's like a message from on high - buy some THQ games already.

See below for the entire list of games included in the THQ Mega Pack.

Continue reading New THQ sale on Amazon: Metro 2033, Saints Rows, Red Factions

JoystiqNew THQ sale on Amazon: Metro 2033, Saints Rows, Red Factions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonpcsaleTHQthq-mega-packSun, 20 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon THQ sale: Metro 2033, Red Faction Guerrilla, more for 91% off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/amazon-thq-sale-metro-2033-red-faction-guerrilla-more-for-91/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/amazon-thq-sale-metro-2033-red-faction-guerrilla-more-for-91/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/amazon-thq-sale-metro-2033-red-faction-guerrilla-more-for-91/#comments Amazon THQ sale Metro 2033, Red Faction Guerrilla, more for 91% offThe Tantalizing THQ Medley on Amazon includes downloads of Metro 2033, Homefront, Red Faction Armageddon, Red Faction Guerrilla, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, all for $12. Regularly priced, this bundle comes out to $118, so that's a savings of 91 percent. Buying all six games is cheaper than getting one by itself, so if you're in the market for any of these, it's your lucky day.

Actually, it's your lucky days: The Tantalizing THQ Medley will be on sale through January 20 as Amazon's Deal of the Week.

JoystiqAmazon THQ sale: Metro 2033, Red Faction Guerrilla, more for 91% off originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonhomefrontMetro-2033pcRed-Faction-ArmageddonRed-Faction-GuerrillasaleStalkerTHQwarhammer-40000-space-marinewarhammer-40k-space-marineSun, 13 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST