After filing for bankruptcy at the start of the year and being denied a quick sale of its assets to Clearlake Capital Group, the THQ saga has reached a conclusion with the company being split up and sold in pieces. The main beneficiaries of this fire sale are Sega and Ubisoft, while Deep Silver, Crytek, and Take-Two have picked up the rest of the THQ studios and properties.
Sega and Ubisoft: The Major Beneficiaries
Sega beat out Zenimax for Relic Entertainment, paying a substantial $26.6 million. Relic Entertainment is renowned for its critically acclaimed strategy games, including the “Company of Heroes” series and “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War.” This acquisition strengthens Sega’s portfolio in the strategy genre, allowing them to leverage Relic’s expertise and established fan base.
Ubisoft, on the other hand, ironically snapped up former Assassin’s Creed creative director Patrice Desilets’s new studio, THQ Montreal. This move is particularly interesting given Desilets’s history with Ubisoft, where he played a pivotal role in the creation of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Ubisoft also picked up the publishing rights for the currently in development South Park RPG, “South Park: The Stick of Truth.” This acquisition aligns with Ubisoft’s strategy to diversify its portfolio with unique and engaging titles that appeal to a broad audience.
Other Key Acquisitions
Saint’s Row makers Volition went to Deep Silver along with the rights to the Metro franchise. Deep Silver, known for publishing the “Dead Island” series, is expected to continue the development of these popular franchises. The “Saint’s Row” series, known for its over-the-top action and humor, has a dedicated fan base, and Deep Silver’s acquisition ensures that the series will continue to thrive. Similarly, the “Metro” series, based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling and immersive gameplay, making it a valuable addition to Deep Silver’s lineup.
Homefront found a new home with Crytek, the developers behind the “Crysis” series. Crytek’s acquisition of Homefront is intriguing, as the original game had a mixed reception but showed potential with its unique setting and narrative. Crytek’s expertise in creating visually stunning and technically advanced games could breathe new life into the Homefront franchise, potentially turning it into a major success.
Darksiders studio Vigil has yet to be picked up, but Revengeance devs Platinum have reportedly shown an interest. The “Darksiders” series, known for its blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, has a loyal following. Platinum Games, known for their high-octane action titles like “Bayonetta” and “Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance,” could be a perfect fit for continuing the Darksiders legacy, bringing their signature style and polish to the franchise.
The THQ saga’s conclusion marks the end of an era for the company that once stood as a significant player in the gaming industry. However, the distribution of its assets to various well-established companies ensures that many of its beloved franchises and studios will continue to thrive under new ownership. This outcome not only preserves the legacy of THQ’s properties but also provides opportunities for these franchises to evolve and reach new heights.
Source Eurogamer
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