Following recent news that THQ will no longer be developing titles in the Red Faction franchise, Joystiq has now reported that the company will also cease to actively pursue development in the MX vs. ATV series. Furthermore, the company will also cease to develop titles based on movie licenses or titles specifically aimed at children. As a result of this move, the publishers is closing down two development studios in Australia and Phoenix, and laying off around 200 employees. The remaining five studios owned by THQ will continue to do business as usual.
Even though the company has faced dissapointing results with the recent releases of both Red Faction: Armageddon and MX vs. ATV Alive, THQ remains hopeful for Q3 with Saint’s Row 3, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, and WWE 12 scheduled for a release.
Well it is good to hear that they are cutting crappy licensed games and games that just don’t work. THQ really needs to get back to making great games.
It is sad that they have to cut 200 people though instead of putting them on another project.