THQ Acquires Big Huge Games

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http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16947

 

THQ has announced it will acquire Big Huge Games (Rise of Nations, Catan) for an undisclosed sum, making the Maryland-based studio a wholly-owned subsidiary.

 

In May of 2007, THQ and Big Huge Games announced a development agreement for an RPG led by Oblivion developer Ken Rolston, currently anticipated for a 2009 debut on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3...

 

Given Big Huge's reputation, will they focus on RPGs? Not so, says Sorensen. "The big RPG, we always felt [RPGs were] a big hole [in our portfolio]. When we signed it last year, we felt it was a relief to find something of this quality and innovation. But what sealed the deal was another game we can't talk about," he said. "At minimum, it adds to the idea that Big Huge is a big generator of original IP, and can offer something new and exciting for us."

 

We asked what else Big Huge is bringing to the table, given that one of THQ's stated goals in addition to increasing its internal development capabilities, is to expand its portfolio of owned IP.

 

He replied, "I would say that the RPG was enough, but what definitely sealed the deal for us on both sides is the next one. It's more innovative, more unique, and we just felt like it requires both long-term thinking from both sides. But also from THQ's perspective, it showed us that this is a studio that can gen some new concepts. Anything else coming out of Big Huge is icing on the cake."

 

When pressed for details on a new IP so compelling it sealed an acquisition deal, both THQ and Big Huge declined to provide any specifics, but seemed enormously enthusiastic about the game concept.