THQ Closes Studios Dropping 200 Staff

Publisher THQ has announced that two studios in Australia, and a development studio in Phoenix are to be closed, with 200 jobs lost, as part of a "strategic realignment to better align resources with the company's future portfolio." The affected studios are THQ Studio Australia, developer of licensed titles, and De Blob 2 developer Blue Tongue Entertainment. The Phoenix studio was behind the experimental MX vs ATV, which was sold at a budget price and supported by extensive DLC. THQ says it has decided "not to actively pursue further development" of the franchise as a result, and will also shift focus away from licensed kids titles and movie tie-ins.