As most people should know by now, THQ are having serious financial issues. Share prices fell to such an extent that they almost got de-listed, sales of titles haven’t been meeting expectations and now they’re having to default on a loan they’ve taken out.
Whilst most of you don’t really care about the business behind the games, it’s necessary to give a little run-down on what it is that’s going on here. The games industry, after all, is a business and having a greater understanding of what’s happening behind the PR and marketing of a game wouldn’t hurt.
A look back at 4A Games' admirably consistent post-apocalyptic shooter franchise.
Metro 2033 mechanics that would adapt perfectly to VR, and the upcoming Metro Awakening by Vertigo Games this year.
The Metro video game series started with a humble b-list title, before building a strong fanbase and becoming a pioneer in the industry.
THQ made some dumb mistakes and now they are paying the price.It's sad but doubt THQ will be the last publisher/studio to crumble due to financial problems.The industry is changing and mistakes aren't acceptable now days.
Greart article.
My only concern with THQ is that they finish and release Dawn of War 3, then sell the rights to another publisher.
Nice look into financial side of gaming and repercussions of some poor decisions on top of bad luck (Darksiders 2 for example---great IP that just can't catch a break). I'm sorry they're doing badly but they're neither the first or last Developer/Publisher to decline or even fall but I hope they can rebound. They've been taking some huge gambles hoping they'd pay off and in some ways they have but critical and financial success unfortunately don't always go hand in hand.
I have my worries about Metro actually, not because I don't think the game will be fun but that, again, sales might not be that impressive for a company that desperately needs the revenue (I hope devs don't lose original focus for sake of mass market though as that is always something that can and often does happen). Other than Metro I'm really looking forward to PC titles like Company of Heroes and enevitable Wargammer titles as they've always been a great time.
Hopefully if they do go under someone comes along and picks up the IPs and don't just let them die off. I'm still glad Ubisoft was one to comment on it as I like Ubi all around (exception being DRM/Uplay like more and more companies are going--not a deal breaker for me but disappointing "progression" in general).
Like the end of the article says, most games companies have some bad financial news floating around.
With the markets as jumpy as they are, it really doesn't take much for you shares to take a serious dip.
Another concern is that it's not even big name IPs are guaranteed to sell anymore. BLOPS 2 has sold less than last year's COD and titles with a lot of marketing push have still struggled. Playstation battle royale rumble all stars, or whatever it's called, debuted in the UK charts in the 30's. Ouch.