THQ sends word that they have signed a development deal with Blue Fang (the folks behind the
Zoo Tycoon games) to develop a new game for the PC, Wii, and DS. The game wont' see shelves until fiscal 2010 and the release is a bit fuzzy on the details. I'm guessing I won't be in the target demo for whatever game they are working on but feel free to speculate in the comments what you think the game could be.
THQ AND BLUE FANG GAMES ANNOUNCE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
Creators of Zoo TycoonTM Franchise to Develop
New Property for Nintendo Wii and DS
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – February 19, 2008 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Blue Fang Games today announced that they have entered into a development agreement for a brand new videogame property. The new property is in development for Nintendo’s WiiTM and DSTM systems, as well as Windows PC, and is scheduled for release in fiscal 2010. Blue Fang is most noted for its immensely successful Zoo TycoonTM franchise, which continues to reach a broad audience of casual game players on the Nintendo DSTM game system.
“With sales in excess of seven million units worldwide, Blue Fang’s Zoo Tycoon franchise has served to expand the casual gaming demographic through its accessible, compelling gameplay,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of publishing, THQ. “We’re confident that this new property will strongly appeal to the new generation of casual players on Nintendo Wii and DS.”
“THQ’s worldwide marketing and sales expertise, long history of strength on the Nintendo systems, and exceptional developer support make them the ideal partner for our new property,” said Hank Howie, president of Blue Fang Games. “We’ve had a very successful experience working with THQ on the DS versions of Zoo Tycoon, and we look forward to releasing the first details of our new game together with THQ later this year.”
Blue Fang’s Zoo Tycoon franchise has achieved more than seven million units in sales worldwide and boasts an award-winning legacy including recognition from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Children’s Software & New Media Revue, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Parents’ Choice.
About Blue Fang Games
Blue Fang Games is an independent game developer dedicated to creating compelling, emotionally engaging games focused on the animal kingdom that set the benchmark for broad-based family entertainment. Blue Fang's Zoo TycoonTM franchise has sold over seven million units worldwide and the studio is now developing a new multiplatform videogame property with THQ, Inc. Founded in 1998, Blue Fang Games is located in Waltham, MA. For more information visit Blue Fang Games on the Web at www.bluefang.com.
About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.