THQ set to acquire Big Huge Games

by: Dan - posted: 1/15/2008 7:55:00 AM

Another week, another consolidation move by the Big Boys. THQ announced this morning that they will be acquiring Big Huge Games. This will add a leading RPG developer into the THQ fold and bring aboard such titles as Rise of Nations, Alpha Centauri, Civilization II. Of the employees moving to THQ will be Ken Rolston, who worked on the Elder Scrolls and Morrowind titles. Check out the release after the jump for all the details:

Jan 15, 2008 05:30

THQ to Acquire Leading Developer Big Huge Games

- Studio to Drive THQ's Efforts in Multi-Billion Dollar Role-Playing-Game Category -

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jan. 15, 2008 THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced plans to acquire Big Huge Games, a leading development studio focused on the Role-Playing-Game (RPG) genre, a multi-billion dollar market segment.
Big Huge Games was founded in 2000 by four veteran game developers, Brian Reynolds, Jason Coleman, Dave Inscore and Tim Train, who together have brought strategy gamers such classic hits as Rise of Nations(R), Alpha Centauri(R), and Civilization II(R). Key studio members also include Ken Rolston, a 25-year RPG design veteran whose most recent design accolades include Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion(TM) and Elder Scrolls III; Morrowind(TM).

"The acquisition of Big Huge Games is a big win for THQ as we continue to expand both our internal development capabilities and our portfolio of owned intellectual properties," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. "The talent at Big Huge Games has an outstanding history of developing top-selling quality games and we look forward to their creation of many exciting new owned franchises for THQ."

"We are extremely excited to become a part of THQ," said Tim Train, president and COO of Big Huge Games. "We believe their passion for games, developer support, and understanding of the creative process is without parallel in the industry. THQ provides an ideal environment to help us develop new, innovative games for both core gamers and mass market."

The studio is currently in development on a previously announced new RPG title for THQ for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC, as well as additional console projects based on their proprietary technology.

The acquisition is expected to close shortly, subject to certain conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Big Huge Games will become a wholly owned subsidiary of THQ and the studio's management and employees will continue with the company. The 100 person studio is located in Timonium, Maryland. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About Big Huge Games

Founded in 2000 by four veteran game developers who together have brought strategy gamers such classic hits as Rise of Nations(R), Alpha Centauri(R), and Civilization II(R), Big Huge Games is a video game studio focused on cutting-edge technology and aimed at mass-market game development. Big Huge Games founders Brian Reynolds, Jason Coleman, David Inscore and Tim Train continue in the tradition of creating inspired and innovative games for PC and next-generation consoles. Creating games that have received numerous "Game of the Year" awards and accolades, Big Huge Games is headquartered in Timonium, Maryland. For more information about Big Huge Games, please visit http://www.bighugegames.com.

About THQ

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. 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 http://www.thq.com and http://www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.