THQ shoots down 2014 cancellation rumors

THQ said Sunday evening that despite rumors circulating on Twitter, it is not cancelling its entire 2014 lineup, or ceasing development of its major MMO, Warhammer 40K: Dark Millenium Online. "THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO," said THQ spokesperson Angela Emery in an email to Gamasutra on Sunday evening. "As part of the ongoing review of our business, we have made decisions to ensure that the company is strategically addressing the most attractive markets," she added. "As we have previously announced, we have dramatically reduced our commitment to the kids' boxed games sector which leads to a significantly more focused release schedule moving forward." The rumor began on the Twitter feed of Kevin Dent, a video game industry consultant and IGDA member who claimed insider knowledge of the sweeping, drastic changes within THQ. But according to the publisher -- whose stock currently hovers at 66 cents per share -- it will continue to reposition its business towards more profitable spaces. "Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business," Emery said. "We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry." THQ has video game development deals with movie director Guillermo del Toro, as well as former Team Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki. Emery said recent releases have performed well for THQ. "Additionally, we are thrilled with the great performance of Saints Row: The Third, which on a like-for-like period in North America has tripled in sell-through from Saints Row 2. In addition, WWE '12 worldwide sell-through sales are up almost 40 percent year-over-year for the same sales period with fewer platforms." The spokesperson also stated, "According to NPD, for the month of December and the 2011 year, THQ was the number five publisher overall, number four third party, with reported sell-through growing over 18 percent in a market that was down almost 6 percent. And coming up next, we have two great titles for the first half of the year including UFC Undisputed 3 and Darksiders 2."