THQ Acquires Austin Developer Vigil Games

Major developer and publisher THQ has announced the acquisition of developer Vigil Games. Based in Austin, Texas, the team at Vigil will be led by David Adams, previously creator/director of several projects for NCSoft and comic artist Joe Madureira, best known for his work on Marvel Comic's Uncanny X-Men and his creator-owned comic series Battle Chasers. Vigil is currently working on new content for next-gen platforms scheduled for release in 2008, according to THQ. Job postings soliciting work in mid-2005 indicated that the Vigil team, at that point independent, was working on an "action based, online sci/fantasy RPG" to be published by NCSoft, but it appears that project is either cancelled, or is now being published and owned by THQ. "The team at Vigil is comprised of some of the most talented designers, artists and technologists in the industry," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. "This acquisition is part of our Studio System strategy, which is designed to foster a singular vision and unique culture at each of our studios. Our system allows us to leverage resources across our entire development organization to the benefit of each of our studios." Vigil's first project, which is only described as "a totally original property for next-gen systems", is expected to be announced later in 2006.