THQ, Blue Fang Creating New IP For Wii, DS, PC

Publisher THQ and Zoo Tycoon developer Blue Fang have announced a new partnership to create a new yet-unannounced property expected to be released at some point in 2009 on the Nintendo Wii, DS, and Windows PCs. THQ executive VP of publishing Scott Guthrie noted Blue Fang's prior successes with the Microsoft published Zoo Tycoon franchise have "served to expand the casual gaming demographic through its accessible, compelling gameplay" and said the new property should "strongly appeal to the new generation of casual players on Nintendo Wii and DS.” [UPDATE: In an interview with THQ's Tim Campbell (VP, Business Development), and Blue Fang president Hank Howie, to be published in full next week, Campbell commented of the new franchise: "I believe that’s what we’re calling it at this point, a new casual IP." Howie added, while not precisely pinpointing the game's name: "I can say that Blue Fang’s mission statement is to create compelling emotionally engaging games focused on the animal kingdom, and broad-based family entertainment."] Zoo Tycoon says THQ, has sold more than seven million units worldwide and won a number of awards from organizations like the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Children’s Software & New Media Revue, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Parents’ Choice. Said Blue Fang president Hank Howie, “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. 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.”