THQ Cross-Media Efforts Continue With Darksiders Merchandise

Publisher THQ said this week that the first products from its new licensing and merchandising division will be art books and toys based on this year's Vigil Games-developed title, Darksiders. The company is keen on bringing owned gaming properties to areas outside of video games. THQ this year also announced a partnership with TV network SyFy to release TV shows and consumer products based on game franchises. THQ said the initial Darksiders merchandise is just the beginning of what the publisher called an "expansive merchandise line" based on the game, created by THQ-owned Vigil Games. Darksiders is a new THQ franchise that debuted in January this year. The company said in February that the title shipped 1.2 million units. "Over the next few years THQ will offer many new ways to engage with our brands and enhance the interactive experience," said Germaine Gioia, THQ's SVP of licensing and merchandising. The company said it partnered with Udon Entertainment to release the Darksiders art books, and with SOTA Toys on limited edition statues. The art book will be a "comprehensive collection" of concept art from the game, a dark fantasy title based on the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The new merchandise will debut at San Diego Comic Con 2010 in July.