THQ Renews SpongeBob SquarePants Deal

THQ announced yesterday another multi-year worldwide licensing deal to develop and publish all video games based on the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. The publisher has been interactive custodian of the series since 2002, during which time it has sold more than 29 million SpongeBob-themed games. Forthcoming titles to be developed under the terms of the new agreement include releases for Nintendo 3DS, Kinect and uDraw GameTablet, games all slated for release in 2011. "Over the last eight years, THQ has been creating quality gaming experiences based on everyone's favorite animated character who lives in a pineapple under the sea," said Martin Good, THQ Executive Vice President. "We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Nickelodeon and excited to deliver more SpongeBob SquarePants video game offerings for the multitude of fans worldwide." "THQ has consistently demonstrated the ability to seamlessly bring the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life in the interactive space with quality titles that are memorable and engaging for gamers of all ages," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President of Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We look forward to introducing the next SpongeBob game adventure via THQ's innovative new platform, the uDraw GameTablet for Wii, which will bring the gaming experience to another exciting level." Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants has been the No. 1 animated program among kids ages 2 to 11 for more than seven consecutive years, the publisher said.