THQ Acquires UK Developer Juice Games

Major game publisher and developer THQ has announced it has expanded its global studio system by acquiring its first European-based development studio, Juice Games Ltd. The UK-based studio recently completed street racing title Juiced for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC, and is now working on a PSP version of the franchise to debut in summer 2006, Juiced: Eliminator. The company won Best New UK/European Studio in Develop's 2005 Excellence Awards and Juiced, which was originally in development for publisher Acclaim before being acquired by THQ after Acclaim's bankruptcy, topped the All-Format charts in the UK on its release in 2005. Under the terms of the deal, THQ has purchased the entire share capital of Juice Games. Colin Bell, formerly Juice Games' managing director, will assume the role of general manager. Dan Kelly, senior vice president of business development, THQ Inc, commented: "The Juiced franchise has shipped over one and a half million units so far, a tribute to the talent and passion of the award-winning team at Juice Games. We look forward to further investing in the studio to bring more ground-breaking games in the Juiced franchise to market as well as developing new intellectual properties." "The decision to partner with THQ reflects the great relationship we have established over the past two years," said Colin Bell, general manager, Juice Games. "Joining THQ marks an exciting step forward for us and will enable us to do what we do best: develop cutting edge, innovative games that continue to redefine perceptions."