Axed THQ studios were 'not consistent with' publisher's strategy

THQ's closure of several studios over the past year was part of its strategic realignment, the publisher has said.

"We think the best position we can be in with respect to studio structure is fewer is better," CFO and vice president Paul Pucino said at the Citi Global Technology Conference, as reported by EDGE.

"The two we just shut in Australia were working on games that aren't consistent with our strategy anymore - one on a movie tie-in, one on a kids' game. Our strategy now is bringing fewer, bigger triple-A titles to market: one or two original IPs each year, and sequelling them every two to two-and-a-half years."

Although THQ is of necessity cutting costs, it does plan to bring more staff on board in key locations.

"Our studio in Montreal will grow from 150 to 400 employees in the next couple of years. We're going to be able to make games there for 40 per cent less than some of our other studios," Pucino said.

Montreal, home to several notable studios including the Assassin's Creed and Deus Ex teams, benefits from several government incentive schemes which attract international investment in the local games industry.

Last month, THQ closed two whole studios and laid off another development team. Earlier in the year it shuttered both Kaos Studios and Digital Warrington.

Thanks, Shack.