THQ introduces Partners scheme

THQ has announced its to introduce a partners program, known as THQ Partners.

Headed up by ex-VP of publisher relations at IGA Interactive, Tim Walsh, the THQ Partners scheme is in a similar vein to EA's Partners program that's headed up by David DeMartini, which is to offer publishing and distribution deals to other developers or publishers.

"I'm extremely pleased to join THQ and launch THQ Partners," Walsh said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to working with a select number of world-class developers and publishers to distribute their great games through our global network."

"THQ Partners is charged with maximising the efficiencies of our global distribution network by enhancing our product offerings with quality games from developers and publishers who don't have the benefit of our extensive retail and online sales operations," executive VP for global publishing, Ian Curran, added.

Potential partners will be invited to meet the company at E3 for talks.

Speaking in an interview yesterday with VG247, EAP general manager DeMartini told us following yesterday's announcement of a deal with Insomniac Games on its new IP that there would be more competition in signing up third-party talent.

"There’s always competition out there.," he said. "Not only do you have traditional publishers, but now you also have the venture community. I mean, games are highly successful, and any time you’ve got investments that bring substantial results you’re going to have more and more people interested in the investment.

"I actually think there’s going to be more competition out there, and that’s why we couldn’t be any more delighted to find somebody like Insomniac before someone else came in and scooped them up. I’m just glad we make a great partner for them."

So far this year, both EA Partners and Activision have made the biggest splashes in signing third-party developers who are willing to maintain full IP control and creative rights, such as yesterday's announcement of the deal with Insomniac and helping setup Respawn Entertainment, the studio found by ex-Infinity Ward bosses Jason West and Vince Zampella, from the former.

But Activision has arguably made the biggest deal of the lot so far, signing Halo developer Bungie to a ten-year publishing deal on its new IP.

Thanks, GI.

Update: Press released added. It's below.

THQ Announces THQ Partners

Plans to Offer Select Developers and Publishers Access to THQ's Industry Leading Global Retail and Online Distribution Network

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May 26, 2010: THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced the launch of THQ Partners, providing select developers and publishers access to THQ's global retail and online publishing network.

With offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, THQ's industry leading global publishing operation reaches all major video game territories worldwide. THQ has consistently been recognized as a best-in-class vendor by retailers around the world.

THQ Partners will be led by Tim Walsh, who brings extensive experience in global publishing and online distribution to the position. "I'm extremely pleased to join THQ and launch THQ Partners," said Tim Walsh, Vice President, THQ Partners. "I'm looking forward to working with a select number of world-class developers and publishers to distribute their great games through our global network."

"THQ Partners is charged with maximizing the efficiencies of our global distribution network by enhancing our product offerings with quality games from developers and publishers who don't have the benefit of our extensive retail and online sales operations," said Ian Curran, Executive Vice President, THQ Global Publishing.

Tim Walsh has more than 20 years of publishing experience, spanning interactive entertainment, in-game advertising and music. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Publisher Relations for IGA Worldwide.