A portable version of Rare's pinata-breeding, garden-tending franchise Viva Pinata will arrive on Nintendo DS this fall, publisher THQ has announced.

Titled Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise, the game is being developed by series creator and Microsoft subsidiary Rare. While it made seem odd for THQ to publish a Microsoft title, the companies have paired in the past to distribute portable renditions of other Microsoft-owned properties.

Along with a new Playground mode that is said to let players "create a lush garden full of exciting and exotic pinatas in a very short amount of time," the game will include rare pinatas that are only accessible by trading items to another local player through the portable's wireless connection.

"Nintendo DS is the perfect platform for the Viva Pinata franchise because players can have direct interaction with the environment and their pinatas using the stylus," said THq marketing VP Bob Aniello.

Publisher THQ announced today that it has acquired the license to create a game based on Marvel's "burgeoning, kid-friendly" Super Hero Squad property.

Aimed at young children, the Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise presents happy big-headed renditions of classic Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, The Incredible Hulk, and the planet-eating Galactus (pictured left).

The Marvel Super Hero Squad game is slated to arrive on unknown platforms in fall 2009, coinciding with the 2009 launch of the television show. Action figures are already in stores, with a dedicated comic book series planned for the fall.

According to THQ, which recently lost $35.3 million and is axing 200 employees, Marvel Super Hero Squad "further strengthens its position as the pre-eminent creator and publisher of kids video games."

In the wake of a $34 million loss, publisher THQ said that it would be laying off 200 employees across several of its studios, according to MCV.

THQ CEO Brian Farrell noted that studios focused on last-gen development would be reduced in size as part of the restructuring, adding that the company expects overall headcount growth of about 300 workers by the end of its next fiscal year.

In an investor conference call yesterday, THQ posted a net loss of $35.3 million for its 2008 fiscal year ending on March 31, 2008. The company's loss was chalked up to its underwhelming fourth quarter performance, where it lost $34.5 million due to lower-than-expected sales of previously released games.

WWE and ATV game publisher THQ today posted a net loss of $35.3 million for its 2008 fiscal year, which concluded on March 31, 2008. The company's loss was mostly attributed to its fourth quarter performance, where it lost $34.5 million due to lower-than-expected sales of previously released games.

"In fiscal 2008, we did not achieve our revenue and profit targets and we are taking aggressive steps to ensure that we significantly improve execution in fiscal 2009 and beyond," said THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.

The company provided a breakdown of its $1.3 billion revenue, revealing that PlayStation 2 software led 24.5% of the company's sales, with Nintendo DS games occupying 22% of that sum. Xbox 360 sales accounted for 12.6% of revenue and PC made up 9.1%, with Wii software representing 8.9% of the figure and PlayStation 3 making up 8.3%.

The company announced WWE Legends of Wrestlemania... Read more

Confirming earlier reports, publisher THQ today announced the sci-fi RTS sequel Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II for PC.

Developed by Dawn of War and Company of Heroes veteran Relic Entertainment, Dawn of War II will feature a non-linear single-player game, a co-op multiplayer campaign, and destructible environments.

"We started with everything fans loved about the original Dawn of War and then added more than they ever could have hoped for," said Relic general manager Tarrnie Williams.

While no release date was provided, THQ did note that those who purchase the recently-released stand-alone DoW expansion pack Soulstorm will be able to participate in an eventual invite-only multiplayer beta for the sequel.

Drawn to Life (NDS) creator 5th Cell is currently developing Construction Combat: Lock's Quest for the Nintendo DS, publisher THQ announced today.

Said to combine the action-adventure and life simulation genres, Construction Combat focuses on a young hero who must defend his homeland against robotic invaders by building defense towers. The game utilizes the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus to allow players to construct defenses block-by-block to defend their homeland.

In addition to build-centric combat, the game features elements of strategy and puzzle-solving. Construction Quest will offer both local wireless and internet multiplayer for players looking to battle their friends.

Construction Combat: Lock's Quest will hit retail shelves this fall.

Publisher THQ today announced Baja, a new arcade-style off-road racer for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC platforms in August of this year.

Baja sports more than 40 vehicles in eight classes including 4x4s, buggies and trophy trucks for use in multiple game modes like hill climb challenges, open class and circuit races. The game also offers the Baja endurance challenge, in which players will engage in grueling races that can last up to four hours over a huge stretch of terrain.

The game touts a support management system that allows players to keep a close eye on the shape of their rig and make repairs where necessary. In addition to single-player, Baja supports multiplayer for four players via split-screen, or twelve online.

The title is developed by 2XL Games, which includes founding members of MX vs ATV series developer Rainbow Studios.

Prompted by the closure of Titan Quest developer Iron Lore last week, THQ creative director Michael Fitch ranted on the state of PC gaming and rampant piracy in a post on the Quarter to Three forums

"The research I've seen pegs the piracy rate at between 70-85% on PC in the US, 90%+ in Europe, off the charts in Asia," Fitch wrote. "I didn't believe it at first. It seemed way too high. Then I saw that Bioshock was selling 5 to 1 on console vs. PC. And Call of Duty 4 was selling 10 to 1."

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare developer Infinity Ward recently expressed similar dismay at the high levels of piracy for the PC version of its popular first-person shooter.

Fitch explained that piracy doesn't just harm sales—Titan Quest took a big hit in word of mouth when pirated copies of the game crashed after various failed security checks, prompting a negative response by those who had illegally acquired ... Read more

Not exactly a secret after its most recent financial conference call, THQ today officially announced the development of Red Faction: Guerilla.

The third game in the series will be a third-person open-world one, a departure from the first person perspective used in the first two games. Set fifty years after the events of the first Red Faction, Guerilla has you playing as an insurgent fighting against the oppressive Earth Defense Force, destroying everything in your path as you make your way across Mars.

"Red Faction: Guerrilla expands the signature destruction elements of the series and pushes the boundaries of next-gen gaming on a massive, terra-formed Mars where gamers can literally tear down the enemy EDF presence brick by brick," said Mike Kulas, president of Volition, Inc. "With a new 3rd person perspective, a full cover system that allows for guerrilla style tactics and a diverse planet to explore we're excited to revitalize the gripping world of Red Faction for high-definition platforms."

Red Faction: Guerilla will ship for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 during THQ's fiscal year 2009, which runs from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.

Publisher THQ today announced that this April will see the release of Band Mashups, a Wii-exclusive rhythm/action game, and released three screenshots of the title.

The game features 30 tracks that have been popular at some point during the past 40 years, all recorded in rock, funk/hip-hop, country, Latin and marching band styles. During the game, which features a single-player campaign and can also be played against a friend, you will be able to switch styles thanks your musical weapons.

"Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands," said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director, THQ. "Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote's functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience. Fighting with a sniper violin or flamethrower guitar is something gamers should definitely look forward to."

Band Mashups is in development at Planet Moon Studios, the studio behind such games as Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Infected and Armed & Dangerous.

Colin Slade will serve as new executive vice president and CFO of THQ, the company announced today. His term will begin on February 29th.

Slade has previously served as senior VP and CFO of Tektronix, a test and measurement company. The newest addition to the THQ executive roster fills a role abdicated late last year when former CFO Edward Zinser resigned for "unspecified reasons."

Recent shake-ups in THQ's corporate structure may have been a result of lower than expected third quarter financial results. In its quarterly report, THQ announced a $40 million drop in expected earnings for the fourth quarter, the closure of Concrete Games, and the cancellation of two unannounced titles.

THQ's updated 2008 fiscal outlook revealed today that the PS3 version of Kaos Studios' Frontlines: Fuel of War (PC, X360) has been cancelled, and that the publisher will no longer develop its Juiced and Stuntman franchises.

Rumors of the PS3 version's cancellation were dismissed by a THQ representative earlier this week, but are now confirmed by this latest financial update. The PS2 version of Locomotive Games' Destroy All Humans: Big Willy Unleashed (PSP, Wii) was also cancelled.

The report notes that Paradigm Entertainment's Stuntman: Ignition was among the company's underperforming titles in 2007, which also included Heavy Iron Studios' Ratatouille and Nihilistic Software's Conan. No further reason was given for the cancellations.

Yuke's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 and Rainbow Studios' ATV vs. MX: Untamed, meanwhile, performed above expectations. In all, the company expects ... Read more

Publisher THQ has announced its plans to acquire Big Huge Games, the developer behind the Xbox Live Arcade board game Catan (X360), the Rise of Nations PC RTS series, and The Asian Dynasties expansion for Ensemble's RTS Age of Empires III (PC).

The acquisition, which THQ hopes to complete soon, will cement Big Huge Games as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. The studio will remain at its present Timonium, Maryland location, and will also retain its management and employees.

Big Huge was already working closely with THQ for its upcoming RPG, which is being designed by The Elder Scrolls series veteran Ken Rolston and will arrive on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in 2009. It is also known to be working on a "quirky" Wii title.

"THQ provides an ideal environment to help us develop new, innovative games for both core gamers and mass market," said Big Huge president Tim Train. "We believe their passion for games, developer support, and understanding of the creative process is without parallel in the industry."

THQ executive vice president and chief financial officer Edward Zinser has today resigned from his position at the company.

With his departure taking effect immediately, Rasmus van der Colff will serve as a temporary CFO while the company investigates a long-term replacement. Colff joined THQ as vice president and controller in May 2007, and is said to have more than two decades in accounting experience.

The publisher, which recently lowered its sales estimates of the current fiscal year to $1.06 billion and delayed three titles, claimed that the resignation "is in no way related to the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of THQ." As the action is not directly related to the company's financial well-being, it refuses to elaborate on the reasons behind Zinser's vacating of his position.

THQ develops and publishes a number of multi-platform titles based on licenses, including the American Girl clothing line, Bratz action figures, reality quiz... Read more

Fans of the groundbreaking Homeworld series of 3D space RTS games may yet have reason to hope for a new sequel.

Forum members of the fan site Relic News have today uncovered a US trademark document that appears to prove the rights to the Homeworld name have changed hands from Vivendi Universal to publisher THQ, the owner of original Homeworld developer Relic Entertainment.

Though only the trademark is mentioned, it would seem unlikely that THQ attained the name without also acquiring the license to use the intellectual property. The law firm now handling the trademark, Wolf Greenfield, specializes in IP transactions.

The document, which appoints a slew of new attorneys to represent Homeworld, is signed by THQ executive vice president of business and legal affairs James M. Kennedy. The transaction took place on August 14, 2007, with a similar transfer of the Homeworld: Cataclysm expansion trademark having been signed on the same day.

While the ties to THQ only appear on the most recent documents, Vivendi Universal lawyer Rod Rigole had transferred power of attorney to Douglas R. Wolf, ... Read more

Topping off a day of delays, THQ announced it will be pushing three of its fourth quarter fiscal year 2008 titles into fiscal year 2009, which begins April 1, 2008. Sandblast Games' Destroy All Humans!: Path of the Furon (PS3, X360), Kaos Studio' PlayStation 3 version of Frontlines: Fuel of War (PC, PS3, X360), and Blue Tongue's DS version and Helixe's Wii version of de Blob (Wii, NDS) will now be released sometime after the start of the new fiscal year.

Note that only the PlayStation 3 version of Frontlines: Fuel of War has been delayed, as the Xbox 360 and PC versions of the game are still on target for an early 2008 release, along with the previously confirmed Xbox 360 demo of the game coming in December.

"We still plan to ship the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Frontlines in the March quarter, as we are pleased with the quality on these platforms and believe this is the best launch window for the game," said THQ CEO Brian Farrell... Read more

THQ is developing a Wii title that, in some form, implements at least one Nintendo-owned property, the companies revealed today in an SEC filing.

According to the terms of the agreement, THQ has until October 13, 2009 to release the game and must pay for its manufacturing in addition to the royalty fee incurred by using a Nintendo property. All aspects of the title, including packaging and advertising, must first be approved by Nintendo.

Other examples of Nintendo handing out its IPs to external developers include Hudson's Mario Party series (Wii, DS, GBA, GCN, N64), Square Enix's Mario Hoops 3-on-3 (DS), Namco's Star Fox Assault (GCN), and Sega's Sonic & Mario at the Olympic Games (Wii, DS).

Sega has also been on a licensing kick lately, lending out beloved franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Afterburner, Crazy Taxi, and Alien Syndrome to BioWare, Planet Moon Studios, Sniper Studios, and Totally Games, respectively. While most of the above games follow in the footsteps of the original series, BioWare's effort, a DS RPG starring the fabled blue speedster, marks a new direction for the IP.

Update: THQ has confirmed with Shacknews that Worms: A Space Oddity is built around 2D gameplay (hooray!).

Original story: Publisher THQ has announced Worms: A Space Oddity, the approximately four hundredth entry in UK-based Team17's beloved and long-running turn-based ballistic warfare series. Heading to Wii in spring 2008, A Space Oddity will support up to four players online and is being developed by Team17 itself.

Oddly, today's press release did not specify whether the game features 2D or 3D gameplay, a distinction that will surely have a large impact on the reception of the announcement among series fans. THQ has been contacted for comment on the matter. It did, however, note that the game is clothed in a new outer space theme and, perhaps taking a cue from platform ... Read more

THQ reported a net loss of $9.274 million today for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, down from a $12.101 million net loss during the same period last year. Net sales decreased for the quarter by 24.7% to $104.5 million, with most revenue coming from more than one million unit sales of Disney/Pixar's Ratatouille (PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, X360, GCN, Wii, NDS, GBA) from Heavy Iron Studios. "We expect this game to have an extremely 'long tail' and strong international appeal, just like Finding Nemo," CEO Brian Farrell jested during an earnings conference call.

During the same call, Farrell mentioned again that development of a new game in the Red Faction shooter franchise would continue. "Today, we are confirming the next Red Faction game," he said. Farrell had already referenced a new Red Faction title in a conference call earlier this year.

The quarter's net losses are in line with THQ's estimates, with ... Read more

As the latest in a long list of publishers joining up with Steam, THQ has announced that it too plans to add its titles to Valve's popular PC game download service.

Available today are Relic Entertainment's Company of Heroes, Iron Lore's Titan Quest and Titan Quest: Immortal Throne, and Pandemic Studios' Full Spectrum Warrior and Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers. Each has a 10% discount from its standard price until July 24.

THQ plans to make available several additional games in the near future. On the way are GSC Game World's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Relic Entertainment's Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Gold Edition, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Platinum Edition, and Warhammer 40,000:... Read more