THQ denies cancelling 2014 line-up of games

THQ has denied cancelling its 2014 line-up of games – but the future of ambitious Warhammer 40,000 MMO Dark Millennium Online is less certain.

The publisher responded to a gloomy rumour spread on Twitter by video game executive Kevin Dent. He heard that the Warhammer 40,000 MMO and the THQ 2014 line-up had been cancelled. Dent had also heard THQ was “offering” itself for sale to Asian companies.

THQ’s response, via a statement offered to VG247, read: “THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO.

“As part of the ongoing review of our business, we have made decisions to ensure that the company is strategically addressing the most attractive markets.

“As we have previously announced, we have dramatically reduced our commitment to the kids’ boxed games sector which leads to a significantly more focused release schedule moving forward.

“Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business,” the publisher added. “We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry.”

GamesIndustry.biz corroborated the Dark Millennium Online doubt with separate sources, which claimed the MMO was being offered for sale to other companies.

MMOs are notoriously arduous and expensive projects to undertake. Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online was revealed as in development at Darksiders studio Vigil back in March 2007.

Relatively little has materialised since then; we’ve seen videos and we’ve relayed promises, but we’ve never actually played the game – so how much actually exists?

Projects THQ has in development are: Darksiders 2, Metro: Last Light, the Obsidian South Park RPG, Devil’s Third and Guillermo Del Toro collaboration Insane. The publisher is also rumoured to be making Dawn of War 3 and Company of Heroes 2. A Space Marine sequel is on the cards as well.

UFC Undisputed 3 is weeks away, and another WWE game is expected later in 2012.

Last year, THQ bet big on Homefront, shooter to compete with power-brands like Call of Duty and Battlefield. But Homefront turned out poorly.

A Homefront sequel is planned to right the wrongs of the first game, but won’t be made by original developer Kaos Studios, which was closed. Development will be handled instead by Crytek UK.

THQ hired Assassin’s Creed project director Patrice Desilets last year to lead a secret project at a new studio set up in Canada’s Montreal.

THQ also cancelled Company of Heroes Online and WWE Online last year.

Saints Row: The Third redeemed THQ’s 2011 by finishing as one of the best selling video games of 2011 in the UK.