THQ

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Full name: THQ International Ltd
Established: 1989
Closed: Feb 2013
Reason: Financial insolvency
Website:

Disambiguation: THQ Nordic

Founded in 1989 by former LJN toy company founder and industry veteran Jack Friedman, "Toy Headquarters" was incorporated 1990 in Calabasas, California as THQ, Inc.

Within months of incorporation, THQ acquired the games division of Bröderbund, then famous for its Choplifter title. The following year, the company went public after a merger with Trinity Aquisition Corp. Friedman departed in 1995 to be replaced as CEO by the company's CFO, Brian Farrell.

In 1999 THQ signed a licensing deal with World Wrestling Federation, WWF, a license it has continue to enjoy since. As with its WWF games, THQ is synonymous with famous movie, TV and lifestyle brand licenses such as Polar Express, Aeon Flux, Power Rangers and MTV Sports. Indeed, one of the company's first titles was an Nintendo NES games based on the John Hughes classic, "Home Alone". More recently the fruits of deals with Disney and Nickelodeon has produced chart topping games based on Disney/Pixar titles including Cars, Monsters Inc. and The Incredibles and TV shows such as Spongebob Squarepants and Rugrats.

THQ has also established itself as a key player in the heldheld market, distrubuting titles on Nintendo GameBoy and DS not only for its own titles, but also for other publishers, including Eidos' Tomb Raider games and Team17's Worms Open Warfare and , SEGA's Crazy Taxi and Infogrames' Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee.

Keen to expand beyond the "kiddy games" market of its "toy" foundations, the company has produces top selling titles for the teen and mature sector, including Red Faction, Evil Dead, Sopranos, Stubbs the Zombie, Destroy All Humans and STALKER.

Software Highlights from Credited Titles

THQ's first work that SPOnG is aware of is the 1991 title, "Home Alone" (SNES).

The company has been involved titles released on the PC, 3DS/2DS, Wii U, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, DS/DSi, PS2, Power Mac, PSP, Xbox, GameCube, GBA, N-Gage, PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, N64, Game Boy, Sega Megadrive, SNES, Mac and NES. Of these, "Monsters, Inc." (GBA), "Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase" (PlayStation), "The Simpsons: Road Rage" (GBA), "SpongeBob SquarePants: SuperSponge" (GBA), "Disney Presents a PIXAR Film: Cars" (GBA) has been a best selling title.

The company's most recent involvement was on the 2013 release "inSANE" (Xbox 360).

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Related Press Releases

Saints Row: The Third – Enter the Dominatrix Now Part of Something Bigger Than Itself

Cumulative Awesomeness of Gameplay Experience Can No Longer Fit into Expansion Pack; Enter The Dominatrix Will Be Incorporated into the Next Great Sequel in the Saints Row Franchise

20 Jun 2012

THQ Inc: Holzer Holzer & Fistel, LLC Announces Investigation into THQ Inc.

THQ Inc. : Holzer Holzer & Fistel, LLC Announces Investigation into THQ Inc. 06/13/2012 | 10:20am

14 Jun 2012

THQ and Zuffa Announce Transition of Ultimate Fighting Championship Videogame Rights

THQ Inc. and Zuffa, LLC, today announced that they have reached an agreement resulting in Zuffa licensing to Electronic Arts Inc. the right to publish videogames based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) brand, effective today.

05 Jun 2012

THQ Announces Darksiders® II Collector's Edition For Europe

Available to Pre-Order in Europe While Stocks Last

11 May 2012

Thq Announces Darksiders II Pre-Order Incentives

Unlock Exclusive In-Game Content By Pre-ordering

14 Feb 2012

Thq Partners and Machinima Join Forces To Publish and Promote Nexuiz, A Downloadable Arena Shooter From Illfonic

Nexuiz Reinvigorates The Arena First-Person Shooter Category With The Power Of CryEngine(R) 3 And Mind-Bending In-Game Mutators

12 Dec 2011

The Inter-Galactic Hero Returns Today! Voltron: Defender Of The Universe Now Available On Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network

Voltron: Defender of the Universe combines all the action and nostalgia of the iconic 1980s franchise with classic arcade-style co-op gameplay.

30 Nov 2011

New and Improved Udraw Gametablet Set To Launch For Xbox 360 and Playstation 3

Enhanced creative functions, fantastic new games and HD capability take the uDraw GameTablet to the next level

14 Nov 2011

THQ Announces Internal Studios Realignment to Focus on Key Strategic Initiatives

Company Increases Emphasis on High Potential Categories; Reduces Focus on Kids and Movie-Based Licensed Titles for Consoles

10 Aug 2011

Barbie Jet, Set & Style From THQ Ready To Take Off For A Global Glam Fashion Tour

This Fall, Barbie(TM) Fans Around the Globe Have a Chance to Become Her Top Fashionista in All-New Video Game

04 Aug 2011

This November, Deepak Chopra Brings New Meaningto Video Games with Leela, An Interactive Journey of Mind and Body Available Only On Game Console

World-Renowned Expert on Health and Wellness Creates a Revolutionary Experience That Brings Harmony and Balance to Everyday Life

26 Jul 2011

Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team Available Now

Play Arcade Shooter to Unlock the Power Sword in Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) Space Marine(R)

14 Jul 2011

THQ Announces Updated Downloadable Content Schedule For Wwe All Stars

New Playable WWE Legends and Current WWE Superstars Scheduled For Release This Summer

30 Jun 2011

THQ To Bring The Witcher® 2: Assassins Of Kings To Xbox 360 in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and The Middle East

Leading Publisher Announces Agreement to Market and Distribute CD Projekt RED’s Landmark Role-Playing Game Through its THQ Partners Program...

30 Jun 2011

505 Games Drops Players Into High-Octane Shooter Combat With Blackwater,

Coming Exclusively to Kinect for Xbox 360®

06 Jun 2011

THQ AND adidas TO BRING miCOACH INTERACTIVE TRAINING SYSTEM TO VIDEO GAME CONSOLES

Seamlessly Blending Technology and Renowned Sports Stars, miCoach Offers the Only Totally Connected Training Program Created by Athletes for Athletes

06 Jun 2011

THQ Announces uDraw™ GameTablet™ For Wii™

An Innovative Gaming Accessory Hitting Store Shelves This Holiday Season

17 Aug 2010

Ufc Undisputed 2010

So … you want to be a fighter?

24 Feb 2010

Thq and Nvidia Confirm Extensive Dx11 Feature Set and 3D Vision Support For Metro 2033

Upcoming FPS from 4A Games will boast the most advanced DX11 techniques yet seen in a PC title

17 Feb 2010

Extensive Demo Announced For Darksiders

Over 90 minutes of gameplay coming for both Xbox 360 and Playstation 3

16 Feb 2010

Thq Springs Into Action with The Announcement Of All Star Karate, Currently in Development Exclusively For Wii

Latest Title in All Star Franchise Becomes First Video Game on Wii to Integrate Karate-Based Play

09 Feb 2010

Thq and Sony Pictures Consumer Products Announce Multi-Year Video Game License Agreements For "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel Of Fortune"

Popular Game Show Properties to Join THQ's Kids, Family and Casual Games Line-up

01 Feb 2010

Thq Confirms Release Date For Metro 2033

Post-apocalyptic first person shooter scheduled to reach European stores on March 19th – pre-order at selected retailers for bonus content

28 Jan 2010

Thq Unveils Its First Demolition Derby Style Party Game, Spongebob's Boating Bash

Game Lets Players "Crash-n-Bash" with Favorite SpongeBob Characters

20 Jan 2010

Thq Unveils Its First Demolition Derby Style Party Game, Spongebob's Boating Bash

Game Lets Players "Crash-n-Bash" with Favorite SpongeBob Characters

19 Jan 2010

Thq and Thq*Ice Want You To Win Big in The Dragonica Online Sweepstakes

Play Dragonica Online for a Chance to Win More Than $2,500 in Gift Card Prizes

18 Jan 2010

Last Chance To Create A Wrestling Legacy with The WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008 International Tournament, Presented By HMV

Just 25 Days Remain To Body Slam The Competition in International Xbox Live Tournament

14 Jan 2008

Worms: A Space Oddity

Challenge Up to Four Friends Anywhere in the World with New, Intuitive Controls Designed Specifically for the Wii Remote

30 Aug 2007

MCV Industry Excellence Awards 2007: Finalists Announced

Shortlist for the games industry's most celebrated awards event is revealed

02 Mar 2007

THQ Signs up to Philips AMBX Revolution

Redhill, United Kingdom.

21 Aug 2006

THQ Acquires Juice Games Ltd.

Critically-Acclaimed Developer of Juiced™ Franchise Becomes THQ’s First Internal European Studio

06 Mar 2006

John Cena® Crowned THQ European Superstar Challenge Champion 2005

Cena clinches top prize in first ever THQ European knock-out tournament

21 Nov 2005

THQ Teams up With Vodafone to Pioneer Juiced

THQ Inc., today announced it has signed a major agreement with Vodafone, one of the world's largest mobile network operators.

05 May 2005

MotoGP 3 revs up for Xbox and PC with a host of new features!

THQ and Climax confirm new Extreme mode, original XBOX Live! and PC online features.

26 Jan 2005

WWE Smackdown! Vs. Raw to Street November 12th

First ever PlayStation2 WWE Wrestling game featuring online play supported by extensive marketing campaign.

26 Oct 2004

THQ Announces Global Publishing Rights to Juiced Franchise

Juice Games gets juiced up.

12 Oct 2004

THQ to Showcase WWE Smackdown! vs Raw to UK WWE Fans First

High profile wrestling game to be demonstrated during WWE tours.

08 Oct 2004

WWE Day of Reckoning ships for Nintendo GameCube two weeks ahead of schedule

GameCube exclusive features original story mode developed by WWE writers.

09 Sep 2004

Win a Naka-signed Sonic Print

THQ looks forward to Sonic Advance 3 release with rare prize up for grabs.

18 May 2004

THQ Unveils its 2004/2005 WWE line-up

Three more on the way.

07 May 2004

THQ Announces Hot Wheels Stunt Track Challenge

Multi-platform release will feature extreme game show-style gameplay and online component.

07 May 2004

Soul II Soul

THQ announces Shining Soul II for GBA March 26, 2004

22 Mar 2004

THQ announces The Punisher for PlayStation 2 and Xbox

Marvel’s popular vigilante makes his interactive debut in Fall of 2004.

09 Dec 2003

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Dynamic Atmospherics Information

“Nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands.” E.E. Cummings.

11 Nov 2003

Creator of Broken Sword: The Sleeping Dragon signs release day copies

Extra goodies on offer to the earliest of birds.

10 Nov 2003

Full Spectrum Warrior to be hands on X03

First playable build to be unveiled

15 Sep 2003

THQ announces multi-product Game Boy Advance co-publishing agreement with SEGA Europe Ltd

THQ Inc. today announced that it has entered into an exclusive multi-title Nintendo Game Boy Advance co-publishing agreement with SEGA Europe Ltd.

12 Sep 2003

Mayor of London Backs London Games Week

Ken Livingstone praises the games industry

01 Aug 2003

WWE Smackdown! Here Comes the Pain announced exclusively for PlayStation 2

Sequel to last year’s #1 selling wrestling game scheduled for Fall 2003 release.

23 Jul 2003

Brits hate The Hun

No, not ‘that’ Hun - Attila.

30 Jun 2003

THQ announces Star Wars: Flight of the Falcon for Game Boy Advance

Pilot the Millennium Falcon in a battle against the Empire.

24 Jun 2003

THQ delivers its most compelling line up to date at 2003 Electronic Entertainment Expo

THQ showcases videogames for every viable game system targeting every segment of the expanding gaming audience.

09 May 2003

Doing it for the skids

THQ announces release of MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 2 for Xbox and Xbox Live as May 16.

08 May 2003

THQ announces publishing rights to highly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Oblivion Lost for PC

THQ today announced it has acquired the worldwide publishing rights to the highly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Oblivion Lost (working title).

07 May 2003

LEGO Interactive and THQ announce publishing agreement for Game Boy Advance

THQ to Publish LEGO Titles for Game Boy Advance in Europe and Asia Pacific.

29 Apr 2003

Babel sets record time with THQ and Climax for Moto GP 2

Outsourcing games specialist Babel Media has collaborated with THQ and Climax to localise Moto GP 2 in record time.

18 Mar 2003

THQ unveils Sphinx, an original interactive adventure

Game design veterans Eurocom take the character-based, action-adventure genre to new heights with superior technology and refined gameplay.

20 Feb 2003

THQ is #2 Independent Video Game Publisher

Company Also Increases Market Share.

06 Feb 2003

THQ and Majesco Sign International Publishing and Distribution Agreement

10 new titles bolster THQ International’s Game Boy Advance line-up.

06 Feb 2003

THQ fill a new position

THQ names James Kennedy to newly created position of senior vice president of business and legal affairs.

28 Jan 2003

THQ announces Splashdown 2 for PlayStation 2

First THQ title developed by Rainbow Studios scheduled for release in Summer 2003.

28 Jan 2003

THQ Announces Red Faction II for GameCube, Xbox and PC

Critically acclaimed action game scheduled to ship in March 2003

13 Jan 2003

THQ to Publish SEGA Arcade Gallery for Game Boy Advance

SEGA arcade classics explode onto Game Boy Advance

02 Jan 2003

THQ announces Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo for Game Boy Advance and two titles for PC/Mac

Games scheduled for release with previously announced PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube.

11 Nov 2002

THQ announces $35 million bank credit facility

THQ announced today that it has amended and restated its worldwide credit facility with Union Bank of California to reflect its strong balance sheet.

28 Oct 2002

THQ announces distribution agreement with Sammy Europe Limited

THQ to distribute Lethal Skies Elite Pilot: Team SW on Sony PlayStation 2 across PAL territories.

19 Sep 2002

THQ named to business 2.0 100 fastest-growing tech companies list

Good news for publishing giant

17 Sep 2002

THQ announces common stock buy-back plan

Share price "not a true reflection" of company's track record.

10 Sep 2002

Sci-Fi star Lance Henriksen to lend voice talents to THQ and Volition’s Red Faction II

Highly anticipated sequel features enhanced Geo-Mod engine, new multi-player modes and an engaging storyline.

20 Aug 2002

Top Names at ECTS 2002

ECTS 2002 announces 100 exhibitors so far with seven weeks to go.

28 Jul 2002

June is busting out all over for THQ

THQ ranked #2 videogame software publisher in june and #1 independent handheld software publisher for first half of 2002.

23 Jul 2002

JAKKS Pacific and THQ UK update and relaunch World Wrestling Entertainment games web portal

JAKKS Pacific and THQ UK update and relaunch World Wrestling Entertainment games web portal

16 Jul 2002

THQ and Fox Interactive announce Game Boy Advance publishing agreement

Deal includes The Simpsons Road Rage and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

16 Jul 2002

THQ, Disney Interactive and Pixar Animation Studios announce strategic multi-property publishing agreement

Interactive rights to next three animated Disney/Pixar Films included.

10 May 2002

THQ and Encore 'PAL' for International Console Rights

Circus Maximus: Chariot Wars, Dragon’s Lair 3D, Daredevil slated for 2002 PAL lineup.

29 Apr 2002

World Wrestling Federation ‘Insurrextion’ tickets up for grabs at eBay.co.uk

Charity auction proceeds to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

25 Apr 2002

What is New Legends?

Read on and find out.

22 Apr 2002

THQ Announces Wireless Entertainment Division

Doug Dyer named General Manager of THQ Wireless, THQ and Siemens announce new wireless gaming engine.

12 Apr 2002

THQ to Acquire Digital Entertainment Creator Rainbow Studios

THQ today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Rainbow Studios, a leading creator of digital entertainment.

12 Apr 2002

THQ adds Outrage Entertainment

New studio, Cranky Pants Games, also announced.

12 Apr 2002

THQ Announces Exclusive Retail Distribution with Gauntlet

New UK distribution deal revealed.

11 Apr 2002

Red Faction goes Platinum

Receives ELSPA award for sales.

27 Feb 2002

THQ Reports Record Fourth Quarter Net Sales and Net Income

Company Increases Guidance for First Quarter and Year 2002.

15 Feb 2002

Tak and the Power of JuJu scheduled for PlayStation 2 and GameCube release in 2003

Interstellar P.I.G. also identified as “Videogame First” property.

13 Feb 2002

THQ Named Nickelodeon’s Master Interactive Licensee

Exclusive worldwide agreement includes all existing and future individual properties on every game system through 2005.

13 Feb 2002

THQ Announces Distribution Agreement with KOEI Co. Ltd

THQ to distribute Koei titles across PAL territories.

13 Feb 2002

THQ Announces Next Installment for MX Franchise

Next game in successful Motocross series coming to PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube.

30 Jan 2002

Hot Wheels for PlayStation 2!

THQ announces high speed mission-based racing adventure.

30 Jan 2002

THQ and Volition Unveil Summoner 2 Exclusively for PlayStation 2

Sequel to top-selling role playing game scheduled to release Fall 2002.

28 Jan 2002

THQ Announces Toxic Grind for Xbox and Nintendo GameCube

First ever story-driven, mission-based BMX Game.

24 Jan 2002

THQ Turns Mobiles to Street Fighters

Capcom’s Classic Street Fighter to be developed by Warthog for WAP and SMS.

28 Dec 2001

THQ Raises Additional $16 million from Stock Offering

Company reaffirms guidance for 2001

17 Dec 2001

Intellivision is Back!

THQ secures worldwide rights to publish Intellivision games for wireless applications.

28 Nov 2001

Just Bring It...

...forward a week.

28 Nov 2001

THQ Signs Fila

THQ to publish exciting new games under FILA brand.

13 Nov 2001

THQ to Publish Sky Sports Football Quiz

Sky Sports Branded Quiz Game to Launch for Holiday Season.

26 Oct 2001

Get Ready for the Most Thrilling PlayStation Racing Game of the Year

THQ fire the starting line with the UK release Hot Wheels Extreme Racing on September 14.

31 Aug 2001

THQ Reports Second Quarter Results

Increases earnings guidance for the year.

20 Jul 2001

Return of the Rugrats

THQ announces Rugrats: All Growed Up for PC and Rugrats: Castle Capers for Game Boy Advance.

19 Jul 2001

Sky Sports Football Manager is The Ultimate Realistic, Multi-Player Football Management Game

Sky Sports Football Manager brings the biggest brand in football to the first genuinely multi-player football management game ever.

18 Jul 2001

THQ Secures Warhammer 40,000 Rights – Seeks Development Partners

After 39,999 attempts, THQ finally get the sequel - only joking!

12 Jul 2001

Sky Sports, Hotgen Studios and THQ International Ltd Launch Online Football Management Game

Newly formed joint venture company to publish Sky Sports Football Manager.

28 Jun 2001

THQ’s Red Faction Tops US Sales Charts

PlayStation 2 game hits number one in first week at retail in US - international launch June 22nd.

28 Jun 2001

Scooby Doo and the Cyber Chase!

Zoinks! Scooby and the kids of Mystery Inc. have been beamed into two all-new games for PlayStation,

21 Jun 2001

THQ Takes Fairies Into Battle

THQ to publish Action adventure game Zanzarah: The Hidden Portal for PC.

21 Jun 2001

THQ Announces Star Wars Jedi Power Battles

First Game Boy Advance Star Wars product announced under THQ/LucasArts publishing agreement.

28 May 2001

THQ Announces Red Faction

Volition's highly anticipated first-person masterpiece for PlayStation 2 and PC.

12 May 2001

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun With 'Totally Angelica' From THQ

Get ready for an all-new Rugrats PlayStation game just for girls!

30 Apr 2001

Disney's Future Feature Tie-In Game is Snapped Up By THQ

THQ brings Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire to Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color systems.

28 Apr 2001

THQ and Nickelodeon Announce Spongebob Squarepants: Supersponge

The Wildly Popular SpongeBob SquarePants Kids’ Program is coming to Game Boy Advance and PlayStation This Fall.

23 Apr 2001

THQ and Nickelodeon Form Relationship To Create Original Videogame Titles

Companies to build tv, film, online and consumer product franchises based on videogame properties.

18 Apr 2001

THQ Announces GT Advance Championship Racing For US Launch Of Game Boy Advance.

THQ today announced GT Advance Championship Racing for release day and date with Nintendo's highly anticipated Game Boy Advance system.

12 Apr 2001

THQ Announces New Legends For Xbox

Groundbreaking action-adventure game to kick off THQ’s product line for Xbox this Fall.

12 Apr 2001

THQ Goes Bonkers For Conkers

THQ to distribute Conker’s Bad Fur Day across Europe.

28 Mar 2001

THQ Brings EA Stars 2001 Series To Game Boy Color

THQ to publish FA Premier League STARS 2001, Bundesliga STARS 2001, LNF STARS 2001 and Primera Division STARS 2001 across Europe.

28 Mar 2001

WWF No Mercy Finalist For Interactive Achievement Awards

WWF SmackDown! and WWF SmackDown! 2 also garner international awards.

26 Mar 2001

THQ Get 'Nicked' Again

SpongeBob SquarePants: Legend of the Lost Spatula and Rocket Power Gettin' Air set for UK release on April 13th 2001 and will each retail at £24.99.

21 Mar 2001

WWF No Mercy Finalist For Interactive Achievement Awards

WWF SmackDown! and WWF SmackDown! 2 also garner international awards.

21 Mar 2001

Rugrats In Paris

Hang on to your berets, babies, we're going on an all-new video game adventure!

28 Feb 2001

Thq Announces Power Rangers Time Force For Game Boy Advance

Addition to the previously announced PlayStation and Game Boy Color titles.

27 Feb 2001

New Ricky Carmichael Moto-X Title Due For GBA

THQ today announced the definitive handheld motocross game for Nintendo s upcoming Game Boy Advance system.

26 Feb 2001

WWF Smackdown 3 (Working Title) In Line For PS2

THQ and JAKKS Pacific today announced the two newest videogames licensed from the highly popular World Wrestling Federation.

21 Feb 2001

Jimmy Neutron and The Wild Thornberry's Interactive Adventures Scheduled to Release in 2001

Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Rocket Power PC rights added to console publishing agreements.

19 Feb 2001

The Force is Strong At Hotgen Studios

Lightsabres at the ready - Star Wars is back.

16 Nov 2000

Star Wars: Obi-Wan’s Adventures

Leading developer completes heralded Star Wars title.

28 Oct 2000

Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue

Get ready to save the world Power Rangers style!

22 Sep 2000

Totally Angelica, Totally Game Boy!

An all-new Rugrats Game Boy Color game just for girls!

22 Sep 2000

Scooby Doo Off The Leash And Onto GBC

Scooby-Doo! Classic Creep Capers on Game Boy Colour.

29 Aug 2000

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