14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher THQ has denied rumors that it was canceling the entire line-up of titles set to arrive during 2014, including its big Warhammer 40,000 MMO, called Dark MIllenium Online, as preparation for a sale of the company.
Angela Emery, who is a spokesperson at publisher THQ, responded on Sunday, stated that THQ has not taken any decision that could be interpreted as being a cancelation of any 2014.
She added, “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.”
Emery continued, “Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business. 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.”
The rumors that Dark Millenium Online was being canceled and that THQ was axing all games set to launch during 2014 seems to have originated with Kevin Dent, a consultant for the video game industry, who claimed he had information from inside sources about a huge transformation of THQ as a company.
THQ also sought to present a rather rosy picture of its current situation, citing the recently released NPD Group numbers for the month of December 2011 and the performance of Saints Row: The Third, which was created by Volition, as signs that it is currently performing well.
For the future, the publisher plans to focus more on more profitable game genres and business models, which might mean that the Warhammer 40,000 MMO might be coming out as free- to-play.
THQ also has long term development deals with movie director Guillermo del Toro and Tomonobu Itagaki.