THQ vs. THQ Nordic
What's the Difference?
THQ and THQ Nordic are both video game companies that have undergone significant changes over the years. THQ was originally founded in 1989 and developed a wide range of popular games, but eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2012. THQ Nordic, on the other hand, was established in 2011 and has since acquired the rights to many of THQ's former franchises. While THQ focused on developing games in-house, THQ Nordic has taken a different approach by acquiring smaller studios and expanding its portfolio of titles. Overall, both companies have made their mark on the gaming industry, with THQ Nordic carrying on the legacy of its predecessor while also forging its own path.
Comparison
| Attribute | THQ | THQ Nordic |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Agoura Hills, California | Vienna, Austria |
| Parent Company | NA | Embracer Group |
| Notable Games | WWE series, Saints Row series | Darksiders series, Biomutant |
Further Detail
History
THQ, originally known as Toy Headquarters, was founded in 1989 in the United States. It quickly became a prominent player in the video game industry, publishing popular titles such as the Saints Row series and the WWE video games. However, due to financial troubles, THQ filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and its assets were sold off. THQ Nordic, on the other hand, was founded in 2011 as Nordic Games. It acquired the THQ trademark in 2013 and rebranded itself as THQ Nordic in 2016. Since then, THQ Nordic has been acquiring various game development studios and intellectual properties.
Game Portfolio
THQ had a diverse portfolio of games ranging from action-adventure to sports and racing games. Some of its most popular franchises included Darksiders, Red Faction, and Company of Heroes. THQ Nordic, on the other hand, has focused on acquiring older intellectual properties and reviving them. It has brought back franchises like Desperados, Destroy All Humans!, and SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom. THQ Nordic has also expanded its portfolio with new IPs like Biomutant and Wreckfest.
Development Studios
THQ had several internal development studios, including Volition, Relic Entertainment, and Vigil Games. These studios were responsible for creating some of THQ's most successful games. After THQ's bankruptcy, many of these studios were either shut down or acquired by other companies. THQ Nordic, on the other hand, has been acquiring various development studios to expand its capabilities. Some of the studios under the THQ Nordic umbrella include Gunfire Games, Experiment 101, and HandyGames.
Business Strategy
THQ's business strategy was focused on developing and publishing games across multiple platforms, including consoles, PC, and mobile. It also had a strong presence in the licensed game market, with titles based on popular franchises like WWE and Disney. THQ Nordic, on the other hand, has focused on acquiring older IPs at a lower cost and reviving them for modern audiences. This strategy has allowed THQ Nordic to quickly build up a diverse portfolio of games without the need for extensive in-house development.
Reception
THQ was known for publishing a mix of critically acclaimed and commercially successful games. Titles like Darksiders and Saints Row received positive reviews from critics and sold well. However, THQ also had its fair share of flops, such as the uDraw GameTablet. THQ Nordic, on the other hand, has received mixed reviews for its approach of reviving older IPs. While some fans appreciate the nostalgia factor, others have criticized the company for not taking enough risks with new IPs. Overall, both THQ and THQ Nordic have had their share of successes and failures in the gaming industry.
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