THQ Inc. today announced that it has added gaming veterans Outrage Entertainment to its internal studio roster. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the team at Outrage Entertainment is best known for its PC gaming roots at Parallax Software, creators of Descent. The studio is currently developing an original action game for PlayStation® 2 and Xbox™ that THQ will unveil at the Electronic Entertainment Expo this May.
THQ also announced that it has opened a game development studio in Seattle, Washington which will focus on console development. The studio, Cranky Pants Games, is currently working on a Nintendo GameCube™ project scheduled for release in 2003.
“Securing top creative talent is one of the keys to fostering continued growth for THQ,” stated Jack Sorensen, executive vice president, Worldwide Studios. “We are thrilled to be executing on our strategy of bolstering our internal game development with the leading original content and technology creators at Outrage. Our internal development expertise now rivals that of every industry leader with more than 300 programmers, artists and designers spread across the globe.”
“Very few publishers have the reputation and outlook for growth that THQ does,” stated Matt Toschlog, president, Outrage Entertainment. “We’re delighted to be a part of that growth and we look forward to being able to focus on making great games.”
"THQ has consistently demonstrated a commitment to quality entertainment and growth,” stated David Bollesen, general manager, Cranky Pants Games. “Teaming up with THQ to bring first class products on the next generation game consoles is something we are really excited about."