THQ

Why is it that the most popular current gen games console gets so shafted on games? From mono Guitar Hero to no downloadable content, the Wii has one more disappointment to add to the list - Worms: A Space Oddity’s lack of online play. Initially promised to have online play by Team 17, THQ have now released a spin-heavy press release saying:

“Worms: A Space Oddity is a social gaming experience that is best enjoyed locally, in a party-game atmosphere with other players. Team 17 has proven it can deliver a world class online gaming experience through the popular Worms: Open Warfare 2.”

“We’ve chosen to focus on making the best possible local multiplayer experience through fast-paced gameplay and entertaining party-games. Players will get even more fun and satisfaction from being able to see the reaction of their friends and taunting them with attacks face-to-face.”

There is really nothing you can say to that other than stare blankly and stammer a bit.

via Shack News

THQ have signed up to distribute their games digitally with digital download company Gamer’s Gate. Currently the deal includes worldwide access to Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts and Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance as well as the original titles Company of Heroes and Supreme Commander. There are also plans to bring S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Full Spectrum Warrior, Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights and the upcoming Frontlines: Fuels of War to the service.

However, “worldwide” does not seem to include Australia and New Zealand, which is pretty disappointing.

via Gamers Hell

THQ have delayed Juiced 2: Import Nights for the PlayStation 3 until October, and removed the PlayStation 3 version of Stuntman: Ignition from their release schedule.

I’m going to take a wild guess and say this is due to the difficulty of programming for the Cell processor. If the brains at Epic had problems getting the Unreal Engine to fly on the Cell, it’s not outrageous to assume that other developers are sitting around scratching their heads, waiting for the SWAT team of Sony engineers to visit their offices and save the day.

via Gaming Today

Three former developers from THQ’s Volition studio have announced their new studio, Blazing Lizard.

Sandeep Shekar, Jiovanie Velazquez, and Christopher Stockman all worked at Volition during the development of Summoner, The Punisher, and notably, Saints Row. Needless to say, Christopher would place dead-last in a Blazing Lizard “coolest name in the office” competition.

The team is currently working on original downloadable titles for current-generation consoles, and will release more details on August 13. With “original” and “downloadable titles” generally thought of as mutually-exclusive within the industry, we’re expecting big things from a seemingly switched-on bunch. There’s a big hole to fill, that’s for sure.

via gi