THQ pins money-hopes on WWE News

PC Xbox 360 PlayStation 3
News by Robert Purchese

5 November, 2009

THQ has posted depleted sales for the quarter ending 30th September, but has reassured investors with promises of imminent money-winners - particularly WWE SmackDown vs Raw - in the future.

While net sales were down 39 per cent for the three month period (compared to 2008), the actual monetary loss of Ł3.34m (roughly Ł0.05 per share) was drastically less than this time last year, when Ł69.8 (around Ł1.05 per share) fell between the cracks.

THQ boss Brian Farrell said the company was now more "focused" and "efficient", and believes the release of WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 and MX vs ATV Reflex will bring in the big-bucks "this holiday". The latter isn't out here until early next year.

Farrell further told investors during a conference call that the WWE franchise will continue until "at least 2014".

Of more interest in the company's future portfolio are titles like Darksiders: Wrath of War (8th January 2010), Metro 2033 (calendar Q1 2010) and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine.

THQ has gained power throughout 2009, and is now positioned as the third largest independent games publisher in the US, and fourth largest in Europe.

Are you excited about WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 on PlayStation 3/Wii/Xbox 360?
View Eurogamer readers most anticipated games

Yes

Thanks!

Want to comment on this article? Log in, or register!

Poster

Comment Low-scoring comments hidden. Log in to see them!

matrim83

05/11/09 @ 10:47

You buried this comment

Comment below viewing threshold

Show

I like THQ, so here is hoping they do better.

nuanimal

05/11/09 @ 11:03

You buried this comment

Comment below viewing threshold

Show

Was that a selective sound bite EG or is THQ really having WWE and MX vs ATV as their Aces up their sleeve?

Ok WWE will probably sell well but MX vs ATV!?

JayG

05/11/09 @ 11:41

You buried this comment

Comment below viewing threshold

Show

Didn't THQ sue the developer's for extending the license? Kinda wierd if it's one of your money makers.

jaxon58

05/11/09 @ 12:24

You buried this comment

Comment below viewing threshold

Show

MX vs ATV is actually looking pretty good this year. They've made a hell of a lot of improvements.

Eraysor

05/11/09 @ 20:19

You buried this comment

Comment below viewing threshold

Show

What about UFC? That was surprisingly good. More of an ace than MX vs ATV.

Also, do they publish all of Relic's games? In which case, Homeworld 3?

Edited 1 times, most recently on 05/11/09 @ 20:20

KylerJ

17/11/09 @ 04:28

You buried this comment

Comment below viewing threshold

Show

This is big, now positioned as the third largest independent games publisher in the US. Given the recent volatility of the stock market, it comes to question whether maintaining a stock investment is a good idea at all. Well it can be – it just depends on how well you manage your investment portfolio. If you buy low, and then sell high, like it's best to – you can see some handsome dividends. First, you want to invest in a proven performer, or a company whose products/services are in high demand, or will be. Obviously, heavily investing on a company specializing in underwater basket weaving isn't the best idea, is it? You can make money in the stock market, but it has to be done carefully and prudently for it to pay off.

Want to comment on this article? Log in, or register!