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THQ cans MX Vs ATV franchise

Lets go of 200 staff.

THQ has canned the MX Vs ATV franchise.

The last game in the series was MX VS ATV Alive, which launched earlier this year but failed to set tills alight.

Meanwhile, THQ has shut down three internal development teams and let go some 200 staff members.

THQ's two Australian studios have closed as part of the cull, and its development team in Phoenix is no more.

"With this realignment, we are narrowing our focus to high-quality owned IP with broad appeal that can be leveraged across multiple platforms, and to work with the best talent in the industry," boss Brian Farrell said.

"By right-sizing our internal development capacities for our console portfolio, our five internal studios are focused on delivering high-quality games with talented teams driving the execution of those titles to market.

"As we have outlined in our business strategies, we are making shifts to reduce movie-based and licensed kids' video games in our portfolio, which underscores our strategy to move away from games that will not generate strong profits in the future."

The MX Vs ATV franchise cancellation follows THQ's decision to ditch the Red Faction series, and the closure of Homefront developer Kaos Studios.

THQ now has THQ Montreal, led by former Assassin's Creed main man Patrice Désilets, Saints Row creator Volition, Warhammer studio Relic, Darksiders developer Vigil and WWE studio THQ San Diego.