THQ looks to alter its outlook with Company of Heroes sequel

THQ and Relic Entertainment's critically acclaimed 2006 RTS Company of Heroes will receive a sequel in early 2013, with a focus on environmental destruction and increased tactical capabilities. Company of Heroes 2 marks one of THQ's few remaining pillars of business, at a time when the company is being forced to lay off hundreds of staff due to financial difficulties, including staff at Relic. This new title will focus on the Eastern Front conflicts of World War II, tasking players with taking command of the Red Army as it attempts to repel the Nazi invaders in Moscow. Company of Heroes 2 will be the first title from Relic to utilize the latest version of its Essence game engine. Essence 3.0 allows the studio to incorporate stronger strategic elements into the game, with a new Dynamic Battle Tactics system in place, and new commander abilities to play around with. As with the original Company of Heroes, this sequel will also receive post-launch digital content as a means of prolonging the game's lifecycle. Greg Wilson, producer at Relic Entertainment, explained, "Company of Heroes 2 is a true successor, introducing a new front, new protagonists and new technology while retaining the unique mix of strategic gameplay and competitive multiplayer that made the original Company of Heroes such a success."