THQ Unveils New Logo, Touts 'Change, Innovation And Creative Growth'

Calling itself "the new THQ", the publisher has unveiled a new logo that it says epitomizes its ongoing efforts to redefine itself through a focus on original AAA intellectual property. In recent years, THQ's expanded efforts have been increasingly visible; on a surface level, the publisher was once primarily known for licensed titles for kids and family -- a space in which it continues to operate prominently through deals with SpongeBob and Mattel. But the company has steadily been making efforts to form high-profile partnerships, focus on new core-focused AAA titles with higher quality bars, and to investigate the cross-media IP space. Currently key in its redefinition strategy is Homefront, Kaos Studios' first-person shooter that releases in March. The company's also recently launched its uDraw tablet peripheral for Wii, on which it worked closely with Nintendo. It plans to continue to support the tablet with new software going forward. THQ drew attention for its partnerships: One with film director Guillermo Del Toro on horror title InSane, and one with high-profile Ninja Gaiden producer Tomonobu Itagaki for upcoming action title Devil's Third. The publisher also recently opened a new studio in Montreal, a major facility headed up by former Ubisoft creative director Patrice Desilets. All of this growth and change warranted an update to the logo, said CEO Brian Farrell. The black cutouts of the company's old logo were representative of the 11 studios that the publisher had at the time, he said. "Our new logo epitomizes the change, innovation and creative growth that are the cornerstones of the new THQ," commented Farrell, adding: "Over the past few years, the gaming industry has seen an unprecedented period of innovation and change. More people than ever before are playing games - it's how and where they wish to enjoy them that will continue to evolve." "The new THQ is positioned to meet these changing demands with a new level of creative excellence and innovation," he concluded.