Topic: Expect more THQ support on Wii and DSi, happy with de blob sales

[Flames_of_chaos]

Source

THQ's unique paint-splattering Wii game de Blob has sold over 700K units worldwide, CEO Brian Farrell said on Tuesday during the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference in San Francisco.

Even in a wretched retail environment, the game has been able to hold its original $49.99 price point after about five months of availability. “We can make money on games like that," Farrell said.

Farrell described a "three-prong" Wii strategy that includes the publishing of high production value, "Nintendo-esque" games like de Blob, value titles like Big Beach Sports, which has sold over 1.3 million units, and licensed titles such as those found in the publisher's Nickelodeon portfolio.

The exec also hinted at an upcoming unannounced Wii game that is "very focused ... niche" but nonetheless expected to do well on the platform.

"The competition on the Wii right now is from Nintendo. That's what we've got to attack," he added. "The people who buy Nintendo games, [we want to] get them to buy things like de Blob."

As for the upcoming release of the Nintendo DSi handheld, Farrell said THQ would be migrating its "biggest brands" to the platform, adding that there will be new gameplay opportunities thanks to the DSi's new features.

De Blob doing well is a good sign!! Wii needs more unique games like this

[UltimatePartyBear]

It's a really good sign that they're willing to keep up support on the level of de Blob even though Big Beach Sports sold nearly twice as well.

[Deguello]

"The competition on the Wii right now is from Nintendo. That's what we've got to attack," he added. "The people who buy Nintendo games, [we want to] get them to buy things like de Blob."

This is the right attitude to have for all third parties, although I would like to expand on this and say that, because Nintendo is the #1 and #2 console makers in the world right now (DS and Wii), no matter where you release your game, you are competing with Nintendo. 

Yeah, they're a tough opponent.  25+ years of non-stop quality will do that.  But it's not impossible to approach, and I hope more do so in the future.

[NWR_pap64]

"The competition on the Wii right now is from Nintendo. That's what we've got to attack," he added. "The people who buy Nintendo games, [we want to] get them to buy things like de Blob."

This is the right attitude to have for all third parties, although I would like to expand on this and say that, because Nintendo is the #1 and #2 console makers in the world right now (DS and Wii), no matter where you release your game, you are competing with Nintendo. 

Yeah, they're a tough opponent.  25+ years of non-stop quality will do that.  But it's not impossible to approach, and I hope more do so in the future.

Usually, I would say "I hope that when they say they are competing with Nintendo they don't mean they are trying to make the same games as them". But with THQ I am confident. de Blob and Deadly Creature may not be perfect, but they are different and unique games exclusive to the system.

[Spinnzilla]

Here's hoping for more deadly creatures and de blob!

[Chozo Ghost]

THQ has always been one of Nintendo's strongest supporters. If I'm not mistaken, they're one of the few companies still rolling out GBA titles...

[UltimatePartyBear]

THQ has always been one of Nintendo's strongest supporters. If I'm not mistaken, they're one of the few companies still rolling out GBA titles...

Was THQ part of the "Dream Team" on the N64?  I think so, since I recall their wrestling games being well received.

[ShyGuy]

700k isn't too bad, I hope it has a long enough tail to hit 1 million.

[NovaQ]

THQ has always been one of Nintendo's strongest supporters. If I'm not mistaken, they're one of the few companies still rolling out GBA titles...

Was THQ part of the "Dream Team" on the N64?  I think so, since I recall their wrestling games being well received.

Yeah, THQ made some jawesome wrestling games for the N64. I can't remember a single one of them by name, but they made for some extremely fun weekend rentals with friends.

[Mop it up]

I don't even like wrestling but I still enjoyed THQ's N64 wrestling titles, especially for multiplayer.
I think they released these four in order:
WCW vs NWO World Tour
WCW vs NWO Revenge
WWF Wrestlemania 2000
WWF No Mercy

WWF 2000 is my favourite, but they're all solid.

Anyways, I'm glad THQ will still be working on Wii games. I haven't played de Blob yet but it looks really fun and vomit-inducingly adorable.

[BeautifulShy]

Here's hoping for more deadly creatures and de blob!

There have been talks of a De Blob sequel

[Kairon]

"The people who buy Nintendo games, [we want to] get them to buy things like de Blob."

I hope this guy never meets IanSane.

[NWR_pap64]

"The people who buy Nintendo games, [we want to] get them to buy things like de Blob."

I hope this guy never meets IanSane.

See, you got it wrong.

He said the people who buy Nintendo games. Ian doesn't buy or play games.

Get it, got it, good.