Gaming Forums => General Gaming => Topic started by: shingi_70 on January 23, 2013, 03:40:50 PM
Title: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on January 23, 2013, 03:40:50 PM
Quote
To All THQ Employees:
We now have the answers we've been seeking through our financial restructuring and Chapter 11 case. While much will be written, here are the facts of the bids and auction that occurred:
Yesterday morning, we received a competing bid for the operating business, along with Clearlake's offer, and numerous offers for separate assets. During an auction process that lasted over 22 hours, the final conclusion was that the separate-asset bids would net more than a single buyer for the majority of the company.
Shortly, we will, present the results to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which must concur with our assessment.
The proposed sales of multiple assets is as follows : Sega agreed to purchase Relic Koch Media agreed to purchase Volition and Metro Crytek agreed to purchase Homefront Take 2 agreed purchase Evolve [Nirolak's Note: Turtle Rock of Left 4 Dead fame's game] and Ubisoft agreed to purchase Montreal [Nirolak's Note: Patrice's game and perhaps Volition Montreal] and South Park We expect these sales to close this week. [Nirolak's Note: Vigil didn't make it.]
Some assets, including our publishing businesses and Vigil, along with some other intellectual properties are not included in the sale agreements. They will remain part of the Chapter 11 case. We will make every effort to find appropriate buyers, if possible.
What this means for employees
We expect that most employees of the entities included in the sale will be offered employment by the new owners. However, we cannot say what these owners may intend, and there will likely be some positions that will not be needed under the new ownership. You should receive notice this week or early next week if the new owners intend to extend employment to you. Please note that the terms of your new employment, including pay and benefits, may be different from the current terms of your employment with THQ.
If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end. A small number of our headquarters staff will continue to be employed by THQ beyond January 25 to assist with the transition. THQ has sufficient resources to pay these employees for work going forward, and we will be contacting these employees immediately to ensure their continued employment during this transition period. We are requesting the ability to offer certain severance pay to minimize disruption for employees of non-included entities as they determine the next steps in their careers.
We know you will have many questions about this news. We'll be meeting tomorrow when we return to talk through this announcement and to answer any questions you have. You will receive a benefits fact sheet and FAQs with answers to some questions that may be on your mind. Please review these materials closely.
A personal note
The work that you all have done as part of the THQ family is imaginative, creative, artistic and highly valued by our loyal gamers. We are proud of what we have accomplished despite today's outcome.
It has been our privilege to work alongside the entire THQ team. While the company will cease to exist, we are heartened that the majority of our studios and games will continue under new ownership. We were hoping that the entire company would remain intact, but we expect to hear good news from each of the separate entities that will be operating as part of new organizations.
For those THQ employees who are part of entities that are not included in the sale, we are confident that the talent you have displayed as part of THQ will be recognized as you take the next steps in your career.
Thank you all for your dedication and for sharing your talent with the THQ team. We wish you the best of luck and hope you will keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Brian Farrell Chief Executive Officer
Jason Rubin President
Unclear what exactly was included in the purchase. Not sure if just the studio or the IP as well.
Sucks to Vigil and Darksiders gone. Was hoping that someone would pick it up as its a decent mid teir franchise.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 23, 2013, 03:47:26 PM
The fate of Vigil and Darksiders are not known yet, so it's premature to say they are gone.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on January 23, 2013, 03:50:53 PM
The fate of Vigil and Darksiders are not known yet, so it's premature to say they are gone.
Even if the studio gets picked in the coming weeks the majority of the staff will probably leave anyway. Its easier to find a new job now instead of waiting to see if you might be saved.
But yeah their is a faint glimmer of hope.
The funniest purchase is ubisaoft buying THQ Montreal since its headed by the creator director of the first three Assassin Creed games.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Kytim89 on January 23, 2013, 04:21:24 PM
Relic EntertainmentMakers of Company of Heroes Winning bidder: Sega, $26.6 million. Backup: Zenimax Media, $26.3 million.THQ Montreal[/color]Makers of 1666 and Underdog, titles under development. Winning bidder: Ubisoft, $2.5 million. No runner-up.Evolve[/color](title in development at Turtle Rock Studios) Winning bidder: Take-Two Interactive, $10.894 million. Backup: Turtle Rock Studios, $250,000.Volition, Inc.[/color]Maker of Saints Row Winning bidder: Koch Media, $22,312,925. Backup: Ubisoft, $5.4 million.Homefront[/color]Released 2011; due for a sequel. Winning bidder: Crytek. $544,218.Metro[/color]Series; due for the sequel Metro: Last Light. Winning Bidder: Koch Media, $5,877,551 Backup: Ubisoft: $5.175 million.South Park[/color]License; South Park: The Stick of Truth is due for release March 5. Winning bidder: Ubisoft, $3,265,306[/font]
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on January 23, 2013, 04:51:00 PM
That's unconfirmed and it would have so in the Statement from Rubin.
Until official word is given I wouldn't be so sure.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Kytim89 on January 23, 2013, 05:02:31 PM
That's unconfirmed and it would have so in the Statement from Rubin.
Until official word is given I wouldn't be so sure.
The source updated that Take Two did not buy Vigil and their IPs and that the studio is still standing on its own? Perhaps Nintendo could purchase them for cheap? The Darksiders series would make a fine edition to the Nintendo stable and since Vigil is based in Austin they could assist Retro with bigger games.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 23, 2013, 07:35:49 PM
I am interested in what will happen to the WWE license. The rumor is that Take-Two and EA are the frontrunners for it.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Soren on January 23, 2013, 10:40:01 PM
Platinum wants Darksiders.
Also, RIP THQ. I will never forget all the hours I logged into WCW/NWO World Tour.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Kytim89 on January 23, 2013, 11:39:42 PM
Also, RIP THQ. I will never forget all the hours I logged into WCW/NWO World Tour.
I am fine with Nintendo or Platinum getting the studio.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 24, 2013, 01:08:23 PM
The court approved the sale, with the auction totalling about $72 million and the final result being around $100 million (when including sales not part of the auction). THQ confirms that no one made a bid for Vigil Games, but they will continue trying to sell the studio, along with other assets and IPs. It's not confirmed if Platinum Games is actually interested in the Darksiders IP or if its just exploratory. It's also reported, though unconfirmed, that Take-Two Interactive has bought the WWE license.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 24, 2013, 01:10:29 PM
He may be assuming that, with people packing up under the assumption they are out of a job.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on January 24, 2013, 01:23:41 PM
They are out of a job. Read the Jason Rubin letter above anyone besides a few headquarters staff was laid off today.
Even if THQ can find someone to take Vigil the sale wont be for a couple of weeks. Most of the talent will be gone by then.
(http://i.imgur.com/FnljCbX.png)
Also you have to realize the talent is about to go elsewhere.
No third parties were interested in the Studio and noon of the Big three has a reason to buy them.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 29, 2013, 12:36:16 AM
Some good news for those now former Vigil Games employees, Crytek is opening its first North American studio. It will be based in Austin, Texas (not in any of Vigil's builidings though) and be called Crytek USA. It will employ 36 former Vigil employees, including Vigil co-founder David Abrams as CEO of the studio.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on January 29, 2013, 08:26:15 AM
DAT Crytek Money. They just are opening studios everywhere.
Its much cheaper to start a new studio and grab the displaced talent than buying vigil.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Louieturkey on January 29, 2013, 04:19:22 PM
Sounds like Retro is picking up additional Vigil employees.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 27, 2013, 11:17:27 PM
The next round of auctions to take care of all remaining THQ IP's will be on April 1. Initial bids will be submitted by April 1 with final bids by April 15. When the bidding is complete, THQ will present them to the court for approval and have the sales complete by mid-May. The IP's are grouped into 6 lots (I assume you have to bid on all IPs in a lot):
Lot 1: Red Faction
Red Faction Red Faction Armageddon Red Faction 2 Red Faction: Guerrilla
Lot 2: Homeworld
Homeworld Homeworld 2
Lot 3: MX
MX Alive MX vs ATV Untamed MX Superfly featuring Ricky Carmichael MX vs. ATV Alive Tournament MX Unleashed MX vs. ATV Unleashed MX vs ATV Reflex MX vs. ATV: On The Edge
Lot 4: Darksiders
Darksiders Darksiders 2
Lot 5: Other Owned Software
All Star Cheer Squad Elements of Destruction All Star Cheer Squad 2 Fantastic Pets All Star Karate Frontlines: Fuel of War Baja: Edge of Control Full Spectrum Warrior 1 Full Spectrum Warrior 2: Ten Hammers Battle of the Bands Beat City Juiced Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights Big Beach Sports Big Beach Sports 2 Lock's Quest: Construction Combat Big Family Games Neighborhood Games Crawler Pax Imperia de Blob de Blob 2 Stuntman: Ignition Summoner Summoner 2 Deadly Creatures Deep Six Terranium Destroy All Humans! Destroy All Humans! 2 Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon The Outfit Titan Quest Titan Quest: Immortal Throne uDraw Dood's Big Adventure World of Zoo Drawn to Life Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter
Lot 6: Licensed Software
Costume Quest Stacking Scripps Spelling Bee (Scripps) Daniel X (SueJack) Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of Osborne House Deepak Chopra's Leela (Curious Holdings) Fancy Nancy: Tea Party Time! (Harper Collins) Supreme Commander Supreme Commander Forged Alliance Jeopardy Jeopardy 2 The Biggest Loser Journey to the Center of the Earth Truth or Lies Let's Ride Best of Breed Vampire Legends: Power of Three (dtp) Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet 2 Wheel of Fortune Wheel of Fortune 2 World of Zoo Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase Worms 2 Worms Battle Islands Worms Open Warfare Worms: A Space Oddity Worms: Open Warfare 2 (Team 17) Nexuiz Paws & Claws Marine Rescue Paws & Claws Pampered Pets Resort 3D PurrPals 2 Rio You Don't Know Jack (Jellyvision) Rocket Riot Screwjumper (Frozen Codebase)
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 28, 2013, 10:31:27 AM
Nintendo should pick up lot 4 (for obvious reasons) & Lot 5 for: De blob, Drawn to Life, uDraw, Deadly Creatures, Titan Quest and maybe few others to add some variety to Nintendo's lineup.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on February 28, 2013, 12:29:59 PM
Could sew Microsoft buying lot sixz to get exclusive rights to Rocket Riot.
Nintendo would do well to pick up the the lot with Dr blob.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: oohhboy on February 28, 2013, 04:40:42 PM
Titan Quest is an immensely boring game. There is nothing outright wrong with the game in the mechanical sense, but the fun factor is near zero. If one was to buy lot 5, they sure the hell not buying it for Titan Quest.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Louieturkey on February 28, 2013, 06:47:35 PM
Sounds like Double Fine wants THQ to break out their games in the bundle so they can buy the rights that THQ has back.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on February 28, 2013, 06:53:28 PM
Double Fine already owns the IP for Stacking and Costume Quest. They just want to get the distribution rights too (which they already own for the PC versions). I guess it's up to the stockholders to decide if they think they can get more money by selling Lot 5 together or by breaking it up.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on February 28, 2013, 06:56:54 PM
Either way, I just want more Costume Quest! Love that game. Stacking was good, too.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: pokepal148 on March 01, 2013, 07:20:06 AM
nintendo needs more western support tho
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on April 22, 2013, 11:01:25 PM
So the results of round 2 of auctions have been published.
For $4.9 million, Nordic Games (owned by JoWooD Entertainment) have bought Darksiders, Red Faction, MX vs. ATV, Destroy All Humans!, Summoner, and Supreme Commander. Crytek USA, made up of mostly former employees of Darksiders developer Vigil Games had express interest in buying Darksiders.
505 Games bought Drawn to Life for $300,000
Gearbox Software bought Homeworld for $1.35 million
I can't find verification of whether or not Nordic Games gets the other games in those lots or just these specific IPs.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: NWR_insanolord on April 22, 2013, 11:20:59 PM
I've never heard of Nordic Games. Where the hell did they get the money to buy all those IPs?
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: TJ Spyke on April 22, 2013, 11:30:10 PM
They are basically a shitty C-list publisher. They mostly publish in Europe. They also own The Adventure Company and Dreamcatcher Interactive Here is their list of games according to Wikipedia:
A Vampire Tale (2012) Alan Wake (2012, EU version) Hard Truck 2: King of the Road (2002, EU) AquaNox (2001) AquaNox 2: Revelation (2003) Archangel (2002) Arx Fatalis (2002) Chaser (2003) Cultures 2: The Gates of Asgard (2002) Dungeon Lords MMXII (2012) Gothic II (2002; Atari) Gothic II: Night of the Raven - Expansion Pack (2003; German & 2005; English) Gothic 3 (2006) Gothic 3: The Beginning - (for Mobile Phone) (2008) Gothic 3: Forsaken Gods - Expansion Pack (2008) Gothic Universe - Collection Pack (2008) Arcania: Gothic 4 (2010) ArcaniA: Fall of Setarrif (2011) ArcaniA - The Complete Tale (2013) Michael Schumacher Racing World Kart 2002 (2002) Freak Out: Extreme Freeride (2007) Neighbours from Hell (2003) Neighbours from Hell 2: On Vacation (2004) Rally Trophy (2001) Transport Giant (2004) Silent Storm (2003) SpellForce: The Order of Dawn (2003) Spellforce: The Breath of Winter - Expansion Pack (2004) Spellforce: Shadow of the Phoenix - Expansion Pack (2005) Legend of Kay (2005) Spellforce 2: Shadow Wars (2006) Spellforce 2: Dragon Storm - Expansion Pack (2007) Spellforce 2: Faith in Destiny - Expansion Pack (2012) Space Force: Rogue Universe (2007) Spellforce Universe - Collection Pack (2008) Painkiller: Overdose (2007) Painkiller Universe - Collection Pack (2008) Painkiller: Resurrection (2009) Painkiller: Redemption (2011) Painkiller: Recurring Evil (2012) Painkiller: Hell & Damnation (2012) Rochard (2012) The Guild 2 (2006) The Guild 2: Pirates of The European Sea - Expansion Pack (2007) The Guild 2: Venice - Expansion Pack (2008) The Guild 2: Renaissance - Expansion Pack (2010) The Book of Unwritten Tales (2010) The Sting! (2001) Torchlight (2009) Yoga Wii (2009) The Golden Horde (2008) Söldner: Secret Wars (2004) Cold Zero: No Mercy (2003) Lethal Dreams: Circle of Fate (2003) K.Hawk: Survival Instincts (2003)
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: shingi_70 on April 22, 2013, 11:35:35 PM
Between Nordic, Deep Silver, and 505 games maybe mid tier development isn't dead. With a decent strategy of mostly digital content and reasonably budgeted AA games these companies could thrive in the ever changing landscape were seeing.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: NWR_insanolord on April 23, 2013, 08:59:37 AM
I was about to say I've never played any of those games, but then I saw Torchlight on there. That being there gives me a lot more hope for these properties.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: marty on April 23, 2013, 10:56:44 AM
They are basically a shitty C-list publisher. *snip*
That's my impression from the games I have played.
I have a hard time understanding why anyone would want to purchase failed IPs. There's a reason it's for sale--because the owner of them can't make money with it.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on April 23, 2013, 11:39:37 AM
I was about to say I've never played any of those games, but then I saw Torchlight on there. That being there gives me a lot more hope for these properties.
Also Rochard. Good game.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: ymeegod on April 23, 2013, 09:19:33 PM
"Gearbox Software bought Homeworld for $1.35 million"
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: NWR_insanolord on April 24, 2013, 06:48:08 AM
Gearbox is a very talented studio, they could have done a lot worse with that one. The question is what position they're going to be in after Sega's done with them.
Title: Re: Official THQ Auction Results (Studios and IPs)
Post by: Shaymin on April 24, 2013, 08:52:07 AM
The only fate they deserve is making Shadow The Hedgehog 2.
And Sega using the proceeds to greenlight RPGs in the Skies of Arcadia/Valkyria Chronicles 1 mold.
