The mystery of which THQ franchises are being sold at auction today may be solved. Mere moments ago, we reported on the legal action being taken by South Park Digital Studios to protect and retain rights to South Park: The Stick of Truth, an Obsidian-developed role-playing game based on the hit TV show. Closer examination of the complaint filed in the US Bankruptcy Court of Delaware by South Park Digital Studios may reveal which THQ franchises are up for grabs.
The complaint is addressed to THQ Inc., et al., Debtors, and begins as follows: "South Park Digital Studios LLC (“Licensor”) submits this preliminary objection and reservation of rights with respect to the Debtors’ proposed asset sale . . .". A footnote on the first page elaborates on the et al. notation, which refers to THQ, Inc. and all other Debtors in question. The other Debtors are: THQ Digital Studios Phoenix, Inc., THQ Wireless, Inc., Volition, Inc., and Vigil Games.
If any of those company names seem familiar, it’s for good reason. Volition developed all three Saints Row titles and the entire Red Faction series. Vigil Games is best known for its work on Darksiders and 2012’s Darksiders II. THQ Digital Studios Phoenix (formerly Rainbow Studios) is responsible for the MX vs. ATV offroad racing franchise.
Meanwhile, THQ Wireless is not specifically tied to any one franchise, and has been primarily responsible for mobile ports of WWE titles.
For now, it seems that other THQ intellectual properties – Company of Heroes, Warhammer 40,000, and Homefront, to name a few – will be held by THQ and are not being sold at this time. Still, until official confirmation is provided, this information should be taken as speculation.
Stay glued to PSU.com for more news on the THQ saga as it breaks.