Less than a week ago developer Zipper Interactive was shut down by Sony along with a handful of other developers. It seems that it has started some kind of domino effect, and very recently developers have been getting the rug pulled from under them, more often than not.
It seems that THQ will be no exception, according to Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two. THQ, as of late, struggled to make a profit. Their most recent quarter in sales goal was missed by $125 million. At the MIT Business in Gaming conference in Massachusetts, Zelnick had the following to say about THQ:
[quote]The most important difference is quality. Take-Two has the highest quality ratings among third-party publishers, according to Metacritic and most people in the industry. Quality really, really, really matters. THQ has had some good games, but their quality levels aren’t even remotely … the quality hasn’t measured up… Strategy didn’t work and the execution was bad. To put it another way: the food was no good and the portions were small… THQ won’t be around in six months.[/quote]
To say that you think a company is in trouble or won’t be around for long is one thing, to put an expiration date on said company is another. These were very harsh words spoken by Zelnick over THQ. Of course he realized this and has apologized for his remarks.
[quote]While discussing our strategy I spoke out of turn about someone else’s. It was inappropriate and I regret it[/quote]
he told Game Informer.
A spokesperson for THQ responded to Zelnick’s original comment with the following:
[quote]Obviously, Mr. Zelnick’s perception of THQ is outdated and inaccurate. His comments are irresponsible and false. Perhaps he would be better off commenting on his own business.[/quote]
What do you guys think? Do you think THQ will still be around in six months? How do you feel about what CEO of Take-Two, Zelnick had to say?
Source: gamesindustry.biz
