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THQ
have announced it has expanded its global studio system by acquiring
its first  Europe-based
development studio, Juice Games Ltd. The UK studio developed the critically-acclaimed Juiced
for the PlayStation2 and Xbox in 2005, and is redefining the
handheld racing genre by bringing the franchise to the PSP in Summer
2006 with the PSP exclusive, Juiced: Eliminator.
Under
the terms of the deal, THQ has purchased the entire share capital of
Juice Games. Colin Bell, formerly Juice Games’ Managing Director,
will assume the role of General Manager.
“This
acquisition highlights THQ’s strategy to work with the very
brightest development talent from around the world,” said Dan
Kelly, Senior Vice President of Business Development, THQ Inc.
“The Juiced franchise has shipped over one and a half
million units so far, a tribute to the talent and passion of the
award-winning team at Juice Games. We look forward to further
investing in the studio to bring more ground-breaking games in the Juiced
franchise to market as well as developing new Intellectual
Properties.”
“The
decision to partner with THQ reflects the great relationship we have
established over the past two years,” said Colin Bell, (recently
appointed) General Manager, Juice Games.
“Joining THQ marks an exciting step forward for us and will
enable us to do what we do best – develop cutting edge, innovative
games that continue to redefine perceptions.”
Juiced:
Eliminator brings real Street-Racing
to the PSP, hoping to best its ill-placed home console rival, Need
For Speed. Employing the console’s wireless functionality to
offer never-before-seen Multi-Player games and extending the Crew
& Pink-Slip Racing that helped establish Juiced as a
leader in the Street-Racing genre.
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