Ubisoft chairman and CEO Yves Guillemot isn’t calling THQ’s time of death, but if things go south for the struggling company, Guillemot may be interested in acquiring a few of its top brands.
THQ has been through some hard times lately. A reported net loss of $21 million and the delay of South Park: The Stick of Truth, Company of Heroes 2 and Metro: Last Light are just the tip of the iceberg for the publisher. The company’s stock dropped 46 percent recently, and while no one is happy to see it struggle, Guillemot understands that things like this are just part of the industry.
“What happened to [THQ] is something that happens regularly when we have transition,” he said to Game Industry. “Some can make it, some decide to go in different direction. It happened with Atari and Midway and also Acclaim last generation. … It’s something that happens in this industry and that’s the way the industry consolidates.”
Certain assets and properties owned by THQ may be up for sale in the near future, and if that happens, Ubisoft may be an interested buyer.
“They have good things,” Guillemot said. “We are always interested in good brands. For sure, it’s something we can consider, but I can’t tell you more.”
THQ is still trying its hardest to stay afloat, but with so many strong properties under the publisher’s roof, expect more than just Ubisoft to start showing interest.
Which IPs do you think Ubisoft would pick up? Do you have a favorite franchise that THQ is involved in? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!