Speaking to Games Industry, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot commented on THQ‘s ongoing financial troubles and noted that his company might be interested in acquiring some of the struggling publisher’s franchises if they end up on the auction block.
“What happened to [THQ] is something that happens regularly when we have transition. 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.”
“They have good things. We are always interested in good brands. For sure, it’s something we can consider, but I can’t tell you more.”
THQ‘s total liabilities of $306.5m (including a $50m debt to Wells Fargo that has defaulted) compared to their total assets of $265.4m (of which only $36.2m is in cash) makes it a foolish business decision to purchase the entire company outright. It also makes it unlikely that anyone will be willing to loan them additional capital, and a real possibility that their assets will be sold off in the near future. When you consider all the IPs that THQ owns (Darksiders, Metro, Saints Row, etc.) it is easy to see why Ubisoft is chomping at the bit to swoop in and pick over their carcass.
Should an IP sale occur, my hope would be that Ubisoft (or somebody) considers buying the Homefront IP. The original title was a little rough around the edges, but it had a great setting and I’m extremely interested to see what Crytek is planning for Homefront 2.
Let us know in the comments which THQ franchises that you would like to see find a new home with a more financially stable publisher.
Source: VG247
