Ubisoft looks to pick up THQ assets on the cheap

THQ has had a horrific couple of years, with Homefront’s poor reception causing the studio to close down developer Kaos Studios and refocus on key franchises.

In May of this year, THQ reported a net loss of $239.9 million, and risked having their stock delisted. This has all culminated in THQ filing for bankruptcy a few days ago, and now Ubisoft is circling the dying studio.

The French publisher has reportedly been holding discussions with the US studio to try and strike a deal – with Ubisoft allegedly looking for a cheap pickup. Sources say that Ubisoft is prepared to wait till THQ is forced to sell off individual assets.

This means Ubisoft could be acquiring brands such as Saints Row, Company of Heroes, Darksiders, Homefront and Red Faction (as well as any other unannounced IPs).

THQ has had an offer of $60 million from a private investment firm (a small sum when you consider their 2012 losses alone), but the developer is allowed to wait for better offers over the next month.

Last month Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot commented on THQ’s steady downfall, saying that his studio would consider acquiring certain THQ IPs.

“What happened to [THQ] is something that happens regularly when we have transition,” he said. “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,” he noted. “We are always interested in good brands. For sure, it’s something we can consider, but I can’t tell you more.”