Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ on Thursday announced an agreement with Chinese online game operator Shanda Interactive Entertainment, to co-develop and publish an online-only version of Relic Entertainment's "Company of Heroes" game. "Company of Heroes Online" is slated for release in mainland China in 2008; THQ and Shanda said they will share benefits of the game's potential release outside that region.  

Vancouver, Canada - Former senior developers from "Company of Heroes" studio Relic Entertainment on Monday announced the formation of a new game development studio, Smoking Gun Interactive. The Vancouver, Canada-based company will be led by CEO and creative director John Johnson, previously director of franchise development and producer on "Company of Heroes."