New York - Marvel Entertainment said on Thursday that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with video game developer THQ (NASD: THQI), which will create video games based on the Marvel's kid-friendly Super Hero Squad franchise. The initial game is scheduled for release in the fall of 2009. Separately, THQ said it signed a deal with DreamWorks Animation to publish games based on the studio's 2010 fall animated feature film, currently under the working title "Master Mind." The film is billed as a satirical send-up of the superhero genre.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) said on Thursday that it is developing "Journey to the Center of the Earth" for the Nintendo DS, based on the forthcoming digital 3D film from New Line Cinema. The game is slated for release in July alongside the film, which will figure as the first digital 3D live-action movie.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) on Monday shipped its "Battle of the Bands" exclusively for Nintendo Wii to retailers. The game, which THQ says combines "beat matching and combat," features 30 popular songs recorded in each of five different styles -- rock, funk/hip-hop, country, marching band and Latin -- which players can switch between during head-to-head gameplay.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Elephant Entertainment, a developer of casual and online games.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) announced on Wednesday that it has received word that the SEC has completed its investigation into the company's stock options granting practices, and will not recommend any action against the company.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) said on Thursday that it plans to ship "Band Mashups" for the Nintendo Wii to retailers in April. The rhythm-based combat game features 150 tracks across multiple genres. "Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands," said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director at THQ. "Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote's functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience."

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) has announced that it will shutter its Concrete Games studio, cancel production on several new titles and discontinue its "Stuntman" and "Juiced" franchises, as it attempts to strengthen its development of high-quality games.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) announced on Tuesday it will acquire roleplaying game developer Big Huge Games for an undisclosed sum.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ (NASD: THQI) announced on Thursday that its Heavy Iron Studios is developing games based on Disney/Pixar's upcoming digitally animated film, "WALL/E." Titles for Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, DS, PC and mobile platforms will be released alongside the film this summer.

Espoo, Finland - Nokia (NASD: NOK), THQ Wireless (NASD: THQI), Lucasfilm and LucasArts announced on Monday plans to offer "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed" for Nokia's N-Gage mobile gaming platform in 2008. Developed at THQ's Unversomo studio in Finland, the game casts players as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, and promises to "unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy."

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ announced on Thursday a partnership with toymaker Mattel's American Girl division, to publish games based on the company's line of dolls and books. The first title, "Julie Saves the Eagles" for PC, has already shipped to retailers, and several more titles for PC and Nintendo DS are in the works.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ on Monday shipped "Drawn to Life," the first Nintendo DS title that lets payers draw and play as their own hero, to retailers. Developed by Seattle-based 5TH Cell, the title invites gamers to use the DS stylus to draw both their hero and additional environmental elements to help them through the many game worlds.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ on Tuesday shipped "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?", a PC game based on the surprise hit TV show from Mark Burnett Productions that debuted on Fox in February. THQ also plans to release versions of the game for Nintendo DS, Wii and PlayStation 2.

New York - Viacom's Nickelodeon announced on Monday that it plans to air a new series on the network based on its video game collaboration with publisher THQ, "Tak and the Power of Juju." The game franchise has shipped over 3 million units since its inception in 2003. The CG-animated series is slated to premiere on Nickelodeon on Aug. 31

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.  

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ announced on Thursday that its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional $25 million of its common stock.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ said on Friday that its internal Volition studio is currently in development on the next installment in its "Saints Row" franchise. The as-yet-untitled sequel is slated for release for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2008.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ said on Wednesday that developer 5TH Cell is currently at work on "Drawn to Life," a title for the Nintendo DS handheld that will let players draw their own heroes using the device's stylus. Scheduled for release in the fall, the game will also allow players to draw various environmental elements, and allow players to trade their creations over a Wi-Fi connection.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Finland-based mobile game development studio Universomo.

Agoura Hills, Calif. - THQ on Tuesday announced the roster of titles it plans to release this year based on its master license with children's programming network Nickelodeon. The games will include the debut of "El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera," as well as new installments in THQ's "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Nicktoons," "Zoey 101" and "Drake and Josh" franchises. THQ said that its Nickelodeon games have to date sold a combined more than 45 million units worldwide.