THQ has produced a good number of licensed movie games in its time. The company’s family division has developed a number of high-profile games based on children’s films including Megamind, Wall-E, Cars and The Incredibles. It seems that a "slowdown in console titles aimed at children" has caused THQ to rethink its position on those titles.
"We have re-evaluated our kids movie-based licenses and have lowered our expectations for games in this segment,” said CEO Brian Farrell during the company’s call to investors.
"The single-player kids' games, particularly those based on movie licenses, were the ones that showed the most weakness. What we learned this holiday season is new stuff, innovative stuff... you do something new and consumers, especially kids, respond to that,” he continued.
Farrell is referring to the company’s uDraw GameTablet, which sold 1.2 million units this past quarter. THQ is not moving away from licensed titles completely, as it still retains its deals with Mattel, owner of the Barbie and Hot Wheels properties, and Nickelodeon, owner of Spongebob Squarepants and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
"The single-player, 'see the movie, play the game' experience is what seems, at this time, not to be working," he added.
[Via Gamasutra]
