Q&A: Yuke's and THQ go the distance
THQ exec Kelly Flock opens the kimono on the deal between publisher and developer; what's the decision? It's all good.
In the world of WWE video games, the names Yuke's and THQ are virtually synonymous.
Recently, game publisher THQ entered into a long-term strategic agreement with Yuke's, the Japanese development studio responsible for the publisher's WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW and Day of Reckoning series. THQ currently owns a minority stake in the studio, which has been developing wrestling games for the publisher since 1999.
Though exact terms of the agreement haven't been disclosed, GameSpot spoke with Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing at THQ, to get his perspective on what the extended deal means for both parties.
GameSpot: The WWE's lawsuit to have game development agreements between itself and THQ and JAKKS Pacific declared void still hasn't been completely resolved. How does that play into any negotiations regarding THQ's wrestling games, especially a long-term one such as it has arranged with Yuke's?
Kelly Flock: Our new agreement with Yuke's is a huge win for THQ, as we have a long-term, multisystem agreement with arguably the best wrestling development studio in the world. THQ has worked with the team at Yuke's for eight years on the acclaimed SmackDown!/SmackDown! vs. RAW series of games. Going forward, we will be able to bring fans that experience across multiple game systems beginning with WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, and PlayStation 2 beginning this fall. The lawsuit does not play a role in securing this relationship with Yuke's.
GS: With WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 arriving on the Xbox 360, does this mean an end to THQ's platform-specific wrestling brands like Day of Reckoning?
KF: Part of our strategy working with Yuke's is to bring multiple systems under one development house. As noted above, this means fans can look forward to playing our SmackDown! vs. RAW series across multiple systems. As the publisher of the number one wrestling video game brand in the world, we are eager to take this franchise, along with new WWE video game properties, to new heights by offering them to current-generation, next-generation, and handheld gamers.
GS: Will THQ consolidate its WWE releases into one quarter or scatter them a little more broadly across the calendar as it did when each platform had its own WWE brand?
KF: We believe the fans look forward to multiple WWE game releases throughout the year. Obviously, holiday will always be a strong release period for us, and we will look to leverage key WWE calendar opportunities, like WrestleMania each spring.
GS: Are there any exclusivity clauses in the agreement? Could Yuke's work on another Rumble Roses? How about a game for another North American promotion like NWA-TNA or more games like Wrestle Kingdom?
KF: Our agreement with Yuke's precludes them from developing games for any other wrestling federation.
GS: Given THQ's partial ownership of Yuke's and the lengthy and successful working history between the two companies, why was this long-term agreement necessary?
KF: Anyone familiar with the Yuke's pedigree knows that they are the best in the business--they continue to innovate year after year. As we head into the console transition, it was important for both of our companies to create a more strategic, long-term relationship. This allows THQ to maximize our development investment and allows the team at Yuke's to focus on making the very best wrestling games that take full advantage of the new technology.
GS: Thanks, Kelly.
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