Paradigm completes shift to THQ

Paradigm has officially joined THQ's stable of internal development teams, as the publisher today confirmed that its previously announced acquisition of the developer had closed.

Paradigm was formerly an Atari studio and has developed Terminator 3: The Redemption and Mission Impossible: Operation Surma for multiple platforms. It will once again be taking on an established license for its first THQ title, the next-generation debut of Stuntman.

Originally developed by Reflections Interactive (which Atari recently sold to Ubisoft), 2002's PlayStation 2 game Stuntman put players in the role of a movie-industry stunt driver. Little is known about the sequel, except that it is being developed "for next-generation systems," and it is set for release in THQ's next fiscal year, which starts April 1, 2007. THQ has said it will unveil more details about the game later this year.

Paradigm is the fourth new studio to be added to THQ's portfolio this year. In February the company announced the formation of Kaos Studios, the New York City-based studio working on Frontlines: Fuel of War. In March, THQ added Warrington, UK-based Juice Games (Juiced, Juiced Eliminator) and Austin, Texas-based startup Vigil Games to its ranks.