THQ looking to Linux after Humble Bundle success

THQ president Jason Rubin has responded to feedback from consumers on the publisher's own Humble THQ Bundle, which closed last week with more than $5 million in sales.

Rubin--who was the bundle's top contributor overall, with a donation of $10,000--replied to a consumer question on Twitter regarding THQ's plans to bring games to Linux, saying:

"Got the Linux message load [sic] and clear via #HumbleBundle feedback. Evaluating cost/benefit as we speak."

In a follow-up interview with Polygon, Rubin explained that the feedback from the Humble THQ Bundle showed him that there are "vibrant communities of gamers using other operating systems besides the dominant ones, and a company like THQ should not overlook them".

Rubin confirmed that the company is investigating its options on Linux, including taking community feedback on how operating costs might be reduced.

"Gamers have tweeted inventive ideas to me, such as letting the community help in the porting to bring down costs. THQ is committed to look at anything that makes sense."

Altogether, 885,310 Humble THQ Bundles were sold, with the average purchase price at around $5.76. Gamers had the option of spreading their contributions between charity outlets, the Humble Bundle organisation, or THQ itself.

The Humble THQ Bundle launched on November 29, allowing users to pay what they wished for six THQ-published games, including Darksiders, Metro 2033, Red Faction, Company of Heroes, Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor, and Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts. Upon choosing to donate more than the average amount listed on the site, Saints Row: The Third was added to the bundle. Purchasers also received select games' soundtracks DRM free.