THQ reveals controller-based game for 2010

With more than 35 million people jamming on Guitar Hero's instrument controllers, gamers are increasingly picking up game-specific peripherals. That's allowing the companies that make custom controller-based games to cash in big. For example, Activision-Blizzard's rhythm franchise has earned over $2 billion to date. The company reported $981 million in net revenue for Q1 2009, nearly as much as competitor THQ's entire annual income last year.

However, it looks like THQ is planning to introduce a new game-specific peripheral of its own next year. Speaking with the Los Angeles Business Journal at the 2009 Electronic Entertainment Expo, THQ chief executive Brian Farrell said it is working on its first controller-based game slated for release next year. "We have something that we think is different from anything else out there and will give us a competitive advantage," Farrell said. "Beyond that, we can’t say much."

The development of THQ's controller-based game comes at a time of significant corporate restructuring for the Agoura Hills, California-based publisher. Last year, THQ vowed to push quality over quantity and halve the number of games it develops each year down to just one or two games annually for the hardcore market. With the recent trifurcation of the company into three separate divisions, its new casual game division promised to emulate peripheral technology showcased at this year's E3, portending THQ's decision to develop its first controller-based game.

"Gaming platforms such as the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft's recently announced 'Project Natal' are changing the way families play together and we are excited to develop gaming experiences that take full advantage of these platforms," said Doug Clemmer, who heads THQ's new casual games division.

For an example of another new controller-based game, check out the video below of GameSpot's E3 stage demo of Activision's upcoming DJ Hero title.