THQ Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI - News) today announced that it has acquired Blue Tongue? Entertainment Limited. The Australia-based studio recently developed THQ's Polar Express for the PlayStation? 2 computer entertainment system, PC and Nintendo Gamecube?, and is currently developing two cross-platform releases for late 2005.
"Consistent with THQ's strategic objective of utilizing internal development to improve product quality and operating margins, we are pleased to tap into the growing base of development talent in Australia as we continue to build our internal development capabilities," said Steve Dauterman, vice president of product development, THQ Asia Pacific. "Through the acquisition of Blue Tongue, we will now have studio operations in both Brisbane and Melbourne, making THQ the premiere video game developer in the region."
"THQ's long-standing licensing relationships and global publishing capabilities have made them a great partner over the past couple of years," said Steven Spagnolo, CEO, Blue Tongue Entertainment. "The team is thrilled to now be a part of THQ Australia and looks forward to even more synergies with their development operations across the various territories."