THQ signs deal with Xbox co-creator

By Andy Robinson for computerandvideogames.com

THQ has announced a "strategic agreement" with Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley and his mobile game startup, Innovative Leisure.

Blackley revealed his new company last week, telling VentureBeat he sees the iPhone as "the new arcade" and the 99 pricepoint as "the new quarter."

The gaming veteran has assembled an exciting team of industry greats including Asteroids and Centipede co-designer Ed Logg, Battlezone creator Ed Rotberg, Owen Rubin of Major Havoc and Space Duel and Rich Adam, creator of Gravitar and co-developer of Missile Command.

Also involved are Dennis Koble, Tim Skelly and Bruce Merrit. Blackley calls it "the dream team from Atari," and he's right, really.

THQ understandably sees potential in the new company, which already has 30 employees, and the new deal gives THQ first refusal on its games.

"I'm lucky," Blackley told VentureBeat, "because I love games and following that love has always done me well. Once we figured out iPhone is the new arcade, that games from the old days fit this new audience and their on-the-go lifestyle, we knew what to do.

"There is already a group of people here who know how to operate and innovate in this space. They had the longest string of hit games in history. And they wanted to get back together again."

Danny Bilson, EVP of core games at THQ, said: "We are always looking to work with the best creative talent in the videogame industry and we feel this relationship with Innovative Leisure reinforces our goal.

"We are committed to delivering creative games through digital distribution and Innovative Leisure has the expertise to deliver remarkable and cutting-edge games for a new generation."