Reflecting its increasing emphasis on digital distribution to build brands and drive growth, THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that it has refocused its Juice Games and Rainbow Studios(TM) development studios on the creation of games for digital distribution and has renamed them THQ Digital Studios(TM) Warringtonand THQ Digital Studios Phoenix, respectively.

The key objectives for THQ's digital studios will be the development of digitally distributed games based on THQ's core game brands and new original intellectual properties, and the implementation of a portfolio-wide community platform to connect consumers to all of THQ's core games using proprietary technology developed by THQ Digital Studios Warrington.

"Consumers are increasingly looking for deeper engagement with their favorite entertainment experiences. They also want to enjoy games and entertainment via convenient social and portable platforms that suit their lifestyle," said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, THQ Core Games. "We plan to address these needs through a rich offering of content distributed across digital platforms, based both on all of our major core brands as well as new intellectual properties."

THQ anticipates the first games from THQ Digital Studios Warrington and Phoenix to be released in fiscal 2011. The games are in development for all major digital platforms, including Xbox LIVE(R) Arcade, PlayStation(R) Network, iPhone and iPad.

THQ plans to continue to publish MV vs. ATV(TM) games under the Rainbow Studios brand.

As a result of the realignment, the company expects to reduce headcount in these studios by a total of approximately 60 people.