Listings for a new Company of Heroes entry titled "Tales of Valor" recently appeared at retailer Amazon.com, prompting speculation that publisher THQ is preparing a second expansion pack in the Relic-developed World War II PC real-time strategy series.

The listing puts Tales of Valor's price point at $29.99, identical to the initial cost of the previous standalone expansion Opposing Fronts, and suggests a tentative release date of March 1, 2009.

The recipient of numerous awards, the original Company of Heroes hit PC in 2006, with developer Relic currently working on the sci-fi RTS Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2 (PC), due out in early 2009.

No other details on Tales of Valor were offered in the listing, with publisher THQ having yet to offer an official comment.

The game industry's traditional "hardware cycle"—the rate at which existing consoles and handheld platforms are replaced with new iterations—no longer applies in the current market, THQ president and CEO Brian Ferrell believes.

"We used to always think of this industry as "the cycle,'" Ferrell said, as reported by MTV Multiplayer. "I think the reality now is there are several sub-cycles."

The executive went on to describe the industry as having at least three separate sub-cycles, consisting of the handheld market, the continued competition between Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3, and the Nintendo Wii. Ferrell further noted that yet another sub-cycle may be emerging in the online games market.

"It's hard now to talk about 'the cycle'—I think we have to talk about all of the cycles," Ferrell added. "The way we think about it at THQ is we plan our business... Read more

I seem to have completely forgotten *cough* about the WWE games, but here are screenshots from other upcoming THQ published games including Age of Empires: Mythologies, Baja: Edge of Control, Darksiders: Wrath of War, Red Faction: Guerilla, Saints Row 2, Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise, UFC 2009 Undisputed, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2.

Age of Empires: Mythologies (DS)Baja: Edge of Control (PC, PS3, X360)Darksiders: Wrath of War (PS3, X360)... Read more

Update: SimBin has sent out a press release, denying the development of RACE 360. Says the company, "We are issuing this statement to counter false rumours currently circulating on the internet regarding a new X360 game. We do have plans for an upcoming X360 game and an official announcement from Simbin will follow shortly with correct information on title and publisher. The information currently circulating is incorrect".

Original Story: THQ and SimBin Studios have teamed up to bring RACE 360 to the Xbox 360 this November, VirtualR.net is reporting.

The game is said to feature 350 cars and 15 tracks, much like SimBin's previous PC effort RACE 07. RACE 360 also features 12 players multiplayer racing, and offline split-screen support.

SimBin Studios exclusively develops realistic racing simulation games including the GTR and RACE series. No SimBin games have made it to consoles so far; an Xbox version of GTR - FIA GT Racing Game was in development at one point, but got cancelled.

You can find a demo of last year's RACE 07, on FileShack.

Publisher THQ has announced that it will release a new entry in the long-running Age of Empires real-time strategy series on Nintendo DS this fall.

Titled Age of Empires: Mythologies, the game is built off the same technology as the series' 2006 DS debut, Age of Empires: The Age of Kings, with both heavily inspired by the PC entries developed by Ensemble Studios.

Mythologies will offer three playable civilizations--Egyptians, Greeks, and Norse--each with their own single-player campaign. Multiplayer campaigns will be available along with unique MP maps, a skirmish mode and single-cart wireless multiplayer.

"Age of Empires: Mythologies will combine one of the most successful Windows PC franchises of all time with the innovative style and controls of Nintendo DS," said THQ VP of brand management Kevin Kraff.

Publisher THQ has confirmed that Volition's gangster life simulator Saints Row 2 will hit PC in addition to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, though no other details are known.

"At this point, I can confirm there is a PC SKU but nothing beyond that," a THQ representative told Big Download.

The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions of the open-world title were delayed last week due to "product quality and marketing considerations" and are now expected on October 14.

Saints Row 2 marks the the first PlayStation 3 and PC entries in the series, which began on Xbox 360 in 2006.

A portable version of Rare's pinata-breeding, garden-tending franchise Viva Pinata will arrive on Nintendo DS this fall, publisher THQ has announced.

Titled Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise, the game is being developed by series creator and Microsoft subsidiary Rare. While it made seem odd for THQ to publish a Microsoft title, the companies have paired in the past to distribute portable renditions of other Microsoft-owned properties.

Along with a new Playground mode that is said to let players "create a lush garden full of exciting and exotic pinatas in a very short amount of time," the game will include rare pinatas that are only accessible by trading items to another local player through the portable's wireless connection.

"Nintendo DS is the perfect platform for the Viva Pinata franchise because players can have direct interaction with the environment and their pinatas using the stylus," said THq marketing VP Bob Aniello.

Publisher THQ announced today that it has acquired the license to create a game based on Marvel's "burgeoning, kid-friendly" Super Hero Squad property.

Aimed at young children, the Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise presents happy big-headed renditions of classic Marvel characters, such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, The Incredible Hulk, and the planet-eating Galactus (pictured left).

The Marvel Super Hero Squad game is slated to arrive on unknown platforms in fall 2009, coinciding with the 2009 launch of the television show. Action figures are already in stores, with a dedicated comic book series planned for the fall.

According to THQ, which recently lost $35.3 million and is axing 200 employees, Marvel Super Hero Squad "further strengthens its position as the pre-eminent creator and publisher of kids video games."

In the wake of a $34 million loss, publisher THQ said that it would be laying off 200 employees across several of its studios, according to MCV.

THQ CEO Brian Farrell noted that studios focused on last-gen development would be reduced in size as part of the restructuring, adding that the company expects overall headcount growth of about 300 workers by the end of its next fiscal year.

In an investor conference call yesterday, THQ posted a net loss of $35.3 million for its 2008 fiscal year ending on March 31, 2008. The company's loss was chalked up to its underwhelming fourth quarter performance, where it lost $34.5 million due to lower-than-expected sales of previously released games.

WWE and ATV game publisher THQ today posted a net loss of $35.3 million for its 2008 fiscal year, which concluded on March 31, 2008. The company's loss was mostly attributed to its fourth quarter performance, where it lost $34.5 million due to lower-than-expected sales of previously released games.

"In fiscal 2008, we did not achieve our revenue and profit targets and we are taking aggressive steps to ensure that we significantly improve execution in fiscal 2009 and beyond," said THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell.

The company provided a breakdown of its $1.3 billion revenue, revealing that PlayStation 2 software led 24.5% of the company's sales, with Nintendo DS games occupying 22% of that sum. Xbox 360 sales accounted for 12.6% of revenue and PC made up 9.1%, with Wii software representing 8.9% of the figure and PlayStation 3 making up 8.3%.

The company announced WWE Legends of Wrestlemania... Read more

Confirming earlier reports, publisher THQ today announced the sci-fi RTS sequel Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II for PC.

Developed by Dawn of War and Company of Heroes veteran Relic Entertainment, Dawn of War II will feature a non-linear single-player game, a co-op multiplayer campaign, and destructible environments.

"We started with everything fans loved about the original Dawn of War and then added more than they ever could have hoped for," said Relic general manager Tarrnie Williams.

While no release date was provided, THQ did note that those who purchase the recently-released stand-alone DoW expansion pack Soulstorm will be able to participate in an eventual invite-only multiplayer beta for the sequel.

Drawn to Life (NDS) creator 5th Cell is currently developing Construction Combat: Lock's Quest for the Nintendo DS, publisher THQ announced today.

Said to combine the action-adventure and life simulation genres, Construction Combat focuses on a young hero who must defend his homeland against robotic invaders by building defense towers. The game utilizes the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus to allow players to construct defenses block-by-block to defend their homeland.

In addition to build-centric combat, the game features elements of strategy and puzzle-solving. Construction Quest will offer both local wireless and internet multiplayer for players looking to battle their friends.

Construction Combat: Lock's Quest will hit retail shelves this fall.

Prompted by the closure of Titan Quest developer Iron Lore last week, THQ creative director Michael Fitch ranted on the state of PC gaming and rampant piracy in a post on the Quarter to Three forums

"The research I've seen pegs the piracy rate at between 70-85% on PC in the US, 90%+ in Europe, off the charts in Asia," Fitch wrote. "I didn't believe it at first. It seemed way too high. Then I saw that Bioshock was selling 5 to 1 on console vs. PC. And Call of Duty 4 was selling 10 to 1."

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare developer Infinity Ward recently expressed similar dismay at the high levels of piracy for the PC version of its popular first-person shooter.

Fitch explained that piracy doesn't just harm sales—Titan Quest took a big hit in word of mouth when pirated copies of the game crashed after various failed security checks, prompting a negative response by those who had illegally acquired ... Read more

Not exactly a secret after its most recent financial conference call, THQ today officially announced the development of Red Faction: Guerilla.

The third game in the series will be a third-person open-world one, a departure from the first person perspective used in the first two games. Set fifty years after the events of the first Red Faction, Guerilla has you playing as an insurgent fighting against the oppressive Earth Defense Force, destroying everything in your path as you make your way across Mars.

"Red Faction: Guerrilla expands the signature destruction elements of the series and pushes the boundaries of next-gen gaming on a massive, terra-formed Mars where gamers can literally tear down the enemy EDF presence brick by brick," said Mike Kulas, president of Volition, Inc. "With a new 3rd person perspective, a full cover system that allows for guerrilla style tactics and a diverse planet to explore we're excited to revitalize the gripping world of Red Faction for high-definition platforms."

Red Faction: Guerilla will ship for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 during THQ's fiscal year 2009, which runs from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009.

Publisher THQ today announced that this April will see the release of Band Mashups, a Wii-exclusive rhythm/action game, and released three screenshots of the title.

The game features 30 tracks that have been popular at some point during the past 40 years, all recorded in rock, funk/hip-hop, country, Latin and marching band styles. During the game, which features a single-player campaign and can also be played against a friend, you will be able to switch styles thanks your musical weapons.

"Band Mashups takes an innovative approach to the rhythm/action genre by blending music and combat in the ultimate battle of the bands," said Randy Shoemaker, global brand director, THQ. "Using a rhythm based game-play mechanic, the game delivers 70 over-the-top musical weapons and utilizes the Wii Remote's functionality to deliver a completely original musical combat experience. Fighting with a sniper violin or flamethrower guitar is something gamers should definitely look forward to."

Band Mashups is in development at Planet Moon Studios, the studio behind such games as Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Infected and Armed & Dangerous.

Colin Slade will serve as new executive vice president and CFO of THQ, the company announced today. His term will begin on February 29th.

Slade has previously served as senior VP and CFO of Tektronix, a test and measurement company. The newest addition to the THQ executive roster fills a role abdicated late last year when former CFO Edward Zinser resigned for "unspecified reasons."

Recent shake-ups in THQ's corporate structure may have been a result of lower than expected third quarter financial results. In its quarterly report, THQ announced a $40 million drop in expected earnings for the fourth quarter, the closure of Concrete Games, and the cancellation of two unannounced titles.

THQ's updated 2008 fiscal outlook revealed today that the PS3 version of Kaos Studios' Frontlines: Fuel of War (PC, X360) has been cancelled, and that the publisher will no longer develop its Juiced and Stuntman franchises.

Rumors of the PS3 version's cancellation were dismissed by a THQ representative earlier this week, but are now confirmed by this latest financial update. The PS2 version of Locomotive Games' Destroy All Humans: Big Willy Unleashed (PSP, Wii) was also cancelled.

The report notes that Paradigm Entertainment's Stuntman: Ignition was among the company's underperforming titles in 2007, which also included Heavy Iron Studios' Ratatouille and Nihilistic Software's Conan. No further reason was given for the cancellations.

Yuke's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 and Rainbow Studios' ATV vs. MX: Untamed, meanwhile, performed above expectations. In all, the company expects ... Read more

Publisher THQ has announced its plans to acquire Big Huge Games, the developer behind the Xbox Live Arcade board game Catan (X360), the Rise of Nations PC RTS series, and The Asian Dynasties expansion for Ensemble's RTS Age of Empires III (PC).

The acquisition, which THQ hopes to complete soon, will cement Big Huge Games as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. The studio will remain at its present Timonium, Maryland location, and will also retain its management and employees.

Big Huge was already working closely with THQ for its upcoming RPG, which is being designed by The Elder Scrolls series veteran Ken Rolston and will arrive on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in 2009. It is also known to be working on a "quirky" Wii title.

"THQ provides an ideal environment to help us develop new, innovative games for both core gamers and mass market," said Big Huge president Tim Train. "We believe their passion for games, developer support, and understanding of the creative process is without parallel in the industry."

THQ executive vice president and chief financial officer Edward Zinser has today resigned from his position at the company.

With his departure taking effect immediately, Rasmus van der Colff will serve as a temporary CFO while the company investigates a long-term replacement. Colff joined THQ as vice president and controller in May 2007, and is said to have more than two decades in accounting experience.

The publisher, which recently lowered its sales estimates of the current fiscal year to $1.06 billion and delayed three titles, claimed that the resignation "is in no way related to the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of THQ." As the action is not directly related to the company's financial well-being, it refuses to elaborate on the reasons behind Zinser's vacating of his position.

THQ develops and publishes a number of multi-platform titles based on licenses, including the American Girl clothing line, Bratz action figures, reality quiz... Read more

Fans of the groundbreaking Homeworld series of 3D space RTS games may yet have reason to hope for a new sequel.

Forum members of the fan site Relic News have today uncovered a US trademark document that appears to prove the rights to the Homeworld name have changed hands from Vivendi Universal to publisher THQ, the owner of original Homeworld developer Relic Entertainment.

Though only the trademark is mentioned, it would seem unlikely that THQ attained the name without also acquiring the license to use the intellectual property. The law firm now handling the trademark, Wolf Greenfield, specializes in IP transactions.

The document, which appoints a slew of new attorneys to represent Homeworld, is signed by THQ executive vice president of business and legal affairs James M. Kennedy. The transaction took place on August 14, 2007, with a similar transfer of the Homeworld: Cataclysm expansion trademark having been signed on the same day.

While the ties to THQ only appear on the most recent documents, Vivendi Universal lawyer Rod Rigole had transferred power of attorney to Douglas R. Wolf, ... Read more