THQ Wireless to be restructured but NOT closed

THQ is restructuring its THQ Wireless division in Europe, the company has confirmed, scotching rumours that the whole firm was about to close.

"Today, we advised our staff of a restructuring of our wireless subsidiary in Europe," said European PR boss Sam Forrest.

"That's all that has happened. The remainder of the Woking based THQ operation were unaffected by this restructure in the wireless subsidiary."

So what does this restructure involve? The company's mobile division has effectively been downsized, with up to 100 people affected - including most of THQ Wireless' US staff. The news was given to employees yesterday.

However, it's not being shut down. Those remaining at THQ's Universomo mobile development studio in Finland will be shifting their focus towards high-end mobile platforms - iPhone for certain, although it's unclear whether N-Gage and Android will also be supported.

Such a move may tie into Apple's rumoured plans to launch a premium $19.99 games section on its App Store.

Whether the shift to high-end means that THQ will be looking to license out its console brands to other mobile publishers for Java and BREW remains to be seen.

04 February 2010 THQ restructures for iPhone, iPad, digital distribution platforms

27 January 2010 Head of THQ Wireless owned studio Universomo resigns

01 December 2009 Android developers raise more concerns about Marketplace, Google Checkout, and lack of profits

30 July 2009 THQ Wireless Q1 sales down 18 percent to $4.2 million

07 May 2009 Losses continue at THQ for Q1