Warner Bros. takes over Codemasters distribution from THQ

Newsbrief: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has signed an agreement to handle the distribution, sales, and marketing of Codemasters' 2012 games in North and South America. British developer and publisher Codemasters previously worked with THQ Partners to distribute its games last year, including titles like DiRT 3 and F1 2011 -- before THQ suffered hundreds of layoffs, a number of studio closures, and other financial troubles. WBIE will handle Codemasters' complete 2012 slate, including arcade racing game DiRT Showdown and Formula One racing title F1 2012. It's previously partnered with Codemasters for the European launch of The Lord of the Rings Online.