THQ confirmed today that it has placed mobile games studio Universomo into liquidation, and announced that it will outsource development of its upcoming titles for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and other smartphone devices.
Last year, THQ
restructured its wireless division and shifted its focus to smartphone platforms, closing three development studios and laying off more than 100 employees.
Universomo then became THQ's primary smartphone development studio, producing mobile adaptations of the THQ properties
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and
de Blob, along with original efforts like
Chop Sushi!
Speaking to news site
Mobile Entertainment, a THQ spokesperson revealed that the company has increased its investment in digital gaming, and plans to release more than 15 mobile games and entertainment applications this year. Following the dissolution of Universomo, THQ will contract "a global network of external developers" for its upcoming mobile titles.
A Universomo-developed iPhone sequel to
de Blob, titled
de Blob Revolution, was nearing release prior to the liquidation announcement.
