Layoffs Hit THQ

March 4, 2009

Layoffs Hit THQ

Publisher confirms yesterday’s
layoffs in QA department

THQ has confirmed that yesterday it
had laid off the QA department of one of its developers, Volition. An official
statement, as made by Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate
Communications Julie MacMedan, can be read below.

"As part of THQ Inc’s, previously
announced business realignment plans and related headcount reductions, there was
a layoff yesterday at the Champaign QA facility. This will result in the
eventual closure of the facility with a transfer of sixteen employees to
Volition.

"It will not result in any layoffs
within the core development teams at Volition. Volition remains a key
development studio within THQ and will continue to employ 236 staff. The layoffs
include 47 temporary employees who will not be having their service extended.
Unfortunately, fluctuating headcount among the temporary staff is common based
on when our games ship. In addition, 39 full-time staff will be laid off.

"All laid off employees (both
full-time and temporary) will be given at least sixty days’ notice. We will do
what we can to assist them in finding work in the community or elsewhere in THQ."