THQ CEO Speaks on Next-Gen Gaming

In a recent set of interviews with Gamesindustry.biz, CEO of THQ Brian Farrel gave his views on the current state of the gaming industry, and furthermore spoke on how his company is embracing the next-generation.

THQ has and remains a company that specializes in games geared for younger audiences. So when recent games like Warhammer and Saints Row were announced, many viewed the moves as an act of following trends rather than setting new precedents. “There are certain game mechanics and game styles that are proven and will always exist.” He mentioned games such as The Outfit which innovatively mixed real time strategy and action elements. “I like to think of us as someone who’s leading.” commented Farrel.

When asked about the current state of the gaming industry in general, he pointed to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3’s powerful components and growing online capabilities, which should appeal to consumers at retail. On the other hand, He claimed to the Wii and the PlayStation 2 as being the two consoles that are currently appealing to the mass market crowd.

With such speculation, it’s impossible to tell just which market could potentially be larger than the other in the near future, something Farrel readily admits: “It’s unclear at this point. The mass market will always be, when you get to the right price point, the biggest. The Wii has a great opportunity, but does that mean it’s going to be the largest platform in this generation? It’s hard to say initially…I can’t remember when three platforms co-existed like this.”

The company is currently developing more titles for the Wii than for other rivaling systems, something Farrel attributes to the Wii’s ability to cater more towards the younger audience. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are both vying to capture the hardcore gamer, who tends to shun the more child-oriented games.

To read the full interview, click the link provided below.