A bunch of licensed property games are going to be making a return soon thanks to THQ Nordic, a publisher who has been on an acquisition spree lately. The company re-signed a deal with Nickelodeon, who had ties to the previous THQ Inc., before they filed for bankruptcy, and have promised that gamers will be able to see classic Nickelodeon titles back on shelves courtesy of the latest deal.
In the press release Adrienne Lauer, the VP digital sales and business development at THQ Nordic, explained that these games were previously licensed by the old THQ but will be making a return to home consoles and PC under the new THQ…
“This one hits close to home! We are very proud of signing this agreement, which was originally executed by the “former” THQ Inc,”
“We believe the combination of strong licenses and solid, crisp gameplay was one of THQ Inc’s trademark strategies, and we intend to continue this tradition. I am confident we chose one of the strongest partners for doing just that. It is a perfect fit for our “asset care” strategy: bringing back fan-favorites, continuing to support legacy games and make them available on current and even next-gen platforms.”
Back in 2012 the old THQ had to file for bankruptcy, and all of their holdings were dispersed. Nordic Games eventually turned into THQ Nordic after acquiring various assets, while other companies picked up the licenses to a few of THQ’s other popular properties, such as Deep Silver acquiring the Saints Row brand.
The recent deal that THQ Nordic struck with Nickelodeon isn’t for new game properties, though. They have plans on reviving the previously released titles that were published in collaboration with Nickelodeon, with Jon Roman, senior VP of toys at Nickelodeon, explaining in the press release that many of these games will likely be re-releases and remasters…
“These titles were popular when they were first released and we can’t wait for fans around the world to rediscover their favorites.”
The complete list of properties that will be re-released under the THQ Nordic label include the following:
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Back At The Barnyard
- Catscratch
- Danny Phantom
- El Tigre
- Invader Zim
- Jimmy Neutron
- My Life As A Teenage Robot
- Rocket Power
- Rocko’s Modern Life
- Rugrats
- SpongeBob SquarePants
- Tak And The Power Of JUJU
- The Fairly OddParents (US only)
- The Ren & Stimpy Show
- The Wild Thornberrys
Outside of some half-way decent 16-bit titles, I’m not terribly familiar with any quality made LP games based on the Nickelodeon brands, other than maybe Tak and the Power of JUJU.
Anyway, there are plans to revive some of these games for “next-gen platforms”, so expect to see some PS4, Xbox One and maybe Nintendo Switch releases for some of the classic games based on Nickelodeon properties.
