THQ has struggled with disappointing sales recently, and that has resulted in the company laying off more than 200 employees, including the closure of two game studios in Autralia and one team in Pheonix. In addition to the unfortunate loss of jobs for such a large number of people, it also means the end of the MX vs ATV series.
It comes at a time when THQ is rethinking the approach to producing social and mobile games, and restructuring itself with five internal teams. While that may be the right decision for the company, obviously any restructuring affects real people first and game titles second, so in mourning the loss of MX vs ATV, obviously that’s not as important as a couple of hundred people losing their livelihoods.
But it’s a sad day nonetheless for off-road fans. The series list was:
- MX vs ATV Unleashed: 2005 – Xbox, Playstation 2 and PC.
- MX vs ATV Unleashed: On The Edge: 2006 – PSP.
- MX vs ATV Untamed: 2007 – Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii.
- MX vs ATV Reflex: 2009 – Xbox 360, PS3, PC, DS, PSP.
- MX vs ATV Alive: 2011 – Xbox 360, PS3.
But there is still more downloadable content being developed and released for MX vs ATV Alive which has been announced since the news the series would end. That includes a partnership with Kawasaki to include an extensive lineup including the KX125, KX250F, KX450F and the KXF450R ATV.
There is also a calendar of DLC content including bikes, helmets, gear sets and graphic kits which runs up until November 11th, 2011, indicating that there’s still stuff going on. There’s also a new track with Sliderock Canyon listed for Free Ride with the FMX 250.
The latest DLC content was released just after the closure announcement, which included the AGV AX-* Helmet, AXO riding gear, and new goggles and butt patches.
Hopefully the latest in the MX vs ATV series will continue with DLC plans, as it was released under a new model for THQ with a lower purchase price and more opportunities for gamers to spend on in-game assets.
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