Darksiders has been salvaged

Yesterday we reported that THQ had sold off most of its remaining assets to other parties, however it was not clear which ones had been picked up and which had fallen by the wayside.

New information has come through today and we're very happy to inform you that the Darksiders franchise was salvaged from the wreckage and has a new home.

Nordic Games took on the series, along with Red Faction, MX vs ATV, Destroy all Humans! and Summoner as well as other licensed software including Marvel Super Hero Squad and Supreme Commander for a combined total of $4.9 million.

Gearbox Software snapped up Homeworld for $1.35 million, while 505 Games grabbed Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for $300,000.

THQ now expects the bankruptcy court to hear the sales motions on 13th May 2013 and will finalise the transactions at a later date.

When THQ filed for bankruptcy, Vigil Games, the original developer of the Darksiders series, saw most of its staffers join Crytek, which also expressed interest in picking up the franchise.

In a statement given to Eurogamer, Crytek had this to say:

Following their recent acquisition of the Darksiders IP at auction, I would like to wish Nordic Games all the best with their future plans for the series. Darksiders is a franchise I'm naturally very passionate about. Over a period of several years, I and my close friends and colleagues at the former Vigil Games invested a lot of energy into the series and we're glad to know Darksiders continues to excite and generate a high level of interest among players, publishers and developers.

In an interview with Eurogamer, Nordic Games said it was exploring its options regarding another Darksiders game and hasn't ruled out giving the development responsibilities to Crytek:

Without saying we have been in contact with Crytek USA, I'd love to do something with them if we can find the right set-up. If they can prove they can make a worthwhile sequel, why shouldn't we talk? I have a great respect for those guys. They made very good games. But I'm sure they have a full agenda. Making games takes time.

They are the best-suited people in the world to make a sequel, that I'm aware of. But if someone else has a better set-up, they should step forward.

We're pleased the Darksiders series managed to be saved as it was starting to show real potential. Whether or not Nordic Games will ever publish a game in the series remains to be seen, but as of right now Darksiders is very much alive.

What are your thoughts on these purchases? Let us know in the comments section below.

[source eurogamer.net]