Financially troubled developer and publisher THQ has undergone “major leadership restructuring,” it said in a press release, confirming that the company’s Executive Vice President of Core Games Danny Bilson has left the firm.
He’ll be replaced by Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin – who’ll now oversee THQ’s worldwide product development, marketing, and publishing.
Joining Bilson – who’s left to “pursue other interests” – in the unemployment queue will be Senior Vice President of Core Studios, Dave Davis; odd seeing THQ’s renewed focus on its core products.
In my opinion, Bilson’s efforts have been what’s kept THQ floating through its financial woes. As the company’s “core games” guy, he’s been responsible for developing IP’s like Darksiders, Saint’s Row, UFC, Red Faction, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine and unfortunately, Homefront – while the rest of the company pissed away its money on the failed PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of U-Draw.
“Danny has made significant contributions to THQ, and we thank him for his efforts. Along with Danny, Dave has been instrumental in getting our strong pipeline into production,” THQ said in the aforementioned statement.
Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin, who succeeds Bilson, was the co-creator and game director of the Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter games, and THQ has faith he’ll help swing the company around.
“Jason’s proven track record in the industry speaks for itself, and he is one of the brightest minds in the business,” said THQ’s overlord Brian Farrell. “We believe he can be a game changer and can contribute immensely to executing on our strategy of delivering quality connected core game experiences.
I wish Bilson well, and hope he returns to writing. Interestingly, he and writing partner Paul DeMeo penned, in addition to comic books, a number of screenplays for TV and Film, including cult 90’s comic-book film The Rocketeer.
Last Updated: May 30, 2012
