THQ Backs Xbox 2

Publisher THQ has announced that it will be supporting Microsoft's Xbox 2 when the next-gen console hits shelves, currently thought to be before the end of the year.
THQ's internal studios Relic Entertainment and Volition have already signed up to create new and Xbox 2-exclusive content. That doesn't mean they won't be developing for any other format, but does mean that any Xbox 2 project they create will be exclusive to Microsoft's next-gen system.

No clues as to what these games could be yet, although a shuffle through both development team's back catalogues could provide some clues. Interestingly, Relic does most of its business with PC strategy titles. Titles like Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War, Impossible Creatures and the Homeworld series suggest Relic's first Xbox 2 title could push our brain cells as much as the console's tech specs.

Volition on the other hand has far more experience in the console market and recently scored a bloody hit with The Punisher. The Red Faction FPS series was also developed at Volition's Illinois studios, so perhaps we'll be looking at a third or first-person shooter come Xbox 2 time.
We squeezed reps at THQ for more info but the phrase 'blood from a stone' springs to mind.

Still, Jack Sorensen, THQ's executive vice president of worldwide studios did have this to say: "Microsoft's next-generation technology will enable a level of realism never before experienced by gamers. The teams at Relic and Volition have been working closely with the development team at Microsoft to ensure that our titles utilize the new system to its fullest potential."

The Xbox 2 will be unveiled during a special MTV programme broadcasting around the world on May 12/13 (full details here), then Microsoft plan to show it off properly at E3 the following week.

All being well we should discover more about THQ's Xbox 2 plans at E3.