Left 4 Dead group Turtle Rock signs with THQ

Turtle Rock, the Californian indie studio that co-developed Left 4 Dead with Valve Software, has signed a new contract with THQ.

THQ says it will publish a “groundbreaking multiplayer experience” from Turtle Rock in 2013.

"Our quest to sign the best artists and work with the best talent continues" said THQ exec Danny Bilson.

"Turtle Rock Studios is responsible for one of the most original, critically acclaimed co-operative games of this generation, and we are incredibly excited to be working with them on their next project, which looks set to make a similar impact in the multiplayer space."

Turtle Rock shot to fame with its work on the Counter-Strike series – eventually tempting Valve to acquire the group and form Valve South in California.

Somewhere along the line Valve decided to disband Valve South – though details on the matter have always been guarded.

As Develop revealed last year, Turtle Rock reformed, though not likely with its founder Michael Booth who appears to have signed a contract with Valve.

Speaking for the studio is COO Phil Robb, who said the unknown project “is the most ambitious thing we’ve ever attempted, and we’re inspired by the support THQ has shown to help us realize that vision”.

He added: “We’re going to take the first person shooter experience to a whole new level, and we can’t wait to show the game for the first time in the months ahead."