Double Fine signs with THQ

Tim Schafer has revealed the first of his studio’s four miniature digital titles – following EA’s decision to pull production on a Brutal Legend sequel.

Publisher THQ has signed two of Schafer’s four games, the first being Costume Quest – a downloadable Halloween-based adventure RPG, set for release on 360 and PS3 in October.

Schafer, the Double Fine studio president, revealed last month that his team had been covertly concepting numerous small digital titles whilst developing the EA-published Brutal Legend.

And when EA pulled the plug on a Brutal Legend sequel, Schafer and his team pitched the four games to various publishers.

Aside from THQ, it is not known which other publishers Double Fine is partnering with.

A news report from 1UP states that THQ’s second Double Fine game will be a third-person adventure, set for release in 2011.

“We wanted to make a big impression with these, our first downloadable games ever," said Schafer.

"So we are coming out swinging with two great adventures from two of the most creative minds in the company."

THQ exec Martin Good said that digital distribution platforms were “an important growth initiative” for the company.