Itagaki returns with THQ deal

THQ has confirmed that it has signed a new deal with the studio formed by Tomonobu Itagaki’s Valhalla Game Studios.

The new outfit has been formed by the former Tecmo Koei designer, creator of Ninja Gaiden and Dead of Alive, who departed the Japanese firm last year.

Valhalla’s deal with THQ sees the publisher snap up the rights to new PS3 and 360 title Devil’s Third.

The game is ‘a fast paced action game set in the near future in the wake of a global catastrophe’.

Itagaki said: "Here at Valhalla Game Studios, I lead a magnificent team of highly talented creators. Valhalla is looking forward to working with THQ to create an innovative new game that will appeal to gamers all around the world. We think you’ll be as excited to play it as we are to be making it."

Danny Bilson, THQ EVP of Core Games, added: "We are honored to be working with Valhalla Game Studios to release their premier title, Devil’s Third. This partnership with leading developer Tomonobu Itagaki reflects the high quality standard we have set for THQ’s Core Games pipeline."