Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : THQ,Inc. (THQI) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: MikeD who wrote (10361)	3/29/1999 1:28:00 PM
From: Jeff Bond	Respond to of 14266

I just want to toss out my thoughts: I played Penny Racers this weekend, it was good, but not much different than Mario Karts (although the quality is about the same). I played WCW Revenge, it was good, but much the same as the other wrestling games (although quality was a little better). What I am beginning to think important is THQI MUST focus their attention on top-notch franchise names. When THQI was a smaller company, it made sense to pick up small known titles, make inexpensicve games, and get the rewards of feeding in under-attended areas of the industry. That model works very well for a small "start-up" or turn-around company. But, and this is only my opinion, I think THQI is at a crossroads, and ready to graduate to the next level now. I don't think the same business model will hold going forward. Penny racers is a good game, it plays well, it has good performance, but it just doesn't sell a whole lot because it's NOT Mario Karts. To illustrate the other side of the equation, look at WCW Revenge vs. the other wrestling games, it HAS the position in this instance. I am not suggesting abandonment of smaller known titles, gameboy, or anything, but I would like to see, and I WILL be watching for a growth towards securing the franchise name licenses. THQI has the cash to secure some excellent licenses, it would be silly at this stage to go secure more small titles to spread the cash, instead of going after a couple block busters. Snag Madden from EA, get an exclusive long-term ESPN Sports license, secure quality titles this time around. This will be important if THQI wants to be branded as a LEADER in the industry, which is really where it wants to go. I just don't think it is going to get there with second tier game titles, and it will definitely not be recognized as such, no matter how much money they make. I watched WWF WrestleMania XV last night. I'm being honest, it is not something that adds much quality to life, but it DOES have a HUGE audience and drawing power. This was a GREAT move by THQI to secure this license, and exactly the kind of move I feel that will help allow them to LEAP forward, rather than continue to crawl. I think THQI should make arrangements with Nickelodeon to secure ALL their titles. Nick IS the kid spot, whether the show is good or bad, kids ARE there watching it. There is a lot of focus on Nickelodeon, and by having that agreement, THQI will be the benefactor of sales, as well as become THE game company viewers will look to when they are ready to buy a game. Focus on securing MAJOR licenses, and develop MAJOR licenses for the PC, it seems like this is the route THQI can follow to success. Just my opinion ... :o) Regards, JB