Update (12:15 p.m. PST): GamesBeat contacted THQ and the publisher provided us with the following statement from THQ president Jason Rubin:
“In the midst of all the recent negativity, THQ is mindful that even in the world of business, we have to remember to respect our fellow man. The Humble Bundle simultaneously helps charities and spreads good will and cheer to gamers, including those less fortunate in the holiday season.”
Original post:
The ladies and gentlemen over at HunbleBundle.com have dropped the Indie designation and replaced it with T, H, and Q.
The Humble THQ Bundle provides gamers with the chance to purchase six THQ titles for any price. The publisher will throw in Saints Row: The Third for anyone who beats the average, which is presently $5.36. So, if you’re a cheap skate, you can get that open-world crime game, Darksiders, Metro 2033, Red Faction: Armageddon, Company of Heroes, Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts, and Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor for around $6.
Saints Row: The Third alone is currently $39.99 on Steam.
The games require customers to activate each title on Steam. As usual, the money is split between the publisher, Child’s Play and the American Red Cross charities, and the Humble Bundle company. Unlike other Humble Bundles, THQ’s titles are not Mac or Linux compatible.
This is an unprecedented move for both the Humble Bundle organization and a publisher of the size of THQ. Although, THQ arguably needs something unprecedented to help prevent its insolvency.
Earlier this month, THQ reported a small financial loss, but it also delayed many of its biggest upcoming games. It also simultaneously announced that it was working with a firm to “evaluate strategic alternatives” for itself. It’s possible that it is still up for sale, as it more recently announced that it is in talks with a mystery financial sponsor, but it’s also possible that this Humble Bundle is a result of said strategic alternatives.
Many indie developers have had great success with the Humble Bundles, but it’s unclear if a publisher of THQ’s size will raise a significant revenue from a pay-what-you-want model.
Regardless of anyone’s hopes or reasons, gamers are getting a great deal. Go play.