THQ Auction Homeworld Darksiders Red Faction

Although most of THQ's current properties and developers were already sold at their big bankruptcy auction (read the full details here), there are still plenty more THQ IPs left sitting on the shelves. These IPs will now be sold in their own auction, where any publisher/developer/company can acquire the rights to develop games within those worlds.

For Homeworld fans this is the auction they have been waiting for — a chance to see a new game. There have been several IndieGoGo and Kickstarter campaigns formed to buy Homeworld, but it's more likely that an actual publisher will acquire the IP rights.

This auction will also determine what the future holds for the Darksiders franchise, which went dark after it was not purchased in the first auction. Developer Vigil Games is no more — many employees have landed safely with Crytek — but that doesn't mean a new developer can't carry on the mantle. Platinum Games, for example, expressed some interest in the IP, but we thought they might be joking.

The press release mentions six lots for the auction, which leads us to believe the last two items will be sold as bundles. Check the IPs out below:

  • Darksiders
  • Red Faction
  • Homeworld
  • MX
  • Other owned software, including Big Beach Sports, Destroy All Humans!, Summoner, and more
  • Other licensed software, including Marvel Super Hero, Supreme Commander, Worms, and more

Obviously, of the properties featured, Darksiders has the most innate appeal, as the franchise is still fresh in gamers' minds. However, there could still be a market for the Red Faction franchise, or even the Worms IP, if they are handled well.

THQ has apparently received more than 100 "expressions of interest" in regards to their IPs, which leads us to believe all of these properties should find homes. However, there's no clear distinction whether or not those expressions of interest were legitimate, or simply some fan saying they will buy Homeworld for $5,000.

Initial bidding for these IPs begins on April 1st and the auction ends on April 15th. So some time after that we should know whether or not these new IPs have found homes. However, don't expect for the type of immediate turnaround that took place with the first auction to happen with these IPs. In simple terms: don't expect a new Homeworld will instantly jump into development.

Which THQ IP would you most like to see find a home? Which would you least like to see a new title for?