While it was revealed and confirmed that THQ was to close five internal studios and make staff cuts at two additional studios, the extent of the lay offs hadn’t yet become clear.

It’s now been revealed that 17% of THQ staff, roughly 250 THQ employees, will lose their jobs, on the back of a net loss of $115.3 million for its fiscal second-quarter, compared to $7 million last year. Net sales were down to $164.8 million from $229.3 million during the same period last year. The job losses will apparently save $100 million in development costs over the next fiscal year.

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It is being widely reported that publisher THQ is set to close some five internal development studios while a significant amount of employees from a further two studios will be let go.

Paradigm, Mass Media, Helixe, Locomotive Games and Sandblast Games have all been closed, officially as of today, according to a report on Gamespot, while Rainbow Studios and Juice Games have been affected by redundancies.

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After the then-upcoming game, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand was publicly dropped from Activision Blizzard’s release line-up and put up for sale, a lot of uncertainty hung in the air surrounding the title. After the game allegedly received age certifications in the UK and Australia, again supposedly under a THQ label, it was thought that the next 50 Cent game had been officially picked up.

That is indeed the case, as THQ officially confirm it will handle publishing duties for the gun and brawl action title, featuring the titular 50 Cent and his cronies. Vice president of global brand management at THQ, Brad Carraway said:

“50 Cent is a cultural icon and one of the biggest names in hip hop. THQ is thrilled to be working with him on this exciting new title. Combining intense single player combat, drop-in and drop-out online co-op and never-before-released music tracks makes this the ultimate package for gamers and hip hop fans alike.” 50 Cent himself continued the games’ appraisal:

”Blood on the Sand has non-stop action and exclusive music tracks from me and the G-Unit that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus our fans will be able to play together with online co-op, and maybe even join me or one of the G-Unit online.”

Great. Click through for a trailer from the game:

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THQ are running a Saints Row 2 competition in which you can win a gold-plated Xbox 360 Elite! All you need to do is sign up to myTHQ and answer a simple question. Head over here to find out just exactly what’s necessary to enter. This customised, limited edition Xbox 360 fits into the setting of Saints Row 2, as the flyer demonstrates:

“On the streets of Stilwater, respect can only be earned. Your lifestyle, crew, ride and crib define who you are. Customise them all to leave your own unique mark and get the respect you deserve.” Word up.

Saints Row 2 releases in the US on October 14th (i.e. today) and in the UK and Europe October 17th (i.e. later this week).

For those of us looking forward to the upcoming, free-roaming, open-world game that is Saints Row 2, it may be interesting to see that THQ are trying their hardest to inject as much visual flair as possible into the game via its impressive character customisation options.

Another type of flair that THQ is injecting into Saints Row 2 is an enormous and diverse list of music, which will be available for your listening pleasure while playing the game and visiting any of the in-game radio stations while cruising the city in your car. There are over 200 songs spread across eleven radio stations - everything from classical to hip-hop is covered! Click below for the full tracklist:

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As open-world games go, the original Saints Row was thought to be a fun cut above the rest (excluding that ‘other’ open-world series). Now, with Saints Row 2, Volition and THQ are promising to deliver a game that “sets the standard”, according to THQ executive vice president of sales and marketing, Scott Guthrie:

“Saints Row set the bar for next-gen open-world development, earning praise for its unmatched customization, controls, and the genre’s first-ever online multiplayer. The team at Volition, Inc. is leveraging invaluable experience gained on Saints Row to build Saints Row 2 into a game that sets the standard for combat, player freedom, customization, vehicle game-play, team-based co-op and the most compelling online open world experience to date.”

For fans of the original, Saints Row 2 will expand many of its predecessor’s most laudable features, including customisation options, an expanded city, new vehicles, the obligatory ‘sandbox’ abilities as well as online and co-operative multiplayer. Including a “darker and more sinister” story this time around, lead producer at Volition, Greg Donovan says the features in Saints Row 2, coupled with the story “promises a gaming experience that will offer players the perfect balance of gripping narrative and compelling gameplay options.”

Well, if the game lives up to the promises, we’re in for a treat! Saints Row 2 releases on PS3 and Xbox 360 in the UK and Europe on October 17th while the US gets their grubby mitts on it October 14th. Go check out El33tonline’s review of the original Saints Row to get acquainted with the series.

THQ are not new to the racing business, having successfully created the MX vs. ATV franchise. Baja: Edge of Control is an off road racer that challenges players to build a vehicle before setting out to conquer over 100 square miles of tough terrain.

Players will need to master hill-climb, circuit and rally races in vertical environments and unpredictable terrain to earn career sponsorships. Get behind the wheel of over 40 Trophy Trucks, 4x4s and buggies across eight different vehicle classes as you take on the ultimate off-road challenge, the Baja.

The game enables you to customize your vehicle with over 200 parts and participate in four player split screen and eight player online racing.

Check out the latest video of Baja below – how do you think it is shaping up in comparison to MotorStorm: Pacific Rift?

Baja: Edge of Control is scheduled to be released on the PS3 and Xbox 360 this August.

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Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise is based on Rare’s original Xbox 360 game and places Nintendo DS gamers in charge of a neglected garden on Piñata Island. Gamers are charged with creating a paradise by cleaning and growing the garden while attracting Piñatas to breed and care for.

Continue reading El33tonline’s preview of Viva Piñata: Pocket Paradise.

If you are a Viva Piñata fan you might also want to check out the latest trailer for Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise, due out exlcusively for the Xbox 360 this September.

THQ has announced a new off-road racing game for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Baja combines tough terrain and off-road vehicles in “the most realistic, edge-of-control racing game ever created.” Baja is scheduled to be released this August.

Edge-of-control racing

Dubbed by THQ to be “the most realistic off-road racing experience to date,” Baja is said to combine “the best elements of the real-world sport with the right balance of arcade fun.” The game challenges players to first build the ultimate off-road machine before conquering vast terrains.

Developed by 2XL Games (the core founding members of the MX vs. ATV franchise), Baja will see players traversing vistas, cliffs, canyons, mud and mountains in over 100 square miles of unforgiving terrain. Players will need to test their mettle in different challenges including hill-climb, head-to-head open class races and circuit races as well as the Baja, the off-road endurance challenge.

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