During the press conference, THQ Core Games Vice President Danny Bilson announced that the studio would "be the largest studio in the THQ system," supporting development of two large-scale games and employing nearly 400 developers over the next five years.
Hiring will be one of Desilets' first duties, along with heading up development of original intellectual properties. Bilson was reluctant to name any specific products, such as the currently unnamed Guillermo Del Toro project, though he did emphasize the studio would be focused on "making awesome games."
Bilson cited the new studio as THQ's attempt to transform the company into a world-class developer. Montreal has already become a hub for developers, due in large part to government incentives, such as 37.5 cents on the dollar tax credit. Bilson pointed out incentives are vital for developers.
Throughout the conference, Bilson emphasized that THQ Montreal Studio would not be a "portfolio-based studio" pumping out certain titles. Instead, the studio would be focused on new, original ideas. "I always feel that when we're asking somebody to spend their hard-earned $60, we have to give them the greatest and deepest experiences," said Bilson. He added, "We're looking for new, innovative experiences and fresh places to go."
