THQ Expands Longterm Deal with SpongeBob

Nickelodeon Consumer Products and THQ have entered into a new multi-year licensing deal for worldwide video game rights to SpongeBob SquarePants.

THQ now has the rights to develop and publish interactive games based on the character for PlayStation 3, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, as well as online gaming portals Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Wii Virtual Console. The first game under the new agreement will hit in the new year and will be designed for the upcoming Nintendo 3DS, uDraw GameTablet for Wii and Kinect for Xbox 360.

"THQ has consistently demonstrated the ability to seamlessly bring the world of SpongeBob SquarePants to life in the interactive space with quality titles that are memorable and engaging for gamers of all ages," says Manuel Torres, senior vice president of global toys, video games and consumer electronics at Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "We look forward to introducing the next SpongeBob game adventure via THQ's innovative new platform, the uDraw GameTablet for Wii, which will bring the gaming experience to another exciting level."

THQ has produced SpongeBob video games with Nick since 2002. Recently released titles include SpongeBob Boating Bash and SpongeBob Truth or Square.

In other news, THQ recently granted Mad Catz the worldwide rights to WWE All Stars for video game accessories. Mad Catz will produce WWE All Stars-inspired FightStick and FightPad video game accessories for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii. The items will feature the names, likenesses and looks of the WWE talent.