In its second quarter fiscal 2009 financial report, publisher THQ today confirmed that it is in the process of shutting down five of its internal studios as part of a “significant business realignment.” Approximately 250 people, or 17 percent of the company’s product development personnel will be laid off as a result.

THQ also announced that both Red Faction: Guerrilla and Darksiders: Wrath of War have been pushed to the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010, leading the company to lower its yearly net sales forecast by $125 million. Both titles were previously scheduled for a fiscal 2009 debut.

“We expect the combination of a much more focused and competitive product line with a more efficient cost structure to put THQ back on the path to growth and profitability in fiscal year 2010,” noted company CEO Brian Farrell in a statement.

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