Electronic Arts is not the only big-name publisher making workforce cuts this year. According to a Gamasutra report, THQ currently is in the process of closing down several of its internal studios, including Stuntman: Ignition developer Paradigm Entertainment and Locomotive Games of Destroy All Humans! fame. Mass Media, along with Helixe and Sandblast Games also appear to have been axed, with THQ’s website no longer mentioning the studios.

In addition to the closure of five internal studios, THQ is reportedly laying off a third of the workforce at its Juiced Games studio, which is currently comprised of around 40 individuals.

The reasoning behind the rather significant closures is unknown at this point, though it is likely that the weak economy played a role in the decision. Official word is expected on Wednesday, when THQ releases its fiscal Q2 2009 financial results to investors.

Breaking: THQ Closes Multiple Studios [Gamasutra]

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