THQ making Wheel of Fortune, JEOPARDY! games

THQ and Sony Pictures have signed a considerably huge multi-year licensing deal that grants the former full rights to create games based upon the ludicrously popular game shows JEOPARDY! and Wheel of Fortune. Obviously, these games are primarily being made for the Wii and DS. Y’know, so the idiots will buy them. 

The deal grants THQ the ability to publish these games on multiple systems, so you can possibly expect from Natal-flavored stupidity to arrive at some point as well. THQ plans to release the first games based on these properties later in the year. Let’s all look forward to that, shall we?

Seriously though, while we sane individuals couldn’t care less, this is a massive coup for THQ. The publisher will most likely be able to print money with this agreement, and if that means more cash for hot properties like Dawn of War and Darksiders in the future, then it’s a good deal all round, right?

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Feb 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc. today announced two multi-year licensing agreements granting THQ the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on Sony Pictures Television’s popular game show properties, “JEOPARDY!” and “Wheel of Fortune”.

The new agreements give THQ rights to publish interactive games based on the two properties for the Wii(TM) video game system, Nintendo DS(TM) and Nintendo DSi(TM), and grants THQ options for additional platforms.

“We are excited to add two iconic properties such as ‘JEOPARDY!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to our Kids, Family and Casual Games portfolio,” said Doug Clemmer, Executive Vice President, THQ Kids, Family and Casual Games. “The opportunity to implement new features such as Wii Speak(TM) will re-imagine how these games are played and engage fans with a whole new level of interactivity.”

“‘JEOPARDY!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’ are extraordinarily popular across the globe and it was important for us to find a partner with an international vision,” said Mark Caplan, Vice President Licensing, Sony Pictures Consumer Products. “THQ’s focus and proven success within the family market made them the most logical team to bring theserenowned properties to new platforms, and we look forward to working with them to create family-friendly interactive experiences.”

THQ plans to release the first video games under this agreement later this year.