ShenmueTree wrote: Mostly I am interested what this means for the S3 Deep Silver deal? Can THQ cancel it? How does Sony fit in? Surely the marketing contract didnt account for so many complications.
It depends on the nature of that deal and the contract. There may have been a clause within the contract allowing for Deep Silver to terminate the contract in certain circumstances and, therefore, the funding they will provide towards the game. This acquisition would mean that ability would be passed onto THQ.
However, I doubt they will terminate the contract. Whilst there may be such a clause in place, I do not see THQ ending this relationship for two reasons:
One, it has been about half a year since the partnership between Deep silver and Shenmue 3. As of then, they have already helped provide a significant amount of funding for Shenmue 3, as evidenced by Yu Suzuki’s statements. They probably cannot reclaim what they have already paid for funding unless such a clause exists, which would probably be deemed unfair per the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (or whatever similar piece of legislation exists in the US). Why would they back out now after providing so much in funding?
Two, one should look at why THQ acquired Deep Silver in the first place. It is evident that they don’t have as much exposure to the games industry as they did in the past. Shenmue 3 is Deep Silver’s most reported on game that they are publishing, as well as Kingdom Come Deliverance. Would they really want to end deals with two games which, if popular, could provide a fantastic foot in the door for THQ in the gaming world again?
So in conclusion, I think this could actually be good. THQ managers will want to please their shareholders and prove the worth of this acquisition so they may feel inclined to invest more and increase funding for Shenmue 3.