Skip to main content

THQ shutters Homefront dev Kaos Studios, gives notice to Digital Warrington studio

Homefront-Multiplayer-Trailer_1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

THQ made a misstep earlier this year with Homefront, a first-person shooter bolstered by a huge, extended marketing push that, despite strong pre-order sales, failed to resonate with critical and consumer audiences. Largely because it’s just not very good. We’re now seeing the repercussions of the product’s failure to launch with the publisher revealing to Gamasutra that it has shuttered the game’s developer, Kaos Studios. No specific reason is offered beyond the move being part of a “strategic realignment,” but Homefront‘s poor performance almost certainly fueled the decision. The publisher also confirmed that employees of the UK-based developer Digital Warrington have been given a closure notice as well.

Kaos was born in 2006 when THQ brought in members of the Trauma Studios mod team (Battlefield 1942 mod Desert Combat) to form a new developer. The group’s first release was the multiplayer-centric Frontlines: Fuel of War in 2008; while the game contained some good ideas, the execution fell short and an online community failed to materialize. Homefront came next, this past March, riding on a wave of hype and expectations that it never managed to live up to. Digital Warrington, formerly Juice Games, is known for its work on the Juiced racing series, though more recent efforts include Red Faction: Battlegrounds and Warhammer 40K: Kill Team. The studio couldn’t be closed outright due to UK laws, Joystiq reports, but employees there have been put on notice.

Recommended Videos

Kaos being gone doesn’t mean that the Homefront franchise is finished. For one, THQ has invested a lot of time, money and energy into building that brand. What’s more, while the initial release may be lackluster, there’s always room for a new team to come in a deliver a dynamite sequel. Players will need some convincing, but typically, when a game is good and released at the right time the consumers are happy to open their wallets. THQ Montreal will now take the lead on the Homefront series moving forward. The company is also now hiring in its Montreal, Vancouver and Austin locations; departing employees from Kaos and Digital Warrington will be given the opportunity to interview for other internal positions.

Topics
Adam Rosenberg
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…
How to upgrade and repair weapons and gear in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
A soldier with a broken gun in Stalker 2.

It won't be long into Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl that you encounter your first weapon jam. Whether you're fighting mutant dogs or enemy bandits, the last thing you want to hear when lining up a shot is the clicking of your weapon despite still having plenty of ammo. The more you use your weapons, the lower their durability becomes and the more likely you are to experience a jam. You don't have the skills to repair or upgrade your weapons yourself, and Stalker 2 is more than willing to let you miss out on finding the places to do it. Never get caught with a broken or weak weapon again by learning how to repair and upgrade your weapons in Stalker 2.
How to upgrade and repair weapons

You can see how beaten down your weapon is in the inventory by highlighting it or based on the color of the broken shield icon. If that icon appears at all, you can expect jams to start popping up.

Read more
How to fix reputation in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Two groups pointing at each other in Stalker 2.

Unless you played any of the previous games, it might come as a surprise to learn just how many immersive sim elements are in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. In a lot of ways, it is closer to a more hardcore Fallout game than a pure FPS title, with lots of loot, quests, and characters to meet and talk to. One somewhat hidden mechanic is the reputation system. Stalker 2 won't stop you from opening fire on anyone you want, but not without consequence. Upset someone from a particular group, and you'll find yourself being hunted by them until you do something about it. There are enough things in Stalker 2 trying to kill you so if you accidentally angered a group and want to get back in their good graces, here's how you can fix your reputation.
How to fix your reputation in Stalker 2

If you've intentionally or accidentally shot or hurt a friendly NPC from one of the main groups in Stalker 2, you will instantly be put on their "shoot on sight" list if it lowers your reputation enough. Thankfully, there are ways to get yourself a second or third chance, but only two.

Read more
The 10 best gaming monitors of 2024: tested and reviewed
Alienware ultrawide OLED on a desk.

Editor’s note: Gaming monitors are always hot sellers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We're expecting some really great discounts on some of the top models, including high-end OLED gaming monitors, super-fast refresh rate screens, and more budget-oriented fare. There are tons of fantastic monitor deals available now, and they're bound to get even better on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Make sure to check out our other Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals for even more bargains on TV, headphones, and more.

A good monitor is essential for gaming due to its significant impact on the overall experience. There are a ton of options if you are on the hunt for one of the best gaming monitors, but for us, Alienware's 34 QD-OLED still takes the cake in 2024. It's not the display for everyone, though, and after reviewing dozens of the top gaming monitors, we've settled on a list of displays that offer great gaming performance for any budget or purpose.

Read more