THQ Opening New Montreal Studio

The latest publisher/developer to take advantage of tax break incentives in Montreal is THQ who has announced the opening of a new development studio. The announcement also revealed that developer Patrice Désilets is joining THQ to form the new studio.
Désilets previously served as creative director on the Assassin’s Creed franchise and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and he will be tasked with the hiring of the team which will focus on creating new intellectual properties for THQ. The studio is set to open summer 2011.
“The best way we can deliver fresh, high-quality gaming experiences is by working with the best talent and THQ is delighted to have the opportunity to make a brilliant addition to our team next year with Patrice Désilets,” said Danny Bilson, THQ Executive Vice President, Core Games. “We expect calendar 2011 to be a watershed year for THQ, and adding developers like Patrice helps ensure our focus on new IP and great games is charted by leading industry artists.”
THQ are just the latest publishers/developer to set up in Montreal thanks to the videogame industry tax incentives on offer. TIGA in the UK have been tirelessly lobbying the UK government for a similar scheme to be put in place. When the Conservatives took over earlier this year it looked like there could be a breakthrough but any tax incentives schemes for the UK industry have since been scrapped.