Shacknews -> THQ's Danny Bilson on PC Gaming.You name it - he's talking about Steam & Valve; G4WL & Microsoft; bringing every title to PC and consoles they can; etc.
Steam vs. G4WL
Shacknews: Well, the point being that THQ has transitioned to Steamworks when there was a focus on the Games for Windows Live platform. Where did that change come from and what has been the reaction at Microsoft?
Danny Bilson: It's been easier for development [moving to Steamworks], so far, but Microsoft is really talking to me a lot about getting back on Games for Windows Live. So, it's not something I want to comment on because there are a lot of discussions going on about that right now. I like both platforms and I really, really, really like Microsoft as a partner. They're fantastic partners. I want to respect them.
There are a lot of discussions going on about that now because it's a sensitive issue. But from a development point of view, it has been easier on Steamworks. That has nothing to do with Steam as a distribution platform, as you know. The developers really like it, but again, I have incredible respect for Microsoft and they're really fantastic partners. And so, there's a lot of ongoing discussion about that.
THQ Is All About Multi-Platform
Shacknews: You division--"core" games--focuses on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360...
Danny Bilson: And PC. PC is really important to me.
Shacknews: Shackers will be glad to hear you say that.
Pushing PC Gaming with Digital Distribution (Steam, in this case)
Shacknews: With Steam, the recent "big push" on that distribution platform has been the Mac. Does THQ want to bring its library to that platform?
Danny Bilson: If it makes sense. I mean, we want to put the titles on as many platforms as possible and what I love about PC is we control our own destiny there. There are a zillion PC's out there--I grew up as a PC gamer and I still enjoy playing on my PC, when I can--and you're going to see every single title from [the Core group at THQ] that makes sense, on PC. I mean, almost every one. The only ones that are not going on PC are ones that really don't make any sense at all.
You're going to see us announcing--I mean, MX vs. ATV Reflix is going to be coming out on PC in a few weeks, we just put out Darksiders on PC. You're going to see us putting out almost every, single console title we can on PC to expand out audience and expand the customer base, ultimately. Revenue. And it's the forefront of digital sales. You deal with these games on PC, right? It's fantastic that way.
Steam #'s Just Cant Be Ignored.
Shacknews: Steam recently announced its membership numbers have jumped to 30 million users.
Danny Bilson: Yeah. It's like iTunes. It can't be ignored and we won't ignore it.
Homefront - PC Version
Shacknews: PC gaming is at the heart of our community. You mentioned your love for the PC market. In terms of bringing all of those games to PC, will we get closer "day and date" releases for PC gamers when it comes to those console titles?
Danny Bilson: Sometimes. Homefront has a custom-built, PC version, with everything that traditional PC shooter guys want.
Shacknews: So, dedicated servers...
Danny Bilson: Dedicated servers. Different controls. Cockpit views on all the vehicles. It's built from the ground up for the PC at a different studio.
