Warhammer 40,000 MMO coming

THQ announced that it has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Games Workshop for the Warhammer 40,000( franchise through 2013. The agreement serves to both extend and expand upon THQ's previous agreement with Games Workshop for the Warhammer 40,000 license, which encompassed interactive rights to console and handheld systems, as well as Windows PC. Additional rights under the newly announced agreement include wireless devices and all online rights, including massively multiplayer (MMO) games. It also includes the same rights to Games Workshop's Gorkamorka and Necromunda properties.

THQ also announced that its Austin, Texas based studio, Vigil Games, is in development on the first MMO based on the Warhammer 40,000 franchise. THQ's critically acclaimed Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War franchise now boasts more than 2 million units in sales worldwide with the release of hybrid expansion Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade last fall. The franchise has received numerous accolades since its 2004 debut, including Game of the Year and Editor's Choice Awards, in addition to selection as an Official World Cyber Games title in 2005 and 2006.