According to ComputerAndVideoGames, THQ is about to start off an all new WWE franchise next year. In addition to THQ’s very successful Smackdown VS Raw, WWE All Stars and Smackdown! Vs Raw Online, this will be their fourth WWE franchise.
THQ boss Danny Bilson told CVG that Smackdown! Vs Raw Online will not be released in the west in 2011, but the UK and US audiences will get to enjoy an all ne WWE franchise.
“Smackdown! Vs Raw Online is for Asia,” Bilson said. “I don’t think there’s any chance of that coming to the US or Europe, not soon anyway. We don’t want to confuse Smackdown Vs. Raw! the brand with that online free-to-play game.
“That’s a big, expensive title, Smackdown Vs. Raw! – we will not do any cannibalisation of it at all. The online game is also designed uniquely for Asian playing habits and it would probably have to be modified creatively to bring it to the West.
“So there’s no plan to bring it here – because what we do have a plan for on that brand is what you saw with All Stars. And next year you’ll see another new extension there in another way – that’s just as exciting as All Stars, but a little different. We’re not talking about that yet.
“We’re growing that brand basically through an alternate SKU every six months – the other SKUs All-Stars and the unannounced game are more friendly, easier and less simmy than Smackdown! Vs Raw.”
Watch this space for more info.