THQ closes Arizona QA facility

THQ is consolidating its two quality assurance (QA) teams into one at its Montreal studio, in effect closing its QA facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

THQ is consolidating its two quality assurance (QA) teams into one at its Montreal studio, in effect closing its QA facility in Phoenix, Arizona.

A total of 57 employees will be affected by the Phoenix closure and some will be given the opportunity to relocate to Montreal.

In a statement sent to Game Informer, THQ said:

"Montreal is a prime location for industry talent, has favorable economics, and is a big part of our future game development plans. With those considerations in mind, we have made the business decision to consolidate our two Quality Assurance operations into one location at THQ Montreal.

"The studio in Montreal is already home to a global team of Quality Assurance professionals.The transition will occur gradually throughout the remainder of 2012 while we continue to manage QA for our FY'13 release slate."

The statement continues by saying that some of the 57 affected employees, which include full-time and part-time staff, will be eligible and may choose to relocate to Montreal, but the final numbers are not yet known.

"The decision to move QA operations was driven by industry, market and economic trends," the statement says. "We want to thank all of our QA team members in Phoenix for the outstanding work they have done in the past, and will continue to do during the transition in order to bring the highest quality games to our audience."