It was a big week for THQ Nordic, which is quietly continuing the process of building itself into something of a mid-tier gaming colossus. The past few days have seen it pick up Expeditions strategy-RPG series, and has announced plans to begin work on a third game (after Conquistadors and Vikings) with original developer Logic Artists.
The of the Bugbear deal weren't disclosed, although THQ Nordic said "the purchase price matches management’s estimated royalty payments to Bugbear during the three years." THQ Nordic was previously the publisher of Bugbear's Wreckfest, which it said it's been the company's best-performing game on Steam since its full release in June.
The Coffee Stain deal cost $35 million up front, "plus additional earn-out considerations subject to fulfillment of agreed milestones." 35 mil for Goat Simulator might seem a little steep, but along with ownership of Coffee Stain's own games, it also grants THQ Nordic the publishing rights to Deep Rock Galactic, which is now in Steam Early Access. It will also create "a highly complementary third leg" for the company, with a particular focus on "digital sales, retention, cross platform and multiplayer."
THQ Nordic obviously isn't in the same league as deal with Microsoft to publish multiple mid-tier games on Steam and in physical formats.
