THQ pins down WWE FightSticks

The arcade stick scene has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, bolstered by the launch of Street Fighter IV and the accompanying Mad Catz-produced, Capcom-licensed FightSticks. The peripheral maker this week announced another licensing partnership, entering into a multiyear agreement with THQ to create FightSticks and FightPads for the upcoming WWE All Stars.

Details about the offerings are slim, though Mad Catz product and community manager Mark Julio said in a Twitter post that the WWE FightSticks will be "catered to the game," adding, "We're not just going to slap some art on there and call it a day!"

Although All Stars is planned to launch on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, and PSP, the announced Mad Catz deal only covers accessories for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii. Naturally, those peripherals will make use of the names and likenesses of the wrestlers featured in All Stars and any sequels in the franchise.

Developed by THQ San Diego, WWE All Stars is intended to be an arcade-style alternative to the company's more simulation-minded SmackDown vs. RAW series. The game combines WWE stars of today with legends of the past in an over-the-top adaptation of the wrestling federation's already over-the-top action.

WWE All Stars is set for release early next year. Mad Catz did not specify a launch window for the peripherals based on the game. For more on WWE All Stars, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.