THQ trimming down Aussie office?

Kotaku Australia has today reported that THQ's Australian office has cut 14 staff members from its roster, making them redundant. The tip-off comes from an anonymous source who also claims that THQ's Japanese office is also in the firing line and has been shut down completely.

GameSpot AU has contacted representatives of THQ in Australia but had received no response at the time of publication. Last week, THQ confirmed that it had laid off an undisclosed number of employees in its administration and publishing wings as part of its organizational restructure.

Last year didn't treat THQ's Australian business too kindly, with the company shutting down Blue Tongue Entertainment and THQ Studio Australia. On top of that, rumours started circulating two weeks ago that THQ was cancelling its entire 2014 lineup in preparation to selling itself off to the highest bidder. THQ has since refuted those rumours.

[UPDATE] THQ has confirmed that the job cuts from last week have affected its Australian operations; however, the publisher declined to go into any detail regarding how many jobs were cut locally. According to a statement provided by THQ, details regarding the reorganization will be announced during a conference call scheduled for February 2.

THQ's full statement is as follows: "THQ confirms a reduction in force to the company's administration and publishing organisation. As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids' licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives. The streamlined organisation reflects the company's new strategy. THQ's five internal studios were not affected by this action. The company will provide greater financial detail regarding the costs and organisational benefit on its third quarter 2012 conference call scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012."