THQ’s board appointed Jason Rubin president effective May 25, 2012, as the game publisher restructured its business. The appointment put an experienced game developer and studio executive in a senior role, but Brian Farrell remained CEO with his title, position and responsibilities. Rubin’s employment ended in January 2013, as THQ moved into a bankruptcy-related asset-sale process.
Why did THQ name Jason Rubin president?
THQ’s June 2012 filing said Rubin would bring substantial industry experience to the company. The company described him as 42 years old and as having 20 years of video-game-industry experience; that figure was THQ’s description at the time, not an independently audited measure. The board made the appointment effective May 25, 2012. THQ’s Form 8-K records the appointment and the company’s account of Rubin’s background.
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The move came while THQ was trying to reshape its operations and game pipeline. Its fiscal 2012 annual report says the company reduced its internal development studios from eleven to five, discontinued projects it considered inconsistent with its strategic objectives, exited or reconfigured markets and product lines, and cut costs and headcount. The report records Rubin’s appointment as part of that period of restructuring. THQ’s fiscal 2012 Form 10-K
In an August 2012 company release, CEO Brian Farrell said, “We have made significant progress reshaping the company.” He also praised Rubin’s experience and track record. Those remarks were Farrell’s assessment on THQ’s behalf; the release did not provide a specific sales figure to substantiate its characterization of Rubin’s record. THQ’s August 2012 release filed with the SEC
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Who was Jason Rubin before THQ?
According to THQ’s appointment filing, Rubin co-founded Naughty Dog in 1985, served as its co-president and led the team until 2004. Sony Computer Entertainment America acquired the studio in 2001. Rubin later co-founded Flektor and Monkey Gods and held leadership roles at both ventures. These details are THQ’s biographical account in the filing, rather than independent findings by the SEC.
The Los Angeles Times described Rubin as a veteran game designer and former studio executive when it reported the appointment on May 29, 2012. Los Angeles Times coverage of the announcement
Rank #2
- 2 player split-screen and 8 player online mode
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- Master insane stunts and test your limits in Freestyle mode
- Turn your private compound into a show room for the all of your customized vehicles
- Upgrade and tune your vehicles with original performance parts
What was Rubin’s role, and who remained CEO?
Rubin’s presidency did not replace Farrell as chief executive. THQ’s filing states that Farrell retained the CEO title, position and responsibilities after the appointment. The company separately reported that Danny Bilson’s employment was terminated effective June 1, 2012; that was Bilson’s departure date, not Rubin’s appointment date.
In a July 2012 interview with Game Informer, Rubin described his remit as overseeing publishing, marketing and production. He said Farrell had asked him to assess THQ’s teams and properties, and that he visited each team. Rubin characterized the teams as having considerable talent and potential and said he wanted to help unlock it. These were Rubin’s views, not an independent assessment of the teams. Game Informer’s interview with Rubin
Rank #3
- Includes all expansions and updates in one definitive edition
- Smoother, more responsive combat
- Modern UI and full controller support
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What happened to THQ after Rubin joined?
THQ’s financial and business difficulties continued after the appointment. In December 2012, the company announced an asset purchase agreement with Clearlake Capital affiliates, who were identified as stalking-horse bidders in a bankruptcy sale process. Rubin said THQ intended to work with experienced investors and continue developing games using its intellectual-property assets. That statement described the company’s plans at the time; it does not establish that the proposed transaction or strategy succeeded. THQ’s December 2012 release filed with the SEC
A February 2013 SEC filing says Farrell, Rubin and Jason Kay were terminated without cause, effective January 30, 2013. THQ’s 2013 termination filing
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- Awesome Cars – Our cars are old, banged up, patched together... They ooze style and character! From old American heavy-hitters to agile Europeans and fun Asians, you won’t find anything like this in other games.
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- Explore a reimagined Wasteland, full of Disney's timeless characters and stories
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- Meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Disney's original star, in a rich, narrative-driven world
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- Mickey has new moves such as dash, ground pound and sprinting
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