THQ announced that it has acquired Australia-based studio Blue Tongue Ent, who most recently developed THQ's The Polar Express for the PS2, PC and Gamecube.
"Consistent with THQ's strategic objective of utilizing internal development to improve product quality and operating margins, we are pleased to tap into the growing base of development talent in Australia as we continue to build our internal development capabilities," said Steve Dauterman, vice president of product development, THQ Asia Pacific. "Through the acquisition of Blue Tongue, we will now have studio operations in both Brisbane and Melbourne, making THQ the premiere video game developer in the region."

"THQ's long-standing licensing relationships and global publishing capabilities have made them a great partner over the past couple of years," said Steven Spagnolo, CEO, Blue Tongue Entertainment. "The team is thrilled to now be a part of THQ Australia and looks forward to even more synergies with their development operations across the various territories."
Blue Tongue Ent. is currently developing two cross-platform releases for late 2005.