THQ cancels Saints Row: Drive By
Fate of original 3DS version unclear as publish cans downloadable title
Publisher THQ has confirmed that it has ceased development of downloadable title Saints Row: Drive By for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.
Although the game has never been pictured or demonstrated in public it was first announced at E3 2010 as a key third party Nintendo 3DS title. It was subsequently also confirmed as a downloadable title for the two HD consoles, with the ability to unlock exclusive content in the forthcoming Saints Row: The Third.
Following the game's listing as "cancelled" on the LinkedIn profile of THQ creative manager Scott Rogers, a THQ representative confirmed to Joystiq that, "We are not developing Saints Row: Drive By".
Asked to confirm the fate of the lead 3DS version though, THQ replied only that it had "no further comment at this time".
Previously THQ has indicated a general plan to support all major titles with downloadable and portable tie-ins, as well as other cross-media projects. Upcoming title Red Faction: Armageddon has already seen the release of downloadable title Battlegrounds, with a planned Syfy mini-series in the works.
Volition, the developer of both Saints Row and Red Faction, saw founder Mike Kulas exit the company earlier in the week, after 18 years at the studio.