TVG@THQ Gamers Day '08 News

Having already unveiled the first details on Saints Row 2 last month, THQ has this week stepped up to push the heavyweight games that are due for release throughout the rest of 2008 and beyond, with its annual media-centric Gamers Day. Held in the heart of San Francisco, the event provided a solid platform for the publisher to show off Volition's upcoming return to Stilwater City, together with the likes of DeBlob, Baja, and Red Faction: Guerrilla.

But before the curtain was raised at the event, THQ president Brian Farrell and studio boss Jack Sorenson both spoke about the line up for the publisher in the coming months, with Farrell revealing his thoughts that the mix of casual and core gaming titles capable of appealing to "the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere".

The presentation also saw a US release date confirmed for Saints Row 2, which is due to hit Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 from August 26th although a European launch date remains unclear - though don't be surprised if it arrives in Blighty the following Friday on August 29th. Following a brief recap on some of the new features of Saints Row 2 shown in London in February, together with an introduction to one of the new air-based activities (blowing up target vehicles from the lethal comfort of an attack helicopter), several trailers for some of the titles at THQ's 2008 Gamers Day were blasted out of the A/V system including a 'Row 2' teaser "hosted" by an unhinged Gary Busey.

Following the initial presentation, the curtains were pulled back, revealing the titles, which were largely original IP. Coupled with the fact that many are also the first instalments in what THQ no doubt hope will be successful franchises, it's clear that the publisher is trying to ensure it doesn't get bogged down in too many licenses - although the strategy also has its own risks attached to it.

With the lights dimmed to allow the 'ambience' to take hold, along with a music system with its speakers turned somewhere close to 11, the mix of casual and core games for the three current platform holders were all in place. Hands on time with pre-alpha code was available for several major titles for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, such as Red Faction: Guerrilla and Baja, together with the likes of De Blob, which is coming to Wii and DS this September.

TVG will be beginning its in depth coverage of THQ's 2008 Gamers Day shortly, so stay tuned for some first look previews of some of the publisher's big titles for 2008, together with a series of interviews from the likes of Greg Donovan (Saints Row 2) and Jeff Carroll (Red Faction: Guerrilla).