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This article presents the history of the American video game publisher THQ from its foundation to its demise. It analyzes the major strategic orientations that marked the history of the company, identifies the key dates in its history and addresses the reasons for its failure. THQ was a video game company that initially specialized in children’s games and developed on the basis of acquiring licenses. It then decided to produce ‘AAA’ blockbuster games and tried to compete with industry leaders. However, it failed to do so and was forced into bankruptcy. The article explores different aspects of these strategies, what made them successful but also why they failed. We suggest explanations relating to the evolution of the video game sector and identify potential strategic mistakes made by THQ.