Sources close to THQ indicate that the company has laid off a number of employees from two of its subsidiary game development studios.

The studios reportedly being affected are Rainbow Studios, which was responsible for racing titles like the MX vs. ATV series, and SandBlast Games, currently developing Destroy All Humans! Path of the Furon (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360). Further details are available in the full article.

Deadly Creatures lead designer Rainbow Studios lead designer">Jordan Itkowitz divulges more about the creepy-crawlin' game, and how the development team found this affinity for the scorpion and tarantula, Lance and Bill. Interesting bits, actually. If you want to learn more, just follow the video interview after the jump.

We're letting the readers know that TimeFly Studios is now open for business. You'll want to give this new developer a look, given that it was founded by a trio of guys who've cut their teeth on projects like MX vs. ATV and Cars (Xbox 360, Wii, PSP). Details are in the full article.

Make no mistake: Deadly Creatures is not another Endless Ocean. It's no wildlife simulation, but more of an action game which features a tarantula and a scorpion with enough fighting moves to fend off predators. Their journey is long, and since it all begins after the first step, waste no time - pounce at the full article!

If you're into bugs, then THQ's got just the thing for you. The company has revealed that it will be releasing a new video game called Deadly Creatures on the Nintendo Wii. This title puts an interesting twist on the survival horror genre, allowing players to play either an armored scorpion or a stealthy tarantuala as it tries to survive in a desert. For more on this, be sure to creep, crawl, or skitter on over to the full article.

Thing you have what it takes to own the offroad? If you're looking for a challenge, why not invite some friends and take on MX vs. ATV Untamed's (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, DS) Opencross mode? In a recent developer's diary, Rainbow Studios' principal game designer Brian Coonce explains what the Opencross mode is and what it's for.

Let Mr. Coonce tell you all about it after the jump!

THQ has released a new video for Rainbow Studios' upcoming multiplatform racing title, MX vs. ATV: Untamed (Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, DS). MX vs. ATV: Untamed is the follow-up to 2005's MX vs. ATV: Unleashed and will be in retail stores this holiday season.

This new entry in the off-road franchise lets players experience throttle-based power slides and near upside down whips in addition to the game's adrenaline-pumping speed. Players can compete in the new X-Cross Tournament which brings together eight different racing series including Opencross, Supercross and SuperMoto into one insane off-road championship.

The video below features the game's Endurocross game mode. In this mode, players will have to race across rough terrain, trying their best to stay upright and endure all throughout the unforgiving track. Check it out.

Ready for another dose of off-road action? Well, THQ has just announced a new multi-platform racing video game from their MX vs ATV franchise, to be called MX vs ATV Untamed.

THQ will be sharing the love with all the consoles as the video game will get versions for the consoles (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PS2) and the handhelds (PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS). MX vs ATV Untamed will feature several improvements from its previous incarnations, including broader open world environments, an X-cross career mode, and a new mode called EnduroCross. The X-cross career mode will be featuring eight vehicles (with the debut of the new ORV Sport) while EnduroCross will have players going against all sorts of obstacles like rocks, logs, and pits of mud.

THQ seems to be enthused about the multi-platform release. Jack Sorenson, executive vice president of worldwide studios had this to say:

We've taken the core MX vs ATV racing experience and tailored game-play to match the strengths of each individual gaming machine. The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, Wii and PlayStation 2 system versions, the PSP system version, and the DS version will all deliver unique experiences that capture the franchise's strengths and maximize the fun gamers have on their system of choice.

THQ will be working with Rainbow Studios for the upcoming title and will make use of the Rhythm Racing physics engine. You'll be glad to know that the game will be available online. Additional game modes included in MX vs ATV Untamed are the following:

• EnduroCross - as the name suggests, will have players racing going through tough terrain. The operative word would be "endure".
• Opencross - this type of race is held on trails and all vehicles can compete
• Supercross - is held in a stadium track

According to THQ, the game will be shipping to the shelves in January next year. Well, that's all we have for now. We'll keep you posted on additional information about MX vs ATV Untamed when they become available. Stay glued.