Slow game sales lead to THQ loss

THQ Inc., publisher of the “Destroy All Humans!” video game, said it had an unexpected fiscal second-quarter loss because of slow sales of two new titles. Results this quarter will miss analysts’ estimates.

The loss totaled 11 cents a share in the period ended Sept. 30, including stock-based pay expenses of 8 cents, Agoura Hills-based THQ said. Sales were about $229 million, below the $240 million forecast in August.

Sales of “Stuntman: Ignition” and “Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights,” both released during the quarter, fell below forecasts, the company said. THQ also said it would postpone introduction of a new version of “Destroy All Humans!” until 2009 to allow more time for development.

THQ fell 83 cents to $23.05 in extended trading after a halt. The stock lost 3 cents to $23.88 in regular trading.

For its fiscal third-quarter ending Dec. 31, THQ predicted a profit of 61 cents a share, including stock-based pay costs of 6 cents, on sales of about $490 million.