Earlier today, a source close to THQ confirmed to N-Europe that the game studio is actually shutting down. Apparently, the staff has already been informed just today of THQ's "imminent closure."

Now THQ has been in pretty hot water for the past couple of months. Back in November they shut down five of their studios, and just last week, the analysts of Cowen and Company laid the smackdown on THQ, saying that their franchises are going down - specifically WWE Smackdown vs RAW.

According to the insider source, a formal announcement to the press may happen soon, but as of now, it's still uncertain how much of the staff will be let go (and when) and which of its games in the pipeline will get the axe.

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*Update* THQ has contacted N-Europe to say that the cake is a lie and they're still alive. N-Europe's source, meanwhile, has reportedly confirmed that the THQ Wireless office in Working, Surrey closed down this morning. THQ Wireless is the publisher's mobile phone gaming arm.

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