­No laughing matter: South Park game in ownership claim amid bankruptcy controversy

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Published time: January 23, 2013 17:57
Edited time: January 24, 2013 03:57

South Park license owners are trying to claim rights to a recently made game inspired by the animated sitcom, the makers of which have since faced bankruptcy.

THQ, makers of the South Park game, filed for bankruptcy in December last year, on January 22 the company was sold off to a rival game maker. The outcome of the auction has not yet been made public.

According to gaming website Kotaku most of THQ's licenses were sold during a 22-hour auction. The sale Included publishing rights to a completed South Park game, one of THQ’s most recent creations.

South Park: The Stick of Truth video game, is currently scheduled for release on March 5. The game is based on the popular animated sitcom that has been on screen since 1992.

South Park Digital Studios is trying to claim rights to the upcoming South Park game.

The South Park owners have submitted their objection to THQ's proposed sale to the United States Bankruptcy Court a few days prior to the sale. THQ has however denied South Park owners’ claims, saying it has every right to auction off the title, Gamespot reports.

South Park Digital Studios claimed that its original contract with THQ, signed in June 2011, allows it to acquire "all elements of the game and related products" at THQ's cost if the bankrupt publisher breaches the contract. The South Park owners claim that according to the Bankruptcy Code can't sell the rights to The Stick of Truth to another publisher.