Unless someone is talking about one of the huge developers – companies like Bioware, Ubisoft, Gearbox, etc. – most gamers don’t pay too much attention to who is making their game. This is compounded on by the confusion between publishers and developers, which are sometimes the same thing. And some companies, like THQ, have made hugely recognizable titles in gaming, gone bankrupt, and returned to gaming, all without many knowing who they are.

The past few years have been good for THQ Nordic, despite most people having no idea who they are. In recent years, they have been behind the Diablo-like Titan Quest and Victor Vran, and in October of last year, the old-school RPG Battle Chasers: Nightwar. All three games have enjoyed success among their genres but have gotten little press for it, despite Battle Chasers in particular receiving stellar reviews from critics.

All of these games have also had modest sales despite their high acclaim among fans and critics. However, two major titles coming out in 2018 – BioMutant and Darksiders III – might just give THQ Nordic the mainstream press that they have been striving for. After all, THQ Nordic is a company that was built on the ashes of dozens of other companies. Even the name is a blend of the original company, Nordic Games, and the bankrupt and defunct THQ. The founder of THQ Nordic, Lars Wingefors, also has a lot of ideas as to how THQ Nordic will succeed where it’s predecessor failed.

THQ Nordic is also careful not to step on toes with the IPs that they have. Studio Head Reinhard Pollice stated that “what the fans want,” was paramount to their strategy, which is why they are “sometimes slow [on] announcing” details of titles. This is especially true of Darksiders III, a hugely anticipated game which THQ has hidden details of for years. It was only late last year that THQ Nordic released the first trailer for the game despite its slated release later this year. Much the same could be said for Biotmutant, a game announced at GamesCom last year that is, like Darksiders III, slated for release in 2018.

Both games appear highly ambitious, and both have a lot to live up to. However, THQ Nordic’s recent work with Joe Madureira – the creator of the Darksiders series and the Battle Chasers comic – should do much to show fans how THQ Nordic treats its creators. Madureira was given free rein to create Battle Chasers: Nightwar as he pleased, which is why the game embraces so many old school RPG elements.

While their biggest titles are still in production, THQ Nordic might just be the next name to watch in gaming, especially when publishers like EA an Bungie are busy screwing the pooch.