The effects of THQ's decision to stop making children's games are already being felt. THQ has confirmed layoffs in the publisher's administration and publishing departments as a result of the company's new direction. Reorganization at THQ has led to a dip in headcount.

　　"THQ confirms a reduction in force to the company's administration and publishing organization," reads a statement provided to GameSpot. "As recently announced, the company is exiting the kids' licensed games category, and is focusing on its core game franchises and developing its digital initiatives."

　　THQ did not say how many staffers were let go in the action.

　　THQ's five internal studios--Vigil, Volition, Relic, THQ San Diego, and THQ Montreal--were not affected by the layoffs. Further information regarding THQ's new direction will be provided at the company's third-quarter 2012 conference call on February 2.

　　This round of layoffs at THQ comes just one month after the publisher let 30 go from its Play label, the development unit behind the underperforming uDraw tablet peripheral.