Saints Row: The Third preorders doubling predecessor

THQ is expecting this holiday quarter to be one of its best on record. In particular, the publisher is expecting big things out of Saints Row: The Third, which is in development at Volition Inc. and due for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. That confidence appears well founded, as THQ said today that preorders for its latest madcap action game are double that of Saints Row II over the same period of time.

The announcement came as part of a Kaufman Brothers Investor Conference, in which THQ executive VP and CFO Paul Pucino gave a brief presentation. Pucino also confirmed that Saints Row II's lifetime-to-date sales stand at nearly 4.5 million units worldwide and that THQ is lining up a "robust" post-release downloadable content plan for Saints Row: The Third.

THQ has previously stated that it plans to deliver fewer, but higher-quality, titles each year. Pucino reiterated that stance today, noting that THQ's plan is to launch one to two original games every year and then release sequels for those that prove successful every two to three years.

THQ has partnered with a number of individuals studios to see its new IP initiative happens, including Tomonobu Itagaki's Valhalla Game Studios and notable movie director Guillermo del Toro.

The publisher has also signed a deal with Left 4 Dead creator Turtle Rock Studios, which was announced with a broad 2013 release window. As part of today's presentation, Pucino ruled out the first three months of 2013 for that game's release, saying that it should be expected during THQ's fiscal year beginning April 1, 2013.