Publisher THQ has announced the opening of a new office in Shanghai, China.

The office will be used to “spearhead the expansion of local partnerships to develop and publish both online and packaged games for distribution in China and around the world”, the company said in a statement.

Tim Page, market development director for THQ Asia Pacific, will be responsible for expanding the company’s online gaming portfolio by cultivating and maintaining local partnerships, while Kevin Chu, corporate director of THQ"s External Development Group, will lead THQ"s global outsourcing operations and assist in local product development initiatives.

"The Asian markets represent a significant growth opportunity for THQ, particularly as we execute on our strategy to grow revenue from online gaming, an increasingly important segment for our industry," said Martin Good, senior vice president THQ Asia Pacific.

"We look forward to continuing to build new publishing and development relationships in China to expand our presence in this important and fast growing gaming market.”

During the current fiscal year THQ plans to launch Company of Heroes Online (pictured), a free-to-play, microtransaction-based game designed specifically for Asia with publishing partner Shanda Interactive.

"THQ China will be a springboard from which to expand our online games content, including Company of Heroes Online, to neighboring markets across Asia," added Good.

The value of China"s fast-growing online games market swelled to $637m during Q2, according to Analysys International, and Niko Partners expects it grow to $4.2 billion annually by 2010.