Agoura Hills-based THQ Inc. on Wednesday announced the acquisition of the Stuntman franchise from Atari Inc.

Originally released in 2002, Stuntman won critical praise for its unique concept and innovative gameplay, with shipments of more than 1.6 million units. The Stuntman franchise is in development for next-generation systems at an Atari subsidiary, Paradigm Entertainment, creators of several well-known action games.

THQ also said it has exercised its option to acquire Dallas-based Paradigm Entertainment and subject to successful due diligence, expects to close the transaction in the coming weeks.