Activision challenges THQ as it signs third-party studio's racer

When Activision acquired Bizarre Creations last year it said that the buy finally plugged a gap in its portfolio covering the racing game genre - but with no Bizarre game expected for over a year, it seems the publisher is getting impatient, so it has signed up US independent Left Field to make a new licensed driving title.

SCORE International Baja 1000 "recreates the unforgiving conditions and blistering speeds that make this event the most recognized and entertaining off-road racing event in the world".

The game has been put together via an agreement with Activision and off-road racing firm SCORE, with Left Field developing.

But this isn't just a licensed racer, however, nor just Activision's first racing game in some time - it's also a key salvo fired against publishing rival THQ, which announced its own Baja racing game earlier this year.

Both titles are due later this year.