THQ Inc. announced Tuesday the opening of a new office in Shanghai where the video game publisher will pursue development and publishing partnerships in the fast-growing Chinese market.

Building on its relationships established with local Chinese developers and publishers over the past several years, the Agoura Hills company said the office will work to expand local partnerships to develop and publish both online and packaged games for distribution in China and around the world.

The company later this year plans to launch Company of Heroes Online a free-to-play, micro-transaction game designed specifically for Asia in collaboration with its China publishing partner, Shanda Interactive Entertainment Ltd.

“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, in a statement

The announcement follows news Friday that a Connecticut state court dismissed World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.’s bribery and antitrust claims against THQ and its joint venture partner, Malibu toymaker Jakks Inc. The joint venture makes toys and games based on WWE action figures. A U.S. federal court had dismissed WWE’s lawsuit last year, but state court litigation had been pending.

THQ shares were up 27 cents, or 2 percent, to $15.59 in morning trading on the Nasdaq.