Micropayments startup PlaySpan has struck a major deal with games publisher THQ to power payments for its virtual currency. PlaySpan powers micro-payments across over 1,000 video games and virtual worlds and has virtual goods storefronts on Facebook, MySpace, within games and on its standalone site. THQ will be using PlaySpan’s payment methods to allow online gamers to purchase ICE (the company’s virtual currency) for the game Dragonica Online.

PlaySpan’s platform is attractive to many game publishers because it offers more than 85 global payment methods. And the payments platform also provides a comprehensive credit card processing and fraud risk management services. Dragonica Online is a popular free-to-play multiplayer online casual game that allows players to purchase additional content and features via ICE cash.

The micropayments startup has been doing fairly well in the space, striking similar deals with Nickelodeon and hi5. PlaySpan recently revealed some telling numbers about the strength of the virtual goods space, reporting that over $30 million was spent on virtual gifts this holiday season. Last year, PlaySpan acquired micro-transaction app developer Spare Change, which powered micropayments across 700 social networking apps on Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo.