Quoted from Aurich:

Here's an original theme, with all kinds of modern stuff:
» YouTube video
On the line right now, would love to see it sell like hotcakes!
Thing is, people say they want "an original theme" but what they really mean is "my pet theme". Just being "original" isn't enough. They want something that feels like it's just right for them. "Oh, I didn't mean motor cycle racing" or whatever. I have lots of ideas for original themes that would be incredibly appealing to me. And maybe some other people too! But I kinda doubt it would be easy to just sell them. Like it or not a license brings a ton to the table.
Hey, let's see how Full Throttle does once it's shipping. They're on the line now, I'd imagine we'll see games ship out in a few weeks or so (not involved in that, so just guessing based on what Andrew has said publicly) and once there are some unboxings and people get a real sense for it that's the test for how it will do.
Because if nothing else a license is great for attracting people before they've even played a game yet.