Disney has picked up some fantastic IP over the years, and the impressive sales figures for Disney Infinity last year just prove people’s attachment to the brands. Rumors abound about new figures to be released, and some bad news for employees as well.
The Wall Street Journal claims sources close to the company say Disney is “preparing to lay off several hundred people” at Disney Interactive. However, these cuts aren’t a huge surprise – most of the retrenchments are assumed to come from casual developer Playdom, an acquisition Disney made in 2010 that hasn’t proved its worth since then. While Disney Infinity has been successful, it seems that Disney is looking to reorganize the division. Very sad news, as always, when people lose their jobs.
Meanwhile, we can expect some new versions of the game this year, featuring a variety of new characters. Rumor has it that we can expect Marvel and Star Wars characters. If so, these would obviously come along with themed play sets similar to what we got for the different Disney universes thus far.
This could be the best thing for Disney Interactive. Most adults have limited attachment to the characters released thus far. Sure, Pirates of the Caribbean was cool, but it’s not exactly an insta-buy. However, if I could get Marvel characters like The Hulk and Captain America to go up against Star Wars behemoths like Darth Vader and Jabba the Hut – now that would be worthwhile. Can you imagine the fun you could have building a Star Wars themed world in the toy box with your ship captained by Buzz Lightyear and Iron Man? That’s one way to get adults on board – in fact, I’m pretty sure we’d go overboard collecting all the characters and building insane creations. Yeah, Disney Infinity is definitely on to something here.
Last Updated: February 4, 2014
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 4, 2014 at 10:10
That Mickey Jedi image will haunt my dreams
o_O
Hammersteyn
February 4, 2014 at 10:20
True, how dare they show him as a Jedi. Next we will have Goofy play Jar Jar Binks.
VampyricSquirrel Monk
February 4, 2014 at 10:21
That wasn’t Goofy playing Jar Jar?
What Star Wars movies did I watch then?
Hammersteyn
February 4, 2014 at 10:23
If it was Goofy he would have at least been funny. Not annoying.
Alien Emperor Trevor
February 4, 2014 at 10:25
Meesa lovesa Jedi hyuk hyuk!
Hammersteyn
February 4, 2014 at 10:39
LOL
RinceThis2014
February 4, 2014 at 10:11
I want to be able to play as the Hulk, and lay down a world of smack down on the thing that is Jar Jar Binks. Then I would be interested in buying this.
Hammersteyn
February 4, 2014 at 10:22
Not even the Jedi will be able to force push the Hulk.
RinceThis2014
February 4, 2014 at 10:25
Can you imagine how much win it would be if you could do this to Jar Jar? http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120725012121/p__/protagonist/images/9/9c/Avengers-Hulk-Loki-1337008016.gif
Hammersteyn
February 4, 2014 at 10:39
Geeks,gamers and nerds the world over will rejoice.
Admiral Chief in Vegas
February 4, 2014 at 10:40
“puny gungan”
Rock789
February 4, 2014 at 10:17
I won’t lie – that’s an interesting idea they got there. Combining Marvel and Star Wars – yes please! Really sorry to hear about the layoffs though – you would hope the dev teams would also be allowed to bask in the glorious glow of success… Perhaps, even with 3 million units sold, the cost of those 3 million units is quite high still?
HvR
February 4, 2014 at 10:29
Playdom has nothing to do with Disney infinity.
One of those overrated “social gaming” developers more intent on capturing info from the people than developing proper games and new IP.
They were even caught capturing and selling personal info of minors.
TiMsTeR1033
February 4, 2014 at 10:31
Place your bets people!!
That Tall Ork Norm
February 4, 2014 at 13:08
Mine is on Yoda. 😉
TiMsTeR1033
February 4, 2014 at 13:10
Likewise!
Rikus
February 4, 2014 at 11:39
Bring on the Avengers!