The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) has acquired of Minds Eye Prods., one of the leading interactive TV game developers in Europe. The agreement demonstrates WDIG's commitment to the iTV games market and to developing new growth businesses for The Walt Disney Co.
Disney entered the interactive TV games market in the U.K. in August 2004, with the launch of Disney Channel Play on Sky. This service provides games featuring some of Disney's most popular TV programs, movies and characters, including those from THE LION KING and KIM POSSIBLE.
Mark Handler, evp and managing director, Walt Disney Internet Group, International, explained, "Interactive TV gaming is a growing and exciting market, and Minds Eye is the leading U.K. developer. This acquisition allows us to build on our successful Disney branded iTV game service and shows our commitment to this market. We already have a great portfolio of interactive assets in Europe, and Minds Eye is a natural fit with our activities."
"It is a great move for Minds Eye to become a part of Disney, the greatest family entertainment company in the world," said Martin Batten, managing director of Minds Eye Prods. "Our employees are delighted to join the Disney family, and look forward to helping Disney expand its interactive TV gaming activities."
Founded in 1995, Minds Eye Prods. employs more than 20 artists, programmers and game designers who specialize in creating games for the growing interactive TV game market. The company has been at the forefront of game development for the Sky Active platform, including developing such games as the interactive TV versions of MONOPOLY and WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE. Furthermore, Minds Eye has also developed the existing games on the Disney Channel Play service on Sky Gamestar, including TIMON AND PUMBAA'S BUG BLAST, FINDING NEMO and KIM POSSIBLE: ROBOT FRENZY.
Minds Eye will maintain its offices in Milton Keynes.
Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) provides strategic leadership and operational management for The Walt Disney Co.'s Internet properties, including Disney.co.uk. A market leader in developing and distributing entertainment and informational content to new platforms, WDIG is committed to creating and delivering products for broadband distribution, including Disney Connection and Disney's ToonTown Online, the world's first massive muti-player online game for kids and families (www.disney.co.uk/toontown). Through relationships with some of the world's largest wireless carriers, WDIG distributes content and services to wireless users under the Disney, ESPN and ABC brands. Additionally, WDIG has led the way in the U.S. in developing interactive content for televised programming through its Enhanced TV service. Steve Wadsworth is president of WDIG, which is headquartered in North Hollywood and has operations in Seattle, New York, Orlando, Tokyo, London and Budapest.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
