It's been reported that Disney's executives are urging CEO Bob Iger to heavily invest in video games. That's according to Bloomberg, in a wider report detailing the company's current struggles.

Apparently, senior suits at the entertainment giant are pushing for Disney to acquire a major publisher in order to turn the company from a "gaming licensee to gaming giant". Publishers such as Electronic Arts and Ubisoft are mentioned, although the former would make more sense. Considering its history with Star Wars games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and its in-progress development of several Marvel games, like Iron Man and Black Panther, it does seem like a shoe-in. It isn't the only publisher tackling Disney properties, though; Ubisoft is producing Star Wars Outlaws, for instance.

The report says Iger is "noncommittal" with regards to Disney acquiring a publisher or studio.

Disney has a long history within the realm of games, but in more recent years has leaned away from the medium. It closed Disney Interactive Studios in 2016 and has opted to licence out its portfolio instead, resulting in the aforementioned Star Wars Jedi series, Disney Speedstorm, Disney Dreamlight Valley, and more. Should Iger listen to his fellow senior suits, it's possible the company could be snapping up studios and return to in-house development.

What do you think of this? Would Disney be wise to pursue games more closely going forward? Discuss in the comments section below.

Posted: Oct 15, 2023 11:12 pm
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2023/10/disney-ceo-reportedly-being-pressured-to-double-down-on-gaming