Disney expands its games division

It looks like Disney is serious about extending its reach in the gaming industry. According to the Salt Lake City Tribune, the company’s Disney Interactive line, which owns Utah-based Avalanche Software and Fall Line Studios, will be expanding both studios. Avalanche was acquired in 2005, and Fall Line was created as a “sister studio” in 2006 to take advantage of the new opportunities afforded by the success of the Wii and DS.

The article focuses on the growth and job opportunities for locals, but the implicit meaning here highlights Disney’s expansion into the industry as a whole. While the company has strictly stayed in the land of licensed titles (basically marketing tie-ins to established franchises like Kim Possible, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc.), we can always dream that the expansion could result in better, more original games. Remember Aladdin on the Genesis?

Read [SLC Tribune]