Disney acquires Wideload Games; new family-friendly game due out 2010

September 8, 6:59 PMDetroit Video Game Industry ExaminerWilliam Usher

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First it was Marvel and now it’s Wideload Games. Disney Interactive recently announced that they have agreed to acquire the Chicago-based studio, Wideload Games. Alexander Seropian, the CEO of the acquired game studios will also join the Disney Interactive creative heads – this is the same guy who headed up Bungie during the renaissance of console shooters which started with Halo.

According to the press release, Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios stated that…
 

“Alex has built his reputation around the power of original thinking. In leading the studio that created Halo, he helped turn great storytelling, exceptional design and polished gameplay into the ‘killer app’ for Xbox. Alex’s leadership of our creative community will enhance our ability to be a magnet for the best talent in the industry and enable the company to take an even more significant role in developing industry leading products.”

Even though Seropian is joining the ranks it doesn’t mean this guy will take over and start making a bunch of games with a large stubby green space marine. Wideload Games president Tom Kang will still be in charge as the studio director. In fact, the team is still hard at work on a new, unannounced game due out for consoles in 2010.

Seropian commented in the press release, saying…
 

“Joining Disney is an ideal next step, both for our studio and me,”. “At Wideload, we’ve conscientiously built a forward-looking approach to game development that borrows many techniques from the film industry. Now, Wideload will be a part of one of the largest, most respected entertainment companies in the world. I’m looking forward to Wideload’s continued success as a part of Disney and I’m eager to bring all my experience to the creative community at Disney Interactive Studios.”

Well, it looks like Disney is trying to catch up to the likes of EA, Ubisoft and Activision in the studio acquisition game. Be sure to stay tuned in for more gaming industry news and updates.