DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) will buy Chicago-based videogame developer
Wideload Games and create a vice president of creative title at its
video gaming division for the company's chief executive and
founder.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
Wideload, which has 25 full-time workers, is developing a family
console game scheduled for release in 2010 from Disney. The studio
will focus on creating new intellectual properties that target a
broad audience.
Wideload CEO Alexander Seropian will oversee creative
development across Disney Interactive Studios, which is reportedly
merging with Disney's digital media group. Seropian also founded
Bungie Software - acquired by Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) in 2000 - and
helped create the popular Halo series of games at Bungie.
Disney shares were up 1% at $26.35 premarket.
-By Joan E. Solsman, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2291;
joan.solsman@dowjones.com
Order free Annual Report for The Walt Disney Company
Visit http://djnewswires.ar.wilink.com/?link=DIS or call
1-888-301-0513