Disney could become a major player in the future of Faxion Online if it goes ahead with a proposed deal to buy out the rest of UTV Software Communications' stock. Currently, Disney has a majority stake in the company -- 50.4% -- but this move would bring it up to a nice round 100%.
The Ignition Entertainment label would fall under this deal, which has already been struggling with numerous layoffs and studio closings. We recently reported that UTV Ignition had to cut a good portion of its programming, maintenance, and customer service staff as part of these problems.
Whether or not this deal will prove a boon or a hammer blow to Ignition remains to be seen. Disney has previously closed down developers Black Rock and Propaganda Games, although Mickey's parent company is looking to move in the direction of more social and casual gaming. We'll keep a close eye on this deal to see how it plays out.
Reader Comments (10)
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:22AM (Unverified) said
Hey now, we been trying hard to keep Disney out of the MMO world, next comes cheap straight to DVD sequels
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:24AM rockman0 said
What Disney needs to be doing is working on that Tron MMO that they haven't promised me yet. lol.
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:45AM bulldozerftw said
@bradphillips204 Panda3D - Free 3D Game Engine
panda3d.org/ - Cached
Free open source 3D game and simulation engine developed by Disney and maintained by Carnegie Mellon University\'s Entertainment Technology Center.
Reply
panda3d.org/ - Cached
Free open source 3D game and simulation engine developed by Disney and maintained by Carnegie Mellon University\'s Entertainment Technology Center.
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:30AM bulldozerftw said
Disney actually owns a really nice looking open source and free game engine. http://www.panda3d.org/
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:32AM bradphillips204 said
@bulldozerftw
Panda3d is a project of Carnegie Mellon University. Disney simply uses this engine.
Reply
Panda3d is a project of Carnegie Mellon University. Disney simply uses this engine.
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 10:33AM bradphillips204 said
If Disney wants to grow their presence in the MMO world, I say they should acquire KingsIsle Entertainment. Wizards 101 always seemed like a Disney-esque game to me, with the predetermined chat system and everything.
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 1:37PM Space Cobra said
Definitely an either/or deal.
Either they are wanting to buy the game and resources; it seems like Faxion Online may fit their "family MMO" plan...
...or they are trying to control the MMO market and are closing out competitors. Have to think on that: it seems odd that they'd be at 50.4% stock holders for such a long time (Faxion's already launched) and then decide to buy and close the studio only now.
Either they are wanting to buy the game and resources; it seems like Faxion Online may fit their "family MMO" plan...
...or they are trying to control the MMO market and are closing out competitors. Have to think on that: it seems odd that they'd be at 50.4% stock holders for such a long time (Faxion's already launched) and then decide to buy and close the studio only now.
Posted: Jul 28th 2011 2:50PM Daemodand said
First they hire Roeper, now they buy UTV? Two suck moves in a row in the gaming space...three if you count the wrongheaded Marvel MMO. Disney is batting zero for zero in video games.







