Walt Disney has
signed a deal with Macrovision to distribute
Disney-branded games in Europe and Australia via Macrovision's
games network.
Walt Disney Internet Group and Macrovision Corporation signed the
deal today, which will extend Disney's reach in the downloadable
casual games market.
The first games currently available on Macrovision's games network
include Pirates of the Caribbean Pinball, The Little Mermaid
Pinball, The Lion King Grubalicious, Aladdin Pinball and Stitch's
Blazing Lasers.
The titles are available in multiple languages, including English,
German, French, Italian and Spanish.
"The casual gaming market in Europe is projected to reach $400m by
2009 as usage extends beyond serious game enthusiasts to include
more mainstream, casual gaming audiences," said Myles MacBean, vice
president of technology and operations at Walt Disney Internet
Group Europe.
"Through Macrovision and its game network, we are able to expand
our European and Australian distribution and reach an even larger
audience."
Each Disney game can be previewed on a trial basis and purchased
via download through Macrovision's games network distribution
partners. Once purchased, games can be shared as trials on an
unlimited basis.
Fred Amoroso, chief executive at Macrovision, said: "We are very
pleased to have Walt Disney Internet Group Europe distribute their
casual games on our European and Australian games network.
"We are committed to providing their customers with a proven,
reliable games network through which they can view and purchase
their favourite Disney games."