This move strengthens their ”already-robust digital” portfolio says Disney. Playdom says their new owner ”shares our vision” and welcomes them.
Playdom sees 42 million registered users across digital games like Social City, Sorority Life, Market Street and Bola. Ex-EA COO John Pleasants is the current studio CEO.
”We see strong growth potential in bringing together Playdom’s talented team and capabilities with our great creative properties, people and world-renowned brands like Disney, ABC, ESPN and Marvel,” said Disney supremo Robert A. Iger.
”This acquisition furthers our strategy of allocating capital to high-growth businesses that can benefit from our many characters, stories and brands, delivering them in a creatively compelling way to a new generation of fans on the platforms they prefer,” he said.
You didn’t forget that Disney owns Marvel did you? It means the social gaming developer will likely at some point exploit one of its many comic universes.
”We are at the start of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way people of all ages play games with their friends across devices, platforms and geographical boundaries,” said Playdom’s John Pleasants.
“Disney is an incredibly forward-thinking company that shares our vision and is the ideal partner to further our mission to bring great entertainment to people around the world.” 15 actual development studios are operated by Playdom, hence the high price tag.
The $563.2m buyout is expected to close by the end of Disney’s fiscal 2010.
