Disney Interactive Media Group formed

Leah Zanolla | Posted: Jun 8, 2008 | Updated: Oct 19, 2014 - 9:25:27 AM

Disney Interactive Studios and Disney Interactive Group have merged and become Disney Interactive Media Group. Heading this new division is Steve Wadsworth who was the president of Disney Internet Group. Graham Hopper, the former executive vice-president of Disney Interactive studios will be part of the management team.

The merger of the two units is in response to the increasing connectivity between online and mobile game systems. With anticipated revenues of $1 billion for Walt Disney Interactive Group alone, the combining of the two units will also make Disney a powerhouse in the industry.

In a memo issued by Disney President Bob Iger, he stated: "Digital media is a high priority for our company, and focusing all of our Disney-branded interactive digital media efforts in one group will ensure we are best positioned to maximize this emerging and dynamic opportunity. We have made fantastic progress through the efforts of Disney Internet Group and Disney Interactive Studios, and the combined organization will maximize the experience, expertise and talent of both groups across all platforms to be a world-class interactive digital media company.

The uniqueness of the Disney brand provides us an opportunity and an imperative to create a unified Disney-branded experience and community across all connected devices. Additionally, as console and handheld games become more connected to the Internet, and as Internet and mobile become increasingly robust destinations for games and a range of interactive entertainment, we are taking this opportunity to integrate these activities."