With an expanding market that is largely dependent on technology, Disney Interactive and Disney Consumer Products united to form the latest combined division known as Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI).
Tom Staggs, Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company, explained that both units have a solid track record of linking people to their best-loved stories and characters. He added that, "As technology and digital entertainment continue to evolve, a shared innovation strategy will enable this new segment to create unique and engaging products and experiences that exceed consumers' expectations."
The new segment includes key product lines such as "Disney Infinity" and the forthcoming wearable toys known as "Playmation." The publishing unit which releases children's books, electronic books (e-books) and apps which were previously part of consumer products are still included, as reported by The Ledger.
The union of the two units ends an unstable phase for the Interactive division, which yielded huge losses in the last quarter of 2008. The onslaught of console games greatly hurt the unit. In 2010, game developers Tapulous and Playdom undertook an effort to thrust into social and mobile games, but the move was a huge flop.
According to The New York Times, "Infinity" played an enormous part in the financial success of Disney Interactive. "Infinity" is an open-world sandbox-style video game wherein players gather toys figures and use a sensor base and play them in-game. Sales were very positive for the game.
The company is not planning any layoffs, but some of the employees will be given new roles in areas like business development, finance and human resources.
Leslie Ferraro, from Disney Consumer Products, and James Pitaro, from Disney Interactive, will co-chair the new division, according to Morning News USA.
The merged units will announce its financial report in the fall.
