Disney teams with Macrovision to distribute games

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."