Disney Acquires Mobile Game Firm Living Mobile

The Walt Disney Internet Group has announced the acquisition of Munich, Germany-headquartered European mobile game publisher and developer Living Mobile, for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Munich, Living Mobile develops and publishes mobile games across Europe and in Singapore. Its portfolio of more than 70 games includes games based on popular content licenses, including Hudson Soft's Bomberman and Lode Runner, and Capcom's Resident Evil - ATN, as well as a number of casual titles such as classic puzzle and card games. Under the terms of the agreement, Living Mobile will operate as a subsidiary of WDIG Europe. It has approximately 40 employees and offices in Munich and Prague. According to a Disney spokesperson, this move is part of The Walt Disney Company's overall strategy to leverage technology, supporting WDIG's growth plans for its mobile business and raising its profile in the mobile games category. WDIG also recently acquired former console and current 'TV gaming' developer Minds Eye Productions, based in Milton Keynes, England, to continue its move into the interactive TV game set-top box market. Its parent company's Buena Vista Games console and PC development arm has also been expanding rapidly in recent months, making a number of key appointments as it expands both internal development and external publishing duties. Of the Living Mobile acquisition, Mark Handler, executive vice president and managing director of WDIG, International, commented: "We're committed to maintaining our position as a top-tier mobile content publisher with a portfolio including both Disney branded content and content from third parties. Purchasing Living Mobile is a key part of that commitment. They have proven track record in mobile game publishing and world-class talent in this new and highly competitive game category, and their strong, existing library makes us a serious competitor in games." "It's an honor to join one of the world's leading entertainment companies," said Stephan Berendsen, founder and president, Living Mobile. "Disney was the first major entertainment company to make a meaningful commitment to mobile content. They understand this business and have a great infrastructure in place, and we look forward to helping them grow internationally."