Disney Eyes More Online Investment

By Mark R. Madler

The Walt Disney Co. will invest more in online games and virtual worlds following the success of sites with themes based on Disney Fairies and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

In 2008, the company will launch an online game site based on the Disney/Pixar film “Cars,” Disney President and CEO Robert Iger said Nov. 29 during the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Long View Conference.

In August, Disney acquired Club Penguin, a virtual world site with more than 700,000 paid subscribers.

Disney is going to invest “substantially” in these types of sites over the next few years because of their potential and fitting in with the rise of the home computer as an entertainment medium, Iger said.

The sites are also helpful in growing and maintaining interest in Disney film franchises, Iger said.

For instance in the absence of a sequel for “Cars” or while waiting for a sequel, the new virtual world site based on the film will continue to make the characters and setting relevant and in front of millions of people around the world, Iger said.

“You can live with and act with Lightning McQueen for years to come,” Iger added.

Probably pay to play, but it sounds interesting.

yes i agree it does sound interesting do you know when this comes out?

Sometime 2008 we know. Probably around Christmas :) Iger? I emailed him today I think.. Bob Iger right? I emailed him about VMK!!

Most of us eMailed Bob Iger 'bout VMK. I eMailed a ton of people. I got no response. From anyone. Even CBS! My theory was correct.
Now back on topic...

Cars online should be interesting. Pay to play most likely, but Disney has been surprising us lately with their games (Like the closure of VMK, for example).

I'm pretty sure it would close like VMK did. Notice he said "years to come" instead of "as long as you want" or "forever". I'm not sure, but it'll probabaly be a great game!

Oh no, not another one! At least this time their not going to ruin a movie or idea that I like haha. If disney gets their hands on one of Pixar's better movies (which is every other one in my opionion) then I'll really be frustrated. That's classic Disney, chewing and spitting out any idea they've made while squeesing as much money out of it as possible till the idea can be overused any longer.

Cars, is really going to happen..I called this lady she gave me a number, I called and Cars is offically coming to the internet.. Along with Pixie Hollow..

I actually think cars will be cool. I think one reason they thought of this now is because of Cars 2 that is supposed to come out

“You can live with and act with Lightning McQueen for years to come,” Iger added.

Would that be for three years Mr. Iger?

Has there been any more news on the game? It sounds very interesting.

Hmmm lemme guess.... We're gonna dress up cars and then drive around the rooms and gas stations on Route 66?...