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Future Marvel video games may be produced in-house at Disney, the firm revealed during an investors conference call.
The news follows Disney’s $4 billion buy-out of Marvel, which would give the media giant access to Marvel’s 5,000 characters. Currently THQ, Activision, Sega and MMO firm Gazillion Entertainment publish games based on Marvel properties.
Talk of moving Marvel game development to Disney won’t take place until after the current licensing agreements come to an end. And Disney’s CEO Robert Iger hasn’t ruled-out the need to continue licensing out Marvel properties.
On the games front, Marvel have some smart licensing agreements with some of the best manufacturers in the business," said Iger.
While we have been steadily moving in the direction of integration, we don’t rule out the blend of licensing and self-produced and distributed video games.
As these licensing deals expire we have the luxury of considering what is best for the company and the products.”
Activision currently publish games based on the Wolverine and Marvel Ultimate Alliance franchises, Sega has agreements for The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and Captain America licenses, THQ has the rights to release games based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad series, and Gazillion has a deal for MMO and online properties.
Capcom also works with Marvel on its Marvel Vs. Capcom series.
