Disney Infinity getting Marvel, Star Wars expansions, “several hundred” staff to be laid off – rumour

By Brenna Hillier

Disney Infinity will soon to leverage some of the House of Mouse’s most popular acquired properties, but the sandbox title’s success hasn’t prevented an upcoming mass lay-off, according to financial sector rumours.

The Wall Street Journal cites “people close to the company” for word that Disney is “preparing to lay off several hundred people” at Disney Interactive, which employs about 3,000 staff.

The cuts are expected to begin after Disney releases its quarterly financials on Wednesday, and casual developer Playdom is expected to be among the hardest hit. Disney acquired Playdom in 2010 for $563 million and has been battling to justify the cost ever since.

Although Disney Infinity has been successful, driving Disney Interactive to quarterly income for the first time in years, the lay-offs are not altogether unexpected, as Disney had reportedly internally announced a reorganisation of the division following the unwilling resignation of Disney Interactive co-president John Pleasants.

Disney Infinity
Meanwhile, Disney will continue to invest in Disney Infinity, the Inetractive division’s current meal ticket. Sources said “new versions” of the game featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters are expected, which presumably means themed playsets similar to those released so far.

No release window was provided; the expansions are said to be in development now.

Disney Infinity cost the company more than $100 million to develop, but drew $396 million in revenue during the quarter ending September 2013. Disney Interactive is yet to see profitable ful year result, however.