Disney Infinity, a video game that brought toys to life, seemed to have a healthy following — but in May 2016, Disney announced the franchise would be discontinued. Disney has now released further information on the shutdown, including several dates players will have to keep in mind, as many in-game features are coming to an end.
Last month, it was confirmed that not only had the popular Disney Infinity video game series been canceled but that The Walt Disney Company was getting out of video game publishing entirely, opting instead to license out their properties instead.
During fiscal 2Q16, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) announced a charge of $147 million in connection with the company’s decision to discontinue its Disney Infinity console games business. The company said in its fiscal 2Q16 earnings call that going forward, it expects that its “console games strategy will focus solely on licensing our great portfolio of content.”
Disney Infinity fans are still coming to grips with last week’s unexpected cancellation of the toy-based video game series. A victim of extreme expectations, Disney Infinity is being shut down because the second and third toy lines, which consisted heavily of Marvel Comics and Star Wars content, failed to hit overly optimistic sales projections.
So much for Disney being “completely behind” its Disney Infinity game series. The company has just announced that it’s pulling the plug on the Infinity line and is exiting the self-publishing console games business altogether.
Every summer since 2013, Disney has released a brand-new version of “Disney Infinity,” its $1 billion-plus video game business that features plastic Disney action figures that can turn into characters on the screen.
To refresh: there are a few different branches to Disney Infinity. The toy box mode lets you design your own worlds and levels to play in, and you can download toy box levels made by other players online.
The Disney Infinity games have always been filled with promise. From the first release in 2013, the premise has been appetizing for Disney fans: combine characters from properties ranging from The Incredibles to Pirates of the Caribbean, and throw them together in a virtual toy box where you can essentially build whatever you like.
Disney Interactive today launched Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, the latest installment in the highly successful Disney Infinity “toys-to-life” franchise, bringing together Star Wars™ with Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel for the ultimate family gaming experience.
Available at a suggested retail price of $64.99, the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack includes the Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition video game software and base, the Star Wars™ Twilight of the Republic Play Set piece, Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker character figures, and a web code card that unlocks content for PC and mobile devices.
“Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition is the only video game that brings together the most iconic stories and characters from across The Walt Disney Company, offering a family gaming experience unlike any other,” said James Pitaro, Co-Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Interactive.
In addition to new, original true-to-property experiences in the Play Sets, Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition features an updated and improved Toy Box mode where families can mix and match some of their favorite Star Wars, Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel characters and play with them together. A newly enhanced Toy Box Hub makes it easier for players to choose from a wider selection of gameplay experiences – including platforming, racing and farming simulation games.
Disney Infinity gets Star Wars The Force Awakens playset, four player Marvel Battlegrounds playset, Kingdom Hearts cross over weapons and illuminated “Light FX” lightsabers for figurines.
