DISNEY AND MARVEL TEAM UP FOR SUPER-POWERED SEQUEL - DISNEY INFINITY: MARVEL SUPER HEROES (2.0 EDITION)

New Chapter in Best-Selling Disney Infinity Franchise Delivers More than 20 Marvel Super Heroes Including Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor and More

1 May 2014, Kuala Lumpur – Today, Disney Interactive and Marvel Entertainment confirmed that the world’s most iconic Super Heroes are assembling for Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes - the 2.0 edition of the #1 best-selling new hybrid toy / video game of 2013, according to the NPD Group’s video games retail sales data.

Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes features more than 20 new interactive figures from across the Marvel universe, original storylines penned by award-wining Marvel comic writer Brian Michael Bendis, and an all-new Toy Box mode that makes it easier for players to create and share their one-of-a-kind levels and mini-games with family and friends. In addition, all characters and power discs from last year’s release of Disney Infinity will be compatible with the Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes Toy Box.

“Disney Infinity was, from the start, built to be an interactive experience where players could bring together their favorite Disney characters and stories to create new Disney memories.  With the introduction of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, we’re ushering in a new chapter of adventures, featuring a cast of the world’s most popular Super Heroes,” said Jimmy Pitaro, President of Disney Interactive.  “Bringing popular and iconic Marvel characters to the Disney Infinity platform truly takes this game to the next level.”

“We’ve worked closely with the Disney Interactive team to deliver an incredible line-up of Marvel characters and great storytelling for the next chapter of Disney Infinity,” said Peter Phillips, EVP and General Manager, Interactive & Digital Distribution at Marvel Entertainment. “The 2.0 edition will allow Marvel fans around the world to interact with their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in entirely new ways, including compelling gameplay and a new line of collectible interactive figures.”

The Avengers’ Iron Man, Black Widow, Thor, Captain America, Hulk and Hawkeye will debut when the game launches this fall, along with additional Play Sets and characters from other popular Marvel and Disney franchises, which will be announced in the coming months. Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes will be available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system and Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, PC and iOS tablets and smart phones.

“Marvel Super Heroes fit perfectly into Disney Infinity, and with them we are pushing the platform’s limits of creativity and imagination,” said John Blackburn, VP and General Manager of Avalanche Software. “We’ve enhanced and redesigned the gameplay to match the Marvel characters, while also making it easier than ever for players to express and share their own creativity.”

The game is being developed by Avalanche Software and is currently rated “RP” by the ESRB.  For additional information, please visit www.disney.com/Infinity and youtube.com/disneyinfinity, join the Disney Infinity Facebook Community (Facebook.com/disneyinfinity) and Google+ community (https://plus.google.com/+DisneyInfinity), and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/disneyinfinity) and Instagram (instagram.com/disneyinfinity). To access press materials, please visit http://disneyinteractive.smugmug.com/DisneyInfinity.

Create an Epic Squad and Take on Imperial Forces in Star WarsTM: Assault Team

Disney Interactive, in collaboration with LucasArts, launches a new strategic combat game for iOS, Android and Windows Devices

Disney Interactive today launched “Star WarsTM: Assault Team” for iOS, Android and Windows Devices. In this new interactive turn-based combat game with card battle elements, players will collect and assemble a powerful team of heroes to battle enemies and other players across the Star Wars™ universe.

Players will embark on epic missions to infiltrate the enemy fleet, find the Wookiee resistance, survive ambushes on the streets of Mos Espa, and battle across such planets as Tatooine and Kashyyyk for control of the galaxy.

Collect classic Star Wars characters such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Boba Fett, Tusken Raiders, and more as upgradable cards. Each hero has unique stats, abilities, and attacks to increase the team’s overall strength.

In Star Wars: Assault Team, players will be able to:

Build and Customize a Team: Collect hundreds of character cards to create the ultimate team using such heroes as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Boba Fett, and more.
Advance Heroes: Train, improve and strategically deploy each character’s special attacks, making a team even more dominant against ever-powerful enemies.
Player vs. Player Combat: Fight against other players in PvP battles to win extra rewards.
Original Story: Complete all-new missions set between Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.

Players can start building their ultimate team by downloading the game from the Apple App Store http://di.sn/rUI, Google Play Store http://di.sn/gZv, Windows Phone Store http://di.sn/jbF and Windows Store http://di.sn/qUx. Star Wars: Assault Team will be coming soon to the Amazon Appstore as well.

DISNEY APPOINTS GAN LAY KOON AS COUNTRY DIRECTOR, DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

SINGAPORE / MALAYSIA (December 19, 2012) – The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia (TWDC – SEA) today announced the appointment of Ms. Gan Lay Koon as Country Director, Retail and Licensing for the Singapore and Malaysia markets, reporting to Mark Coleman, General Manager, Retail and Licensing, TWDC - SEA. Ms. Gan will be responsible for the integrated Retail and Licensing organization of Disney Singapore & Malaysia, with a strong focus on driving growth by territory, franchise and product category, and delivering increased reach and consumer connection to the Disney brand.

Tasked with building and strengthening key retail partnerships to expand the presence of Disney branded retail environments within the local market and overseeing licensing relationships to drive growth across all key Franchise and Character groups, Ms Gan will work on growing companywide franchises to include Disney Classic & Disney Baby, Disney Live Action Films, Disney & Pixar Animated Films, Marvel, Disney Princesses & Fairies, and Media Networks & Games. She will also work closely with all lines of Disney businesses to expand key partnerships and marketing synergies to support the overall franchise priorities and further increase the reach of these brands.

“We are fortunate to own popular characters and stories that our consumers love and we are committed to delivering the best compelling, creative and quality products and experiences at retail. We are confident that Lay Koon’s strong local retail and product licensing knowledge and experience will further strengthen Disney’s growing consumer products business in Singapore and Malaysia,” said Mr. Coleman.

With over 20 years’ experience in retail and licensing in both Singapore and Malaysia, Ms. Gan joins the Disney team from Mattel where she was last responsible for Mattel core brands consumer products division and their licensees across the Southeast Asian region. Prior to that, Gan worked in various merchandising and buyer roles at TOP Retail Malaysia, Dairy Farm and Parkson.

Disney’s Club Penguin Brings Virtual World Experience to iPad

Latest mobile update brings the Club Penguin Island to iPad, along with recurring in-app subscriptions

Kuala Lumpur, December 13 – Disney’s Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids, is bringing the virtual world to iPad with the latest update to the free Club Penguin app. The updated app will let players enjoy many of the same gameplay and social features found in the virtual world, allowing for a comparable experience on iPad. Additionally, the Club Penguin app will now offer recurring in-app subscriptions for the first time.

“With the launch of the virtual world experience on iPad, we bring with us nearly a decade of experience and investments in safe online play, as well as an audience of millions who have been asking us for a way to play on their mobile devices," said Chris Heatherly, head of Club Penguin. “By offering simple, ongoing subscriptions within the app, we're making it easy and comfortable for parents to pay for the experience their kids love.”

Beginning this week, Club Penguin will roll out the map from the online virtual world on mobile and regularly add new locations, which will expand the online experience available via the app. In these new areas, penguins will be able to hangout and role play like they do online, and for the first time, teleport directly to other rooms, their igloos or wherever their friends are playing in the app.

Additionally, parents will now have the option of purchasing optional recurring monthly memberships within the app, which work across the online and app environments.  Since launching the first companion app in May, it has become a significant driver of new accounts, with one-third of new Club Penguin accounts now coming from the app.  

The Club Penguin app update includes:
• Addition of the world map with frequent location and content updates
• Recurring in-app subscriptions
• Increased socialization, including locations such as the Town, Dance Club, Clothes Shop, and Coffee Shop where up to 40 penguins can interact
• New games, including Pizzatron 3000 and Smoothie Smash designed for mobile play
• Teleporting to friends, in-app
The app contains the same safety technologies and industry leading chat systems found in the virtual world.
Club Penguin is available for free for iPad on the iTunes App Store at: http://appstore.com/clubpenguin

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Explore the Enchanted Forest on Mobile in “Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return”

Disney Interactive launches Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return, bringing the cast of Disney’s original Animated Classic to mobile

Malaysia, 21 October 2013 - Today, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs make their debut on mobile with the launch of Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return on the App Store, Google Play, and Windows Store. Players can now join Snow White and her friends as they attempt to bring peace back to the Enchanted Forest.

The most enchanted building game on mobile, Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return invites players back into the storybook setting of Snow White. This time, the Evil Queen has corrupted the land, and players must help the Dwarfs unite to lift the curse. Players restore the forest by crafting new buildings, exploring new locations, and mining for hidden treasures and resources, while learning more about the Dwarfs’ stories through all-new discoveries along the way. Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return even lets players connect their uniquely made communities by sending and receiving gifts from friends.

Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return brings magic to the popular simulation genre. The classic story of Snow White’s world lives on, this time with the audience’s help to bring happiness back where it belongs!

Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return features include:
• Players venture deep into the forest to rescue Snow White and all seven Dwarfs.
• Explore new locations and discover pieces of the Dwarfs’ story
• Craft items to restore the village and bring happiness to the forest
• Players mine for hidden treasures and resources in a unique mini-game
• Send and receive gifts from friends to help on quests

Seven Dwarfs: The Queen’s Return is now available for free on the iTunes App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/my/app/seven-dwarfs-queens-return/id596850609?mt=8

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY SOUTHEAST ASIA APPOINTS JAMES GRAY AS GENERAL MANAGER, DISNEY INTERACTIVE

SINGAPORE (25 September, 2013) – The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia (TWDC SEA) today announced the appointment of James Gray as General Manager, Disney Interactive reporting to Robert Gilby, Managing Director of the region.

James Gray will oversee Disney Southeast Asia's mobile, social and games businesses as well as interactive marketing across all Disney lines of businesses in the SEA region. He will be the key driver in developing and implementing interactive strategies for properties from Disney Online, Playdom, Disney’s Mobile games business (e.g. Where’s My Water), Club Penguin and console business (e.g. Disney Infinity) as well as for Disney’s leading entertainment brands in the Film industry (Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm), Television industry (Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD), and Retail & Licensing sector (including Disney’s E-Commerce plans & Disney Publishing).

James will work closely with other lines of Disney’s integrated Southeast Asia organization to increase the reach of Disney stories and characters across the region and to expand key partnerships and marketing initiatives.

“As Disney’s portfolio has expanded to include the Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars brands, we continue to provide new digital experiences to satisfy the entertainment needs of the next generation of fans across the region. Southeast Asia is now home to an online population in excess of 60 million and there is voracious demand for our interactive content and games. James and his team are dedicated to building and expanding relationships with multiple partners to enrich the mobile, social and games experiences with our world-class brands and content,” said Mr. Gilby.

A veteran in the online and mobile industry for over 17 years, James Gray joins TWDC SEA team from Manchester United where for the last two years he was the Global Head of Mobile, spearheading the global expansion of the club’s mobile, digital and interactive business. Returning to the Southeast Asia region, James was previously based in Singapore where he was the General Manager for Electronic Arts Interactive, responsible for the South East Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa markets, after being transferred from the UK office as Sales Director UK and Ireland. Prior to Electronic Arts, James previously worked for companies such T-Mobile, Buongiorno and British Telecom in the UK.

“It’s an exciting time for The Walt Disney Company in the Southeast Asia region and I am delighted to return to Singapore to join the company and help create relevant products, services and experiences for the large number of smart and connected digital consumers in these markets,” said Mr. Gray.

In November 2011, Disney announced the creation of an integrated Disney Southeast Asia (The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte Limited) organization to harness the market opportunity of this dynamic region. Mr. Gilby oversees the company’s strategy, leading all company business divisions.

DISNEY INFINITY INVITES PLAYERS INTO ALL-NEW GAMING UNIVERSE WITH UNMATCHED CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES

For the First Time, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios’ Most Popular Characters Come Together in a Magical Storytelling Experience

August 14 2013 , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Disney Interactive today unveiled its most ambitious gaming initiative ever, Disney Infinity. This all new game platform unlocks the freedom to create stories and play experiences starring beloved characters from The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Animation Studios. Disney Infinity allows players to both experience original adventures in some of their favourite Disney and Pixar worlds and to build their own worlds using the power of their imagination.

“Disney Infinity introduces a new way to interact with the best of Disney on one game platform, both now and in the future," said John Pleasants, co-president, Disney Interactive. “With this innovative approach to gaming, Disney Infinity will bring to life new characters, stories and environments from The Walt Disney Company over time in a way that will delight fans and gamers alike.”

In a way that only Disney can, Disney Infinity integrates collectible character figures that come to life in the game.  These figures provide experiences that are true to these characters and stories, as well as the opportunity to bring characters from various Disney and Pixar films to play together in a virtual “Toy Box.” This all-new game universe will launch in Winter 2013 across all consoles and will have a phased roll out across mobile and online devices throughout 2013.

Throughout each story-driven experience, called a “Play Set,” players will solve challenging puzzles, battle enemies and explore iconic locations from famous Disney properties, while collecting unique characters, vehicles, and gadgets from each world and saving them to a virtual “Toy Box.” Players can access their “Toy Box” and build and customize their own unique virtual world using their favourite characters, vehicles, settings and accessories. Disney Infinity allows players the opportunity to share these unique creations in the “Toy Box” mode with friends both online and off.

The Disney Infinity Platform includes:
• Disney Infinity Interactive Pieces – Initially a line of 40 collectible interactive pieces will be introduced that allow players to expand and customize their play experiences.
• Disney Infinity Interactive Character Figures – Seventeen character figures will allow players to experience a variety of their favourite characters in true to property experiences and in “Toy Box” mode.
• Disney Infinity Base – When figures are placed on the Infinity base, they unlock the world and play experiences of Disney Infinity.
• Disney Infinity Power Discs – Interactive discs can be placed on the Infinity base to power up characters and “Toy Box” with unique powers, customizations and gadgets.

“Disney Infinity combines prominent Disney and Pixar characters and scenarios in a way that mimics how kids play in real life,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager, Avalanche Software. “With our platform’s unique gameplay mechanics and innovative approach to user generated content within the “Toy Box” mode, Disney Infinity will spark imaginations and provide endless hours of fun and creativity.”

Development for Disney Infinity is being led by Disney Interactive and Avalanche Software. The game currently is unrated by the OFLC. For additional information, please visit www.disney.com/Infinity, join the Disney Infinity Facebook Community (Facebook.com/disneyinfinity) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/disneyinfinity).

Disney Mobile Games Updates the Popular Disney•Pixar Title Monsters, Inc. Run and Releases a Free Version of Toy Story: Smash It!

30 April 2013 – Disney Mobile Games has released a major update and new version of two of its most popular games. These include a new world, Cherry Mountains, for Monster’s, Inc. Run; as well as Toy Story: Smash It! Lost Episode, a free version of their hit game Toy Story: Smash It!. Details include:

• A new race is starting for Mike and Sulley in the latest update to the popular mobile game Monster’s, Inc. Run. This content update will feature the Cherry Mountains, an all-new world with 16 fun-filled levels. Players can now dash through 5 total worlds and 80 exciting levels from the universe of “Monsters, Inc.”

• For the first time, there will be a free version of Toy Story: Smash It! Toy Story: Smash It! Lost Episode contains 15 all-new exclusive Wild West levels not found in the paid version. The new free version of the popular mobile game will feature the same advanced graphics shown in the paid version as players take on the challenge of playing as Buzz Lightyear to help save Woody and the rest of the Disney•Pixar “Toy Story” gang.

Download the free version of Toy Story: Smash It! Lost Episode available for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad on the iTunes App Store at http://bit.ly/14KdQvJ

Disney’s Club Penguin Members Suit Up as Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains in All-New Epic Event

Members assemble in more than 25 Marvel costumes including Iron Man, She-Hulk and Captain America

Kuala Lumpur, April 25 – Penguins are once again assembling as Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains in Disney’s Club Penguin, the #1 virtual world for kids, for this year’s all-new Marvel Super Hero Takeover event.

Starting today, penguins will be called to defend the city of Penguintropolis and bring members dressed as Marvel Super Villains to justice before they take over with their destructive robots. After choosing sides, members can suit up in over 25 Marvel costumes like Super Heroes Iron Man, She-Hulk, Captain America and Sif or the more mischievous ensembles of Marvel Super Villains like the Mandarin and Loki.

“Last year’s partnership event with Marvel was extremely popular, and at that time, became the most-trafficked event in our history,” said Chris Heatherly, Vice President and General Manager, Disney Interactive Worlds. “This year we’ve made the Marvel Super Hero Takeover Event even more epic for players with twice the amount of Marvel Super Hero and Super Villain costume options and deeper, more action-packed gameplay and storylines.”

“The fan reaction from last year’s Marvel Super Hero Takeover was tremendous, so we are excited to once again give fans the opportunity to dress up as their favorite Marvel Super Heroes in Club Penguin,” said Andreea Enache-Thune, Senior Vice-President of Marvel Games. “This year we were able to expand upon last year’s offering by including cool new costumes from our upcoming Marvel animated series on Disney XD.”

During the Marvel Super Hero Takeover event:
• Members can suit up in 27 different Marvel Super Hero and Super Villain costumes, while all players can dress as cops, robbers and civilians
• Super Heroes can plan their defense strategy in the Hero Lab, while Super Villains can scheme in the Villain HQ, building eight different kinds of destructive robots
• Members can buy new super igloos like the Secret Base, an impenetrable HQ perfect for Super Heroes, while Super Villains will feel right at home in the new Creepy Cavern
• Marvel costumes feature characters from the new animated series "Marvel's Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H." including She-Hulk, A-Bomb, Red Hulk and Skaar. The series premieres August 11 inside Marvel Universe on Disney XD. Club Penguin fans of "Marvel's Ultimate Spider-Man" can also dress up just like Iron Spider. And don’t forget Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor, who assemble in "Marvel's Avengers Assemble" with a one-hour preview May 26 and launching on July 7 inside Marvel Universe on Disney XD.

New Heroes.  New Villains.  A New Battle.  Play now at ClubPenguin.com.

DISNEY INFINITY INVITES PLAYERS INTO ALL-NEW GAMING UNIVERSE WITH UNMATCHED CREATIVE POSSIBILITIES

For the First Time, Disney and Pixar Animation Studios’ Most Popular Characters Come Together in a Magical Storytelling Experience

16 January 2013 – Disney Interactive today unveiled its most ambitious gaming initiative ever, Disney Infinity. This all new game platform unlocks the freedom to create stories and play experiences starring beloved characters from The Walt Disney Company and Pixar Animation Studios. Disney Infinity allows players to both experience original adventures in some of their favorite Disney and Pixar worlds and to build their own worlds using the power of their imagination.

“Disney Infinity introduces a new way to interact with the best of Disney on one game platform, both now and in the future," said John Pleasants, co-president, Disney Interactive. “With this innovative approach to gaming, Disney Infinity will bring to life new characters, stories and environments from The Walt Disney Company over time in a way that will delight fans and gamers alike.”

In a way that only Disney can, Disney Infinity integrates collectible character figures that come to life in the game.  These figures provide experiences that are true to these characters and stories, as well as the opportunity to bring characters from various Disney and Pixar films to play together in a virtual “Toy Box.” This all-new game universe will launch in June across all consoles and will have a phased roll out across mobile and online devices throughout 2013.

Throughout each story-driven experience, called a “Play Set,” players will solve challenging puzzles, battle enemies and explore iconic locations from famous Disney properties, while collecting unique characters, vehicles, and gadgets from each world and saving them to a virtual “Toy Box.” Players can access their “Toy Box” and build and customize their own unique virtual world using their favorite characters, vehicles, settings and accessories. Disney Infinity allows players the opportunity to share these unique creations in the “Toy Box” mode with friends both online and off.

The Disney Infinity Platform includes:
• Disney Infinity Interactive Pieces – Initially a line of 40 collectible interactive pieces will be introduced that allow players to expand and customize their play experiences.
• Disney Infinity Interactive Character Figures – Seventeen character figures will allow players to experience a variety of their favorite characters in true to property experiences and in “Toy Box” mode.
• Disney Infinity Base – When figures are placed on the Infinity base, they unlock the world and play experiences of Disney Infinity.
• Disney Infinity Power Discs – Interactive discs can be placed on the Infinity base to power up characters and “Toy Box” with unique powers, customizations and gadgets.

“Disney Infinity combines prominent Disney and Pixar characters and scenarios in a way that mimics how kids play in real life,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager, Avalanche Software. “With our platform’s unique gameplay mechanics and innovative approach to user generated content within the “Toy Box” mode, Disney Infinity will spark imaginations and provide endless hours of fun and creativity.”

Development for Disney Infinity is being led by Disney Interactive and Avalanche Software. The game currently is unrated by the ESRB. For additional information, please visit www.disney.com/Infinity, join the Disney Infinity Facebook Community (Facebook.com/disneyinfinity) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/disneyinfinity).