Buena Vista Acquire Avalanche News
Chris Leyton
19/04/2005
Buena Vista Games marks intentions for videogames with acquisition and new studio established...
With Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Manās Chest set to receive a proper videogame translation this time around courtesy of Buena Vista Games; the interactive arm of The Walt Disney Company today confirmed plans to continue the theme of consolidation currently sweeping throughout the industry, with plans to acquire Avalanche Software and the establishment of a new studio based in Vancouver.
"The acquisition of Avalanche Software and the creation of a development studio in Vancouver mark a significant milestone in becoming a top tier video game publisher by securing the industry's top talent to build and create game franchises," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. "Avalanche Software has a proven track record of creating high quality console games based on its own compelling content and some of the industry's top brands, and is a perfect fit for our Disney-based franchises. The new studio in Vancouver is already off to a strong start and growing rapidly to focus on cutting-edge, action oriented core-gamer content and will be led by a veteran management team formerly of Electronic Arts."
Based in Salt Lake City, Avalanche Software are currently putting the finishing touches 25 to Life for Eidos, and have previously been responsible for the likes of Tak and the Power of Juju, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams and DragonBall Z Sagas: Evolution.
"It is a true honor for Avalanche Software to become a part of the greatest entertainment company of our time," said John Blackburn, president of Avalanche Software. "Our employees are delighted to join the BVG family, and look forward to helping the company reach new heights in the video game industry by creating great family-friendly games that everyone can play."
Meanwhile the Vancouver based development studio will be led by a number of former EA Canada senior development and business staff, focussing on the development of action/adventure games for major home consoles and next-gen formats. Founded by Josh Holmes, Howard Donaldson, Daryl Anselmo and Jorge Freitas, who were previously instrumental in bringing the NBA Street and Def Jam franchises to life, the studio will focus on developing original intellectual property, along with key BVG owned content for the older market.
"BVG recognized that Vancouver is an important hub for video game development talent. The ability to create an independent development team focused on making great action games was very attractive to the team," said Josh Holmes, vice president and studio general manager. "The new studio has the best of both worlds -- a great entrepreneurial spirit to foster the development of original intellectual property, while having the financial security of being funded by the world's largest entertainment company."