Disney Acquires Social Gaming Company Playdom for up to $763.2 Million
It’s official, I am now the newest “cast member” of the Walt Disney Company. Over the last several years I have been fortunate to work on some extraordinary projects in the games industry. After the success of my own title, Reef Life, it was exciting to join Playdom earlier this year. It was an opportunity to play an important part in building a world class entertainment company. We hit our goals much earlier than expected as we are now officially part of the worlds largest entertainment company.
As our studio team celebrates the successful launch of “Market Street” (our newest game) we can not help but think about the new titles our studio will soon be creating. This is only the beginning.
Official Press Release
THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY TO ACQUIRE LEADING SOCIAL GAME DEVELOPER PLAYDOM
Advancing on its goal of bringing consumers its well-known stories, characters and brands in ever more engaging ways, The Walt Disney Company has agreed to acquire Playdom Inc., one of the leading companies in the fast-growing business of online social gaming.
Playdom shareholders will receive total consideration of $563.2 million, subject to certain conditions, and a performance-linked earn-out of up to $200 million.
In just two and a half years of operation, Playdom has established itself as a pacesetter in building popular games for social networks enjoyed by consumers around the globe. Through well-known titles like Social City, Sorority Life, Market Street and Bola, Playdom engages an estimated 42 million active players each month.
By acquiring Playdom, Disney will strengthen its already-robust digital gaming portfolio, acquire a first-rate management team and provide consumers new ways to interact with the company on popular social networks like Facebook and MySpace.
Press Articles & Links
New York Times: Disney Purchases Playdom, a Social Game Start-Up
AllFacebook.com: Disney Buys Playdom For Up To $763.2 Million
Mashable: Disney Acquires Social Gaming Company Playdom for up to $763.2 Million
Inside Social Games: Disney Announces Playdom Acquisition for $563.2M, Plus Up to $200M Earn-Out
TechCrunch: Playdom Acquired By Disney For Up To $763.2 Million
Read MoreMarket Street - Playdom’s Newest Game
As the Front End Engineering Lead for this project, I am excited to introduce you to Playdom’s newest game - Market Street. Myself and the team are very proud of this title.
Have you always wanted to create your own store with nothing but prom dresses and power tools? How about a store with gangster décor? Not a problem! In Market Street there are dozens of items to stock your store with. Whether your taste is clothing, electronics, hardware and more you are sure to find something that fits your desires!
In Market Street, it is up to you to decorate your store the way you want with hundreds items available to choose from. When in need of break from your own store, travel to your neighbor’s stores to check out how they have decorated it. You may even like their style so much that you decide to hire them to work in your store!
So what are you waiting for! Set for forth to build the world’s best retail store because in Market Street, your store is waiting to be decorated! http://apps.facebook.com/marketstreet.
Game Reviews
Building a Better Business With Playdom’s Market Street on Facebook
Easter Eggs
Since I was lead developer on this title, I’d like to share a few cool Easter eggs that exist in the game:
1. Team Credits: Zoom out and Pan up to the “Market Street” street sign. When you mouse over it you’ll see a happy face. Click on it.
2. Avatar Farts: Make sure you are focused on the store floor and not in full screen mode. Hit CTRL+F on the keyboard.
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