Disney CEO Bob Iger’s deputies are reportedly pushing him to consider acquiring a major game publisher like Electronic Arts.
That’s according to a newBloombergfeature examining the current state of Disney, which claims senior executives want Iger to explore the possibility of transforming the company from a gaming licensee to a gaming giant with major first-party capabilities.
However, Disney’s boss is said to have been noncommittal about the prospect of acquiring a game publisher.
Iger, who is now in his second run as CEO of Disney, oversaw the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox during his first spell in charge.
As well as working on various Star Wars titles, includingRespawn’s Star Wars Jedi series,EAannounced last year that it had struck a deal to make“several new games” based on Marvel properties, includingIron ManandBlack Panthertitles.
It was reported last May thatEA was actively pursuing a sale or merger, in the wake of recent M&A activity in the games industry such asMicrosoft’s $69 billion acquisition ofActivision Blizzard,which could be completed this week.
New site Puck aPuckclaimed EA had held talks with Disney,Apple,Amazonand Comcast-NBCUniversal over a potential sale.
During an earnings call last summer, EA CEOAndrew Wilsonwasasked about reports that the company was pursuing a sale.
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“First, I’m sure you don’t expect me to comment on rumors and speculation from some small red media outlets,” he responded. “But be that as it may, I would tell you, I think we are in an incredible position. We’re soon to be the largest standalone independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment in the world.”
He added: “I think we’re growing across platforms, we’re growing across business models, and we’re growing across geographies. And in a world where gaming is becoming more important to the lives of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who will be the leading generation in terms of consumption, entertainment for the future, I don’t think we could be in a stronger position as a standalone company.”
