Netflix continues its push into video games with the acquisition of Night School Studio, best known for developing narrative titles like “Oxenfree.” The move is part of a plan to expand the Netflix membership library to include “exclusive games designed for every kind of gamer and any level of play,” said vice president of game development Mike Verdu in a statement announcing the purchase. Within the past month the streaming service released two “Stranger Things” games globally and issued three Android mobile games in Poland, Italy and Spain. Netflix games have no ads or in-app purchases. Continue reading Netflix Continues Games Push with Purchase of Night School

Disney is making a major push with its “Star Wars”-themed properties. Disney Interactive announced “Star Wars: Commander” yesterday, a new free-to-play game designed for mobile devices. And while construction plans are underway for “Star Wars”-themed “lands” at Disney theme parks, the Disney Channel announced this week it would debut animated movie “Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion” on October 3, and the Disney XD channel plans to premiere its “Star Wars Rebels” series ten days later. Continue reading Disney Bringing ‘Star Wars’ to Games, Cable, and Theme Parks

The theme for Disney’s presentation during last week’s Digital Content NewFronts in New York City was “the art of interactive storytelling.” Disney Interactive announced 10 new online original series and the forthcoming “Story” app that helps parents share user-generated stories online. The company also promoted its successful YouTube ventures and a music deal with Vevo. Continue reading Digital NewFronts: Disney Interactive Announces New Series