Junction Point Studios sold to Disney

Dhruin

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Definitely didn't pick this one. Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios has been sold to Disney. Here's the PR:
BURBANK, Calif. — (July 12, 2007) — Disney Interactive Studios today announced that it has acquired Austin, Texas-based Junction Point Studios, a video game development studio led by industry luminary Warren Spector. Junction Point Studios will create new video game franchises and will also bring some of Disney’s most beloved franchises to next generation gaming platforms. The studio is currently working on a yet to be announced next-generation development project.

“Warren Spector’s unique talents as a leading creative force in the world of video games, his knowledge and passion for Disney, and his legacy of story telling and character development adds a unique creative dimension to our portfolio,” said Graham Hopper, general manager and executive vice president, Disney Interactive Studios. “Our shared visions on creativity, innovation and storytelling will allow us to touch individual players in ways never before possible.”

A lifelong Disney fan, Spector recognizes the opportunity to overlay Disney content and resources on top of exceptional game design to create unique experiences for players. Junction Point Studios’ creative team brings to Disney a powerhouse of gaming talent.

“I believe that the creative talents of our two companies and our shared ambition to bring distinctive, compelling experiences to gamers make this an ideal alliance,” said Warren Spector, president, Junction Point Studios. “We look forward to bringing exciting, innovative and entertaining new experiences to gamers and Disney fans alike.”

Junction Point has become the fifth studio in Disney Interactive Studios’ growing portfolio of development creative centers of excellence. As a talent hub for video game development, Austin adds another region to Disney’s internal development studio growth strategy.
More information.
 
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wow even though he's no ken levine, i still thought his future projects would have promise as i was one of the few people that enjoyed both deus ex's, the 2nd even more. but now he's a disney bedfellow?!? no thanks i'll pass on the stds.
 
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Disney is well respected here, in California. I doubt Junction Point Studios' employees are particularly happy about this acquistion, though, despite Disney's outstanding reputation. They're headquartered in Austin, Texas, and Disney is a California company.

I've found that some Texans harbor animosity toward California. That's particularly the case in Austin.
 
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That's just bizarre. I wonder if the purchase was made with ninja gold.
Warren Spector and Disney isn't a pairing I'd have imagined would happen, but who knows. I guess it remains to be seen what the new project is. It just seems odd that Disney would go after acquiring someone like Spector, unless they have something perfectly suited to him.
But it is a headscratcher. Hopefully that's not just the STDs.
 
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Hey, Mickey Mouse with Guns, or maybe Sorcerer's Apprentice 2!! :)
 
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Peter Molyneux once said that financial independence compromised his creative freedom. He was forced to make decisions to ensure the survival of his company at the expense of his games. I believe him when he says that situation improved with the sale to Microsoft: I've seen MGS drop games that didn't look promising, but I've never heard a publisher horror story from one of their former partners. Maybe Warren's also found himself a corporate boss who'll give him the freedom to do his thing. Let's hope.
 
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I actually think something good can come of this, but I have to admit I was more than a little surprised at reading about it.

As far as I know, Disney owns an incredible amount of franchises and lisences. Some of them are very good and could turn out to be great games. It's not all cartoons, Disney owns far more than most know about (example: Pirates of the Caribbean).
 
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yes they do own an insanse amount, http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-assets-owned-by-disney but its the ownage of studios like miramax which has released ultra violent and racey movies (though many are good movies) which has always unnerved me. (on a side note farehneit 9-11 was supposed to be released on miramax but disney mousetowed, though a miniscule morsel in my dislike of them) they have good qualities of that i'm sure but i always am learly of any massive media conglomerate which is directly responsible for my obsure musical and other art tastes, staying obsure. and what not to love about a company that has grown and groomed the lovely britney spears and lindsey lohan, and the rest of the club;)
donald duck is a better rolemodel and he doesn't even speak english!
 
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I'm actually quite surprised. *scratches head, unsure what to think about this*
 
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Peter Molyneux once said that financial independence compromised his creative freedom. He was forced to make decisions to ensure the survival of his company at the expense of his games. I believe him when he says that situation improved with the sale to Microsoft: I've seen MGS drop games that didn't look promising, but I've never heard a publisher horror story from one of their former partners. Maybe Warren's also found himself a corporate boss who'll give him the freedom to do his thing. Let's hope.

This is potentially true, but it's this statement from the press release that gives me a bad feeling:

"Junction Point Studios will create new video game franchises and will also bring some of Disney’s most beloved franchises to next generation gaming platforms."

Now, the creating of new franchises could be great if they have the freedom to do what they like. But beloved Disney franchises doesn't sound like using some of the more esoteric stuff Disney owns.
Best case scenario is that JPS will have multiple teams, one to work on their own IPs and another to work on the Disney stuff.

I do feel bad for the people that get hired on to Warren Spector's development studio only to make the next Mickey Mouse platformer for the PS3.
 
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Its a new company for sure since Michael Eisner was forced out. The Pixar deal and the ABC implosion (anyone still want to be a Millionaire?) was the big kicker that something had to be done.

I believe they are a majority owner of Pixar now and they've devolved themselves of championship teams the Angels and the Mighty Ducks.

Its not so odd a move for Disney especially if you consider the success of Kingdom Hearts. I never played it but it looked like Chip and Dale meets Final Fantasy to me.

I suspect they are trying to repeat that success and not have another Pixar like mess with one of their strategic partners. Disney is a lean, mean corporate entity and this makes sense for them.
 
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Sounds like Spector cashed in his chips when Disney gave him the opportunity. I can´t blame him. Selling the studio to a big publisher is nearly the only way for an indie to make significant money.
 
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I hope they make a porno game starring Jessica Rabbit.
 
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I do feel bad for the people that get hired on to Warren Spector's development studio only to make the next Mickey Mouse platformer for the PS3.
Spector: "I would kill to make a Harry Potter, Tomb Raider or Lord of the Rings game"

Guess he'll have to settle for Narnia and The Jungle Book.
 
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Huh... not sure what to think about this. Well, maybe they'll make the next Pirates of the Caribbean game?
 
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It's a shame there hasn't been a single, solid LotR RPG. Hopefully someone other than EA will get to make future LotR games, so we can finally step into Tolkiens world without having to farm X number of silly mobs per level (LotrO).
 
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