Walt Disney Co. plans to sell FoxNext, the video-game business acquired with the purchase of 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets earlier this year, according to people familiar with the matter.
The business, founded two years ago, makes free-to-play mobile games based on entertainment properties, such as the hit Marvel Strike Force, which took in more than $150 million in its first year. FoxNext also has games in the works based on "Avatar" and "Aliens."
Senior Disney executives, including direct-to-consumer chief Kevin Mayer, discussed keeping the company, with Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger concluding that he no longer wants to be in the business of making video games. Disney declined to comment.
Disney, like many entertainment giants, has a checkered history in video games. In 2016, the company shut down its Infinity line of toys and games and many of its game studios. Club Penguin, a once popular online game, was also shuttered.
Been playing Strike Force since launch. It had its ups and downs but was fun regardless. Who knows if they will be allowed to continue using the Marvel IP. Sad to see another Marvel RPG go the way of Avengers Alliance.