Disney *sigh*

As an early hypothesis to my oncoming batch of company profiles for DFC Intelligence, I predict that Disney will surprise no one with the transmigration of existing IP into a variety of tired franchises. Of course, this is a pessimistic way of stating the obvious, but at the same time the leverage that these giant companies have could be used to innovate the game industry, rather than making a quick buck.

That said, Disney made no splash whatsoever announcing its oncoming titles Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey (Papaya Studio, fall 2007) and Disney Princess: Magical Jewels (1st Playable Productions). Targeted at young females gamers the former allows playing as a customized heroine, while the latter sets out to recover the magical jewels. <insert sexist comment here>

I honestly hope that instead of reproducing the same patriarchal social structure again and again, there will be some kind of liberating quality to these games for both the girls in and playing them. In my opinion a large part of the success of the Shrek-series, for example, lies in its honest approach to family life, tradition, and performative roles. You know, making icons more human. Surely contemporary game play should entail more than the arcane ideals from two generations ago.

Perhaps, in addition to a rating, games should carry a label that summarizes how conservative the social structure of the game world is. Just so that you don’t accidentally end up with kids that never ask questions.