Disney launches iOS game; will Croc Swampy become the second Angry Birds?

September 26 news, "Mobile New Discovery" reported today that Disney has launched a new iOS game called "Where's My Water?" The company hopes to turn the little crocodile Swampy into the next "Angry Birds." Currently, most game studios collaborate with developers to create games using established movie characters. However, Disney has taken a different approach by launching this new iOS game called "Where's My Water?" They hope that this little crocodile named Swampy will not only become the top seller in Apple's App Store but also break into the movie and merchandise markets.

In short, they hope this little crocodile becomes the next "Angry Birds." Swampy lives in the sewer but has a bit of a cleanliness obsession. Players must carve paths through the dirt to bring water into Swampy's modest bathroom, fulfilling his desire for a bath.

Trial gameplay shows that, like "Cut the Rope" and "Angry Birds," which make people forget to eat and sleep, this game also has an addictive charm.

Bart Decrem, General Manager of Disney's mobile department, previously served as the CEO of mobile game developer Tapulous, creating the first music rhythm game on iOS called "Tap Tap Revenge." He is quite clear about how to make mobile games "stick" to players, keeping them engaged. Disney acquired Tapulous last year.

In an interview with the Associated Press, he mentioned that Disney's target audience in the mobile space is vast. He said, "A new generation of children is growing up in this space." He believes that Disney should introduce new, entertaining stories on the platform that kids are passionate about, which is crucial for Disney.

Decrem also stated that one of the goals of launching this game is to "cultivate new characters that can intersect with other business modules at Disney, such as movies and merchandise." Even if Swampy doesn't achieve this, Disney's current primary goal is still to compete with "Angry Birds."

The wave of merchandise surrounding "Angry Birds" is astonishing. People have seen clothes, toys, and unofficially released mooncakes featuring the Angry Birds, and there are even rumors of a movie adaptation in the works. This is Disney's ultimate goal. If Swampy's fame extends beyond the game, it will be Disney's exclusive subject matter.

If Swampy successfully captures the public's attention, a movie based on him could come out sooner than expected because Disney already has a full team for movie production. Of course, Disney's partnership with manufacturers allows them to quickly produce a large number of Swampy merchandise at low cost. Disney has already proven its strength in cross-promotion. Therefore, if this app sells well, people will soon find Swampy toys in children's meal sets.

The game is now available in the Apple App Store for $0.99. We will see if Disney's ambitious goals come true, but that will be a long time from now.

Source: Youjiu.com