Operating income down for Buena Vista Games

Disney's consumer products division, which includes Buena Vista Games, has posted quarter-end financial results that show a drop in operating income from USD 534 million to USD 520 million.

The Walt Disney Company announced overall profits of USD 379 million, down from USD 516 million last year, with revenues increasing slightly to USD 7.73 billion.

According to a statement issued by Disney, "Lower segment operating income for the quarter was due to increased product development spending at Buena Vista Games." The figures were also affected by the sale of The Disney Store North America and a poorer performance by European Disney Stores.

BVG's recent expansion moves have included the acquisition of Avalanche Software, developer of the Tak series of games, and the rights to the Turok license.

High profile future BVG releases include multi-format movie tie-in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, which ELSPA predicts will top the UK charts this Christmas.