Online gaming industry hit by Marvel slots withdrawal
Suppliers and operators set to lose out as Disney decides to distance itself from gaming
Operators and suppliers of popular Marvel-themed slots are set to be hit by Disney’s decision to phase out its existing gaming licensing deals as part of an effort to distance itself from the gambling industry.
The studio has said it will not be renewing any of its current licensing agreements and expects the existing deals to have expired within the next two to three years. The move will come as a blow to the likes of Playtech and Amaya-owned Cryptologic, which have both invested in Marvel-themed slots over the last few years.
eGaming Review understands that Disney, which inherited Marvel and LucasFilm licensing agreements following its $4.6bn buyout of Marvel in 2009, wants to distance itself from gaming as it attempts to defeat plans to expand land-based gambling in the state of Florida.
The studio believes the expansion would be inconsistent with Florida’s reputation as a family-friendly destination and therefore finds itself in a contradictory position as it currently profits from its gaming licences.
Playtech has been one of the main suppliers of Marvel slots since 2009 when it launched its first Iron Man and Incredible Hulk-themed games. Only last month, the company unveiled Spiderman: Attack of the Green Goblin as the latest addition to its Marvel collection.
Cryptologic is also a leading supplier of Marvel slots with an array of titles including Fantastic Four, Wolverine, Thor and Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Revenge.
Neither supplier would comment on Disney’s decision to discontinue its slots agreements however Susan Biddle, leading gaming lawyer and consultant at Pinsent Masons told eGR she expected to see any void filled by other brands shortly.
“The Marvel games are certainly some of the popular branded games which operators use to attract players to their broader un-branded games offering,” Biddle said.
“My guess would be that other brands will quite quickly fill any space “ whilst well-known brands and characters have appeal, players also like the novelty of new games so it’s always important anyway to keep refreshing the games offering,” she added.