When Epic Mickey came out for the Nintendo Wii a couple of years ago, it introduced an interesting alternative style for the legendary Walt Disney character, one with a vivid new world for him to explore and compelling new gameplay elements that let him change the world.  And though not everyone was crazy about the game being exclusive to Nintendo’s console, he certainly shook things up, opening the door for a hit franchise.  Now, in 2012, it’ll reach its fullest potential, with Epic Mickey 2 set to hit various systems, including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.  But that’s not all – it’s coming to the 3DS as well, and is set to be better than you could ever expect.

With the heat building for the official kickoff of the summer movie season – Marvel’s The Avengers – gamers won’t have a console game to play. But Marvel Entertainment and Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) have debuted a social game based on Marvel’s iconic characters, Marvel: Avengers Alliance. Developed by Playdom, Marvel: Avengers Alliance features a tactical turn-based combat experience with dozens of familiar Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains. Though it's not based on the franchise movie, it is better than nothing.

When the Warren Spector-produced Epic Mickey arrived for Wii last year, it introduced an innovative new platformer featuring the iconic Disney character -- and also created a slight uproar when other console owners were left out in the cold.  Regardless, it was a well-produced adventure, leaving the door open for a possible sequel.  Well, according to a possible leaked newsletter report, we could be getting one around next fall -- and this time, all console owners will be considered.

Disney Interactive Studios will bring Disney•Pixar’s Cars 2: The Video Game to Nintendo 3DS in conjunction with the November 1 launch of Buena Vista Home Entertainment’s Cars 2 Blu-ray 3D. The 3DS game will join the PlayStation 3 3D game in offering a third dimension to gameplay. Two of the stars from the movie and the game, Larry the Cable Guy and Emily Mortimer, talk about the movie, game, and 3D in this exclusive video interview. 

After driving to the top of the box office, Pixar’s Cars 2 comes home on Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray 3D, Movie Download and DVD on November 1, 2011. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pixar Animation Studios, the high octane in-home release invites families and fans of all ages to come along on a journey around the world with the #1 animated film of the year and introduces an exclusive all-new animated short “Air Mater,” featuring the fan favorite character spinning his tales in an exciting adventure high above Radiator Springs. The must-own animated release also includes fascinating commentary from award-winning director John Lasseter and “Hawaiian Vacation,” the delightful animated short that accompanied the film in theatres. The release should give Disney Interactive Studios' original Cars 2 games, including the 3D PS3 title, an extra turbo boost at retail for Christmas.

Disney Interactive Studios has unveiled the classic character costumes of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald who will be joining the mix of Disney and Pixar characters in the upcoming action-adventure videogame Disney Universe set for release October 25.  The game brings together for the first time characters and worlds inspired by both animated and live action films from Disney’s Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Pictures.  The new classic characters are joined by other characters like Mike and Sulley from Pixar’sMonsters Inc., Alice and the Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Stitch from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch and many more.

Despite a recent string of down months in U.S. video game sales at retail this year, a new report from research firm Gartner paints a very rosy picture for the global video game industry. When adding in revenues from burgeoning online, mobile and digital gaming sectors, Gartner estimates that worldwide spending on the gaming ecosystem will exceed $74 billion in 2011, up 10.4 percent from the $67 billion spent last year. By 2015, spending is expected to reach $112 billion.