While younger gamers may not remember classics such as “Frogger,” “Pong,” “Pac-Man,” or ‘River City Ransom,” Disney hopes that a new version of “Tron” will help to inspire audiences. Representatives for Disney Interactive point out that arcades are all but dead across the Western hemisphere. Instead, gamers are forced to hold inter-community competitions and tournaments, but the spirit of arcade games can live on by releasing newer versions of the classics.
Disney Interactive may be onto something big as a number of smart phone and Internet based games are eerily similar to classic arcade games. In addition, 3D movies are starting to become more popular, so it is possible that a 3D version of “Tron” would be just what Disney needs to rekindle its failing game market.
As it stands, there are no official plans to produce a “Tron” sequel, but classic game fans are likely to take note. Now that Disney has its hopes on the sales from the recently released “Epic Mickey,” the company may have to wait and see exactly what gamers respond to best. If a new version of “Tron” is, in fact, successful, Disney believes that it can make a franchise out of the single title. Most gamers are looking for titles which have next generation graphics and complex story lines, but the success of gaming platforms such as the Nintendo Wii show that more simplistic games still have a place in the gaming industry as well.
