Los Angeles - Disney (NYSE: DIS) plans to merge its Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) online unit with its Disney Interactive Studios video game business to form a new unit to be called Disney Interactive Media Group, PaidContent reported, citing an internal memo from Disney CEO Bob Iger. The new unit is expected to be led by current WDIG president Steve Wadsworth.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios (NYSE: DIS), the company's video game publishing unit, announced on Monday that it has acquired Chinese independent game studio Gamestar, for an undisclosed sum.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios (NYSE: DIS) on Thursday announced plans to publish "Ultimate Band," a music-focused game for the Nintendo Wii and DS that will utilize the Wii controller and DS stylus as musical instruments, a la the popular "Rock Band" (MTV/Harmonix) and "Guitar Hero" (Activision). Disney has partnered with London-based music consultants Radial Music to select music for the game, which is being developed by Fall Line Studios for release in the fall.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios on Tuesday announced the release of two new music-themed titles featuring TV and recording star Hannah Montana. "Hannah Montana: Music Jam" for Nintendo DS will see players using the DS stylus and touch-screen to trigger instrument samples, and form virtual bands via wireless connections. "Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour" for the Nintendo Wii will let gamers use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to dance alongside Hannah to over 15 of her songs.

Santa Monica - Disney Interactive Studios this week previewed 10 forthcoming game titles, and announced details of its planned "DGamer" online community for the Nintendo DS at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. DGamer will allow Disney game players to create personal avatars, and chat and trade game items using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. The service will be included free in every Disney game for the DS from May 2008. The company also previewed titles including "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"; "Turok"; "Spectrobes II"; "High School Musical: Sing It!"; "Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour"; "Power Rangers: Super Legends"; "Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey"; and "Enchanted."

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios announced on Friday that it has acquired Austin-based game development studio Junction Point Studios, which is headed by game industry veteran Warren Spector.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios on Thursday announced its lineup of six Disney Channel series-themed games it plans to release in the fall, which will include titles based on its "High School Musical," "Hannah Montana," "The Cheetah Girls," "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" properties. The announcement comes in the same week the company said it plans to triple its investment in video game development.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios on Monday announced a location-based feature for its "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" game for Nintendo DS, that will allow visitors to its theme parks who bring a DS loaded with the game to download new game content at hotspots hidden near the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. The download unlocks new content such as unlimited health and "savvy," as well as additional costumes.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios announced on Thursday that it will release two games on the Xbox Live Arcade online game service for Xbox 360 in connection with the 25th anniversary of its classic film, "Tron." Developed by Backbone Charlottetown, "Tron" and "Discs of Tron" -- both classic arcade titles -- will be available in their original form and in enhanced versions on Xbox Live Arcade this summer.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney Interactive Studios said on Tuesday that it has shipped its "Spectrobes" title for the Nintendo DS to retailers. Developed by Japan-based Jupiter, the anime-inspired action roleplaying game includes a Wi-Fi feature that lets players download new content and access results online, and a local wireless feature that lets players trade or battle with one another.

Burbank, Calif. - Disney announced on Thursday that it has changed the name of its video game business unit from Buena Vista Games to Disney Interactive Studios. The company will continue to publish both Disney and non-Disney branded video games for all platforms. "This change reflects our focus on creativity, the weight of Disney content in our portfolio, and the enormous value consumers see in the Disney brand," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios.