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Inside the Magical & Messy History of Disney Video Games
Synergy Loves CompanyJune 04, 202500:47:11

Inside the Magical & Messy History of Disney Video Games

In this episode of Synergy Loves Company, host Eric is joined by Shaun Jex, author of "Dreaming in Digital: The World of Disney Video Games," to explore the extensive history of Disney’s involvement in the world of video games. They discuss the origins of Disney games, starting with the early Nintendo Game & Watch releases, and trace the evolution through classic titles like DuckTales, the impact of the Kingdom Hearts series, and modern games such as Dreamlight Valley and Disney Illusion Island. The conversation covers how Disney characters have been used in games, surprising and strange Disney video game adaptations, and Shaun’s experience researching and playing many of the featured titles. Eric and Sean also talk about Disney’s successes and missteps in game development, how Disney is approaching collaborations with indie game studios, and the potential future of Disney gaming—including Disney’s role in gamified park experiences, investments in platforms like Fortnite, and how Walt Disney might have viewed the medium. Whether you’re a retro gamer, a Disney parks fan, or curious about the future of interactive entertainment, this episode covers a wide range of milestones and trends in Disney video games.
Pick up Shaun's Book “Dreaming in Digital the World of Disney Video Games” https://amzn.to/43ZrAoc (this is an affiliate link)
For more on shaun visit: www.makeminemusic.com
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0:00 – Disney’s Early Entry into Video Games
1:09 – Welcome Shaun Jex, Author of “Dreaming in Digital”
1:52 – Disney’s First Video Game and Relationship with Nintendo
3:40 – Mickey Mouse on Game & Watch
4:30 – Iconic Disney Character Usage in Games
5:50 – The DuckTales NES Game and Lasting Legacy
7:03 – Kingdom Hearts and Blending Disney with Final Fantasy
10:08 – The Modern Era: Disney Dreamlight Valley
11:50 – Strangest and Most Surprising Disney Video Games
12:56 – The Donald Duck/Snoopy Game Swap
14:08 – Disney’s Attempt to Capture Gaming Trends
16:33 – Disney’s Uneven Track Record in Game Quality
17:28 – Research & Playing Through 50 Disney Games
20:09 – Access Challenges for Vintage Disney Games
22:38 – Sean’s Personal Video Game History
25:12 – Favorite Disney Games Growing Up
26:11 – Does Disney Do Games Well?
27:49 – Disney Collaborations with Indie Game Studios
28:19 – The Return of Mickey in Illusion Island
29:28 – Disney Video Game Movies: Tron & Wreck-It Ralph
32:47 – The Legacy and Future of Tron
34:17 – Hopes for the Future of Disney Gaming
36:14 – Gamified Experiences in Disney Parks
39:44 – Interactive Park Games and Armchair Imagineering
41:10 – Disney’s Relationship with Epic Games & Fortnite
42:53 – Will Mickey Ever Appear in Fortnite?
44:30 – What Would Walt Think of Disney Video Games?
45:52 – Where to Find Sean Jax and His Work
46:51 – Closing Thoughts & Where Disney Magic Can Happen

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disney classics, disney games, disney nostalgia, gaming history, retro disney, video game culture,
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