April 19, 2005 - Buena Vista Games has acquired Avalanche Software, studio behind the recently announced Eidos multiplayer shooter, 25 To Life, and established a new development house in Vancouver, complete with Electronic Arts Canada senior development and business staff:

"The acquisition of Avalanche Software and the creation of a development studio in Vancouver mark a significant milestone in becoming a top tier video game publisher by securing the industry's top talent to build and create game franchises," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. "Avalanche Software has a proven track record of creating high quality console games based on its own compelling content and some of the industry's top brands, and is a perfect fit for our Disney-based franchises. The new studio in Vancouver is already off to a strong start and growing rapidly to focus on cutting-edge, action oriented core-gamer content and will be led by a veteran management team formerly of Electronic Arts."

BVG's studio in Vancouver, Canada will focus on developing innovative action/adventure games for the major video game consoles including upcoming next-generation platforms. The studio is founded by a veteran game development team, with a successful track record of producing hit franchise product for Electronic Arts, Inc. The studio will focus on developing original intellectual property, as well as key BVG-owned content for the older core gamer consumer.

BVG's new development studio is based in Vancouver, Canada and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of BVG. The studio founders are Josh Holmes, Howard Donaldson, Daryl Anselmo, and Jorge Freitas. Holmes, Anselmo and Freitas are all expert video game developers who were instrumental in creating the NBA Street and Def Jam franchises for Electronic Arts and have worked on multiple high profile franchises throughout their careers. Donaldson formerly served as EA Canada's Chief Financial Officer for seven years overseeing the company's successful growth and was an integral member of the executive team. The Vancouver studio has already assembled a high-caliber group of more than 20 talented, veteran game developers and is continuing to grow and establish their core team.

Buena Vista certainly has the cash and infrastructure to be a major player in the games market, so I eagerly look forward to their new titles.