MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Internet Group (WDIG) has acquired Minds Eye Productions, an interactive TV game developers in Europe. The agreement demonstrates WDIG's commitment to the iTV games market and to developing new growth businesses for The Walt Disney Company.

Disney entered the interactive TV games market in the U.K. in August 2004, with the launch of 'Disney Channel Play' on Sky. This service provides games featuring some of Disney's most popular TV programmes, movies and characters, including those from The Lion King and Kim Possible.

Walt Disney Internet Group EVP & MD Mark Handler said, "Interactive TV gaming is a growing and exciting market, and Minds Eye is the leading U.K. developer. This acquisition allows us to build on our successful Disney branded iTV game service and shows our commitment to this market. We already have a great portfolio of interactive assets in Europe, and Minds Eye is a natural fit with our activities."

"It is a great move for Minds Eye to become a part of Disney, the greatest family entertainment company in the world," Minds Eye Productions MD Martin Batten. "Our employees are delighted to join the Disney family, and look forward to helping Disney expand its interactive TV gaming activities."

Founded in 1995, Minds Eye Productions employs more than 20 artists, programmers and game designers who specialise in creating high quality games for the growing interactive TV game market. The company will maintain its offices in Milton Keynes, UK.