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Mobile the one silver lining to Disney's $58 million loss

'Decline in console game sales' cited

Mobile the one silver lining to Disney's $58 million loss
Disney Interactive - the video game focused wing of the massive international Disney empire - reported that its quarterly revenue was below expectations for Q3 2013.

But strong and growing sales in the mobile sector, particularly in the Asian markets, helped offset the red ink.

Still, overall revenues for Disney Interactive during the quarter decreased 7 percent to $183 million, and the segment operating results decreased by $16 million to an overall loss of $58 million.

No quarter

Disney cited "a decline in console game sales" as a possible explanation for the loss - the firm put out no new releases in the third quarter of the year - but a social gaming slump was also highlighted by the entertainment giant.

Indeed, it's the problems the firm is having with its social gaming business that might set alarm bells ringing for those banking on Disney being a major force in the mobile market, though the company claims the drop in revenue was actually caused by a "favorable acquisition accounting adjustment recognised in the prior year quarter".

Additionally, the overall operating income loss didn't come without a silver lining.

In its earnings report, Disney notes that the decreases were "partially offset by growth at our Japan mobile business".

Disney Interactive is currently ramping up for the launch of the massive Disney Infinity crossover line of toys and games, due out in North America and Europe later this month.

[source: Disney]

US Correspondent

Representing the former colonies, Matt keeps the Pocket Gamer news feed updated when sleepy Europeans are sleeping. As a frustrated journalist, diehard gamer and recovering MMO addict, this is pretty much his dream job.