Disney Grabs Rocket Pack HTML5 Game Engine Specialists [Video]

Disney has snapped up game engine developer Rocket Pack, whose plugin-free browser-based HTML5 system allows for easy coding with just JavaScript and CSS. According to TechCrunch the terms of the deal have not been made public, though Rocket Pack are believed to have been scooped for between $10m and $20m; Disney's interest likely stems from the potential flexibility in creating cross-platform, install-free games that don't need App Store approval to be distributed.

"We can confirm that The Walt Disney Company has acquired Rocketpack, an integrated solution for plugin-free browser game development. Through a merger agreement, Rocketpack is now a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company reporting into Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG)" Disney spokesperson

Since it's HTML5 based rather than Flash, it means even Apple devices can access the games, and with iOS 4.3 bringing the new Nitro JavaScript engine to the mobile Safari browser, titles should be even faster )as we've seen suggested in early benchmarks of the iPad 2). Games can also be packaged as native apps, if preferred, and there's potential for integrated with social networks too.

There's an example of a title created with the Rocket Engine, Warimals, which you can try now.