Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Concedes Disney ‘Failed’ at Early Video Game Development

July 24, 2026 - 07:01

Disney has built some of the world's most valuable entertainment franchises, but one former CEO admits the company initially had little idea how to translate them into video games. Michael Eisner, who led the company from 1984 to 2005, recently conceded that Disney "failed" during its early attempts to break into the gaming industry.

Speaking about the company's missteps, Eisner acknowledged that Disney struggled to understand the medium. Instead of developing games internally or partnering with experienced studios, the company often licensed its characters to outside developers without proper oversight. The result was a string of mediocre titles that failed to capture the magic of Disney's films.

Eisner noted that the company's leadership at the time viewed video games as a simple licensing opportunity rather than a core creative business. This approach led to games that felt rushed and lacked the polish fans expected from the Disney brand. He pointed out that the company did not treat game development with the same seriousness it applied to its animated features.

The admission comes as Disney has since corrected course. In recent years, the company has found success through partnerships with major developers like Epic Games and Electronic Arts. Titles such as "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" and the "Kingdom Hearts" series have proven that Disney properties can thrive in interactive media when handled correctly.

Eisner's candid reflection serves as a reminder that even the most successful entertainment companies can stumble when entering unfamiliar territory. For Disney, the early video game failures were a costly lesson in understanding the unique demands of a different artistic medium.