Marvel pushes into casual games

News

Michael French Apr 23 2008, 10:46pm

Comic book giant nabs Sony Pictures vet Ira Rubenstein to lead new Digital Media group

Casual gaming is on the menu at Marvel Entertainment: the company which owns Spider-Man and co. has opened a new Global Digital Media Group and appointed former Sony vet Ira Rubenstein as its executive vice president.

Rubenstein moves to Marvel after 12 years as executive vice president at Sony Pictures, and his new job puts him in charge of working out how the firm's properties - which includes a host of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and the X-Men - are best suited to digital platforms such as mobile gaming, casual games, digital video and animated content.

Marvel currently owns a number of online sites, Marvel.com, MarvelKids.com, and Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, which Rubenstein will also oversee.

At Sony, Rubenstein was responsible for similar efforts, including the movie division's mobile and casual games efforts, and the expansion of properties like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! to the PSP and PS3.

“With a world-renowned library of characters to tap into, I am very excited to join Marvel and ultimately develop valuable digital assets that resonate with consumers and beyond. This is a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to extending the reach of these iconic properties across a whole new Marvel universe,” said Rubenstein.

He will report to John Turitzin, EVP at Marvel's Office of the Chief Executive.

“An online pioneer and thought leader, Ira brings tremendous experience identifying and implementing industry leading digital entertainment initiatives. With his expertise, Ira will be instrumental in developing Marvel’s presence in the digital marketplace,” added Turitzin