The Success of Disney Mirrorverse: A Testimony to Kabam’s Skills
The team of developers at Kabam has a proven track record of working with big name IPs and delivering exceptional gaming experiences to players worldwide. However, the success of their latest game, Disney Mirrorverse, truly showcases the talent and expertise of the Kabam team. In an exclusive interview with Mark Raham, the franchise executive producer, we delve into the world of Disney Mirrorverse – the winner of this year’s people’s choice award at the Mobile Games Awards.
Building an Incredible World
As the Franchise Executive Producer, Raham’s role at Kabam is to bring together a team of passionate individuals who can collaboratively create something extraordinary. The goal is to build an immersive world and captivating experiences for players. Raham acknowledges the privilege of working on such a project and is still in awe of the fact that they were entrusted with iconic Disney characters.
The Marvel of Collaboration
We were curious about how Kabam landed the opportunity to work with Disney, one of the biggest entertainment companies in the world. Raham explains that this journey began in 2018 and required careful consideration. Handling beloved IPs comes with a great responsibility to meet the high expectations of fans. Kabam wanted to take a fresh and unique approach. The collaboration with Disney has been fruitful due to the company’s deep understanding of its brand, its characters, and its storytelling legacy.
A New Universe, a New Backstory
Kabam’s aim was not only to give familiar Disney characters a different look or role, but to create an entirely new franchise universe with its own history and narrative. They wanted to explore how characters would interact and adapt to a world with higher stakes and where different universes collide. This fresh concept sparked intrigue and curiosity among players, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Honored with the People’s Choice Award
Disney Mirrorverse received the People’s Choice Award at the Mobile Gaming Awards, a recognition that carries a special meaning for Raham and his team. The award is a testament to the dedication and hard work that went into creating a game that resonates with players. The support and feedback from the community have been invaluable in shaping the future of Disney Mirrorverse.
Embracing the Dark Side of Disney
While Disney Mirrorverse may seem darker than other Disney games, Raham highlights that darkness has always been an essential element of Disney movies. From classics like Bambi and Jungle Book to the modern era of Disney films, contrast and conflict play a crucial role in storytelling. The team at Kabam wanted to stay true to this tradition and create a universe that makes sense to audiences, particularly those who grew up with Disney films of the 90s.
Blending Worlds and Exploring New Ideas
The multiverse concept in Disney Mirrorverse serves as a catalyst for bringing diverse characters together. This concept was a collaborative effort, with input from various stakeholders. Kabam’s ambition to connect and integrate characters from different IPs had been brewing for years. Finally, with the support and trust of the IP owners, they were able to bring these characters together and embark on a journey of storytelling and adventure.
Weaponizing Disney Characters
The challenge of equipping iconic Disney characters with weapons was met with careful consideration and respect for the source material. Kabam’s design team immersed themselves in the films and source material to ensure authenticity. They explored how these characters would respond to high-stakes action scenarios while staying true to their essence. Working closely with Disney and the passionate owners of each IP, Kabam discovered new layers to these beloved characters.
From Pitching Ideas to Creating Magic
Developing a game like Disney Mirrorverse involved collaborating with franchise holders and pitching creative ideas. The process began with establishing emotional drivers and key moments for each character. Raham mentions the importance of broad strokes and alignment with the franchise holders to ensure that each character’s journey in Mirrorverse remains faithful to its original iteration. The partnership between Kabam and Disney proved instrumental in creating a game that captivates players.