Skylanders vs. Disney Infinity: What Differences Should You Expect Between the Franchises?

Disney Infinity is the fusion of video game and toy line featuring many of Disney's most beloved characters from it's huge amount of history.

It is similar to the existing Skylander franchise owned by Activision. Both game requires the use of a special device that allows for the toys (sold separately) to interact with the game. Skylanders aren't based on any existing characters or franchises, which the exception of a few figures based on Spyro the Dragon. That game features Skylander figures doing battle in the virtual world, while Disney Infinity will be a more sandbox-style game. Disney Infinity is expected to have characters from many different movies, such as Toy Story, Monsters University, Cars, and Pirates of the Caribbean. It should be noted that Nintendo is planning on releasing a similar franchise starring Pokemon characters. 

But now it appears as though some of Disney's newest acquisitions could show up in the game at some point. Characters from the Star Wars franchise, bought by Disney in October of last year, could be become part of the game, and Disney Interactive VP Bill Roper did not deny the possibility to Game Industry International

"That was definitely exciting when [news of the acquisition] came down from within the company. We love the potential for Infinity--we always joke, well, 'the possibilities are infinite...For us, we're really just focused on launching this platform quickly."

While both Skylander and Disney Infinity are aimed at younger audiences (as if the toys weren't a clue about that), adding Star Wars (Or Marvel, Disney owns them too) to Disney Infinity would surely add some adult appeal to the game. Having a Darth Vader versus Buzz Lightyear duel would certainly be a selling point for many fans, adult or otherwise. Disney Infinity will be out in August for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, 3DS, and PC.