Disney Interactive executive discusses the fine line between hardcore and family-friendly (interview)

Disney Interactive recently invited GamesBeat to a screening of Disney Planes followed by a reception with hands-on time for the video game adaptation. However, this was more an opportunity to poke the game division’s vice president of product development, Bill Roper, with a stick and see what came out.

Roper previously held positions at Blizzard Entertainment, Flagship Studios where he launched ambitious-but-ill-fated massively multiplayer online game Hellgate: London, and Cryptic Studios as design director for Champions Online. The following interview touches upon everything from the broad appeal of Disney Infinity, the resounding effects of Epic Mickey’s failure, and the possible return of racing game franchise Split/Second,