Disney has made a significant investment in the gaming realm by acquiring a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games, the publisher behind the wildly successful Fortnite.
This partnership aims to forge a ground-breaking gaming and entertainment universe that merges Disney’s iconic brands and Epic’s gaming expertise.
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our exciting new relationship with Epic Games will bring together Disney’s beloved brands and franchises with the hugely popular Fortnite in a transformational new games and entertainment universe.”
He emphasized the vast potential for growth and expansion that this venture represents for Disney.
Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, highlighted Disney’s early recognition of the synergy between their respective worlds in Fortnite.
“Disney was one of the first companies to believe in the potential of bringing their worlds together with ours in Fortnite, and they use Unreal Engine across their portfolio,” Sweeney said.
He emphasized their joint effort to create a persistent, open, and interoperable ecosystem that would unite the Disney and Fortnite communities.
Creating a new universe ✨@Disney x Epic Gameshttps://t.co/gTwt5e3dpz pic.twitter.com/iPC0T2FlzU
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) February 7, 2024
The collaboration is expected to yield a multi-year project, although specific details regarding its scope and release date are yet to be disclosed.
However, given the success of previous collaborations between Disney and Epic within Fortnite, such as featuring Marvel and Star Wars skins and hosting live events like the Marvel Nexus War with Galactus, anticipation is high for what this expansive new universe will entail.
Overall, Disney’s investment in Epic Games signals a significant foray into the gaming industry, promising fans innovative and immersive experiences that blend the magic of Disney’s storytelling with the interactive world of gaming.