Disney invests $1.5B into Epic Games and Fortnite
The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games have announced a landmark collaboration to create a new "games and entertainment universe" that will be closely tied to the world of Fortnite. Disney is investing $1.5 billion in Epic Games, acquiring an equity stake as part of this ambitious multiyear project. This partnership aims to expand the reach of Disney's beloved stories and experiences, leveraging Epic's Unreal Engine to power a persistent universe where players can play, watch, shop, and engage with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more.
This initiative represents Disney's most significant venture into the gaming industry to date, marking a transformational step in how its stories and characters are experienced. Players will have the opportunity to create their own stories, express their fandom in unique ways, and share content within this expansive universe. This collaboration is not just about bringing Disney's characters into Fortnite but about creating a whole new, open, and interoperable ecosystem that combines the communities of Disney and Fortnite.
Epic Games and Disney have a history of successful collaborations, with past Fortnite integrations including content from Marvel, Tron, and Star Wars. The use of Epic's Unreal Engine is already widespread across Disney's portfolio, not only in gaming but also in film production and theme park attractions. This partnership builds on the foundation laid by previous collaborations and Epic's participation in the 2017 Disney Accelerator program.
The digital world and gaming industry continue to grow, with over 3 billion video game players worldwide. This new universe aims to meet these players where they are, offering them a seamless and safe environment to explore the worlds they love, unleash creativity, and experience high-quality gameplay. Disney's entry into this domain through its partnership with Epic Games promises a blend of storytelling and interactive experiences that could redefine entertainment for years to come.