In an ambitious move that is set to redefine the landscape of gaming and entertainment, The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games have announced a groundbreaking collaboration. This partnership is poised to create an all-new games and entertainment universe, leveraging the vast array of beloved stories and characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar. This new venture is not only a testament to the innovative spirit of both companies but also marks Disney’s largest foray into the gaming world to date.
Disney’s commitment to this venture is underscored by its substantial investment of $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games, the powerhouse behind the global phenomenon Fortnite. This investment and collaboration are subject to standard closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
The upcoming universe promises a persistent, world-class gaming experience that will seamlessly interoperate with Fortnite. It aims to offer endless opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop, and engage with their favorite content, characters, and stories in ways previously unimaginable. The Unreal Engine, known for its cutting-edge technology, will power this immersive universe, enabling players to create their own stories, express their fandom, and share their unique content within a distinctly Disney-centric platform.
Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, 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 highlighted the significant growth and expansion opportunities this collaboration offers, indicating a bright future for fans and the companies alike.
Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, reflected on the synergy between the two companies, noting Disney’s early recognition of the potential in merging their worlds with Fortnite’s. This new endeavor aims to create a persistent, open, and interoperable ecosystem that will unite the Disney and Fortnite communities like never before.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized the unique opportunity this collaboration represents to bring together Disney’s vast collection of stories and experiences for a broad audience, leveraging Epic Games’ industry-leading technology and Fortnite’s open ecosystem.
This partnership builds upon a history of successful collaborations between Disney and Epic Games, including content integrations, season collaborations, and live events in Fortnite that have captivated millions of players worldwide. The use of Unreal Engine across Disney’s portfolio, from video games to theme park attractions, underscores the technological synergy between the two companies.
As the digital world continues to expand, with over 3 billion video game players globally, this collaboration between Disney and Epic Games represents a significant milestone in the evolution of gaming and entertainment. It promises to offer unparalleled experiences to consumers, allowing them to engage with Disney in the most relevant and innovative ways possible.
