Epic Games and Disney Partner to Create Interconnected Universe
Epic Games and The Walt Disney Company have unveiled plans for an expansive interconnected universe tied to Fortnite, encompassing content from iconic brands such as Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, with Disney investing $1.5 billion for a stake in Epic Games, signaling its largest venture yet into the gaming industry.
The partnership aims to introduce a “new persistent universe” within Fortnite, empowering players to craft experiences utilizing the company’s vast array of beloved properties. This groundbreaking initiative allows for the creation and sharing of content across both platforms, promising an immersive fusion of gaming and entertainment.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed enthusiasm for the venture, emphasizing the transformative potential of uniting Disney’s cherished franchises with the unparalleled popularity of Fortnite. “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,” stated Iger.
In alignment with this vision, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney highlighted Disney’s pioneering role in recognizing the synergy between their respective worlds. “Disney was one of the first companies to believe in the potential of bringing their worlds together with ours in Fortnite,” remarked Sweeney. He underscored the collaborative efforts to construct a persistent, open, and interoperable ecosystem that bridges the Disney and Fortnite communities.
While the company’s previous forays into game development were primarily internal, the company has since shifted towards strategic partnerships, leveraging Epic’s Unreal Engine and collaborations with renowned publishers like EA and Ubisoft. This latest investment solidifies the House of Mouse’s commitment to gaming innovation and further expands the reach of its cherished franchises to a global audience.
With a history of successful collaborations, including the integration of Marvel and Star Wars content into Fortnite, the Epic-Disney partnership promises to redefine the boundaries of interactive entertainment, ushering in a new era of immersive storytelling and shared experiences for players worldwide.