Sony increases its investment in Epic Games to “build the future of digital entertainment”

Epic Games confirms having received a new round of funding of up to $2 billion. Sony Group Corporation and KIRKBI each add $1 billion "to advance the company's vision to build the metaverse and support its continued growth".

Epic Games strengthens

Both groups were already investors in the giant behind Fortnite. In fact, Sony invested 200 million dollars just a year ago. Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO of the Japanese company, states in a press release that they are excited to "deepen" their relationship with Epic Games "in the metaverse field, a space where creators and users share their time."

“We are also confident that Epic’s expertise, including their powerful game engine, combined with Sony’s technologies, will accelerate our various efforts such as the development of new digital fan experiences in sports and our virtual production initiatives,” reveals Yoshida.

Epic Games is worth $31.5 billion, up from their own estimate of $28.7 billion in 2021. “As we reimagine the future of entertainment and play we need partners who share our vision. We have found this in our partnership with Sony and KIRKBI,” points out Tim Sweeney, Epic Games CEO and Founder. “This investment will accelerate our work to build the metaverse and create spaces where players can have fun with friends, brands can build creative and immersive experiences and creators can build a community and thrive.”

KIRKBI is the investment group behind brands such as Lego, which recently confirmed its partnership with Epic Games. “Kids enjoy playing in digital and physical worlds and move seamlessly between the two. We believe there is huge potential for them to develop life-long skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication through digital experiences,” said Niels B Christiansen, CEO of The LEGO Group.

Source | Epic Games