Epic Games
Disney and Epic Games will collaborate on new games and universes related to Fortnite
The collaboration will see Disney invest $1.5 billion to acquire part of Epic Games, along with the multi-year project.
The presence of characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Avatar and more in Fortnite will continue to grow in the coming years following the recent announcement that strengthens the relationship between The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games.
Through an announcement on its official website, The Walt Disney Company revealed that both companies will collaborate on an all-new games and entertainment universe, to expand “beloved Disney stories and experiences”. The Mickey Mouse company is looking to invest around $1.5 billion to acquire part of Epic Games, although, according to their website, this will be subject to regulatory approvals, as was the case with Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard.
Walt Disney and Epic, are more and more united
Fortnite has become a platform widely used by brands for marketing campaigns and launches. Disney has had the constant appearance of important brands such as Star Wars (even showing part of The Rise of Skywalker), or Marvel events with Spider-Man or the Avengers. The Walt Disney Company plans to have this “new persistent universe” that will allow all its users to continue to participate, play, and learn within its multiple licenses.
“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,” said Robert A. Iger, The Walt Disney Company CEO in the press release.
Tim Sweeney, CEO and founder of Epic Games, said “Now we’re collaborating on something entirely new to build a persistent, open and interoperable ecosystem that will bring together the Disney and Fortnite communities.”
The collaboration between Epic Games and The Walt Disney Company has been going on for some time, beyond the integration of Fortnite content. Unreal Engine has served as the main engine for several Disney-licensed video games and more than 15 attractions in Disney Parks, such as the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.