Disney to Invest $1.5 Billion in Epic Games To Collaborate On Expansive, Open Games Universe
Disney is also looking to invest $1.5 Billion USD in stakes in Epic Games
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On 7th February, Epic Games and the Walt Disney Company announced that they will collaborate on "an all-new open, persistent and social universe" that will bring Disney stories and experiences to life. This universe will simultaneously interoperate with Battle Royale Fortnite and its playerbase and community.
Thanks to this partnership, players will have the opportunity to engage in compelling gameplay, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and more. Players will also get to create their own stories and experiences. The new Disney x Fortnite universe will be powered by Unreal Engine.
Epic Games and the Walt Disney Company Joins Hands In an Exciting Partnership
Apart from furthering its stories and fandom via this multiyear project, Disney is also going to be investing $1.5 Billion USD to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games. A press release from Disney said, "The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals."
Commenting on this new partnership, The Walt Disney Company's CEO Robet A Iger said, "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.” Iger also pointed out how this is Disney's biggest entry into the world of games.
Likewise, Epic Games Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney expressed excitement on this agreement with Disney, He said, "Disney was one of the first companies to believe in the potential of bringing their worlds together with ours in Fortnite, and they use Unreal Engine across their portfolio.” According to Sweeney, the two entities are collaborating on an entirely new ecosystem that will tie together the Disney and Fortnite communities.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro also expressed optimism about the project. He said that this partnership will enable Disney to bring together its "collection of stories and experiences from across the company for a broad audience in ways we have only dreamed of before." He also believed that Epic Games' technology and Fortnite will allow Disney to reach consumers wherever they are and allow them to engage with Disney in ways that are relevant to them.
The press release also recounted how Disney and Epic Games have engaged players through the many Fortnite content integrations, season collaborations and in-game activations. It also recalled the "Marvel Nexus War with Galactus" live event, which drew more than 15.3 million concurrent players.
