Disney Set To Acquire A $1.5 Billion Stake In Epic Games To Build Open-Source Game Universe!

In the last few years, the gaming industry has been shaped by the emergence of numerous technological advancements and upgradations like cloud gaming, advanced hardware, faster internet and devices such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), as well as artificial intelligence (AI).

In fact, these technologies and more are set to trend in the industry and help shape its future.

This has led to various companies entering the gaming arena and keeping to that trend, industry giant and mass media and entertainment conglomerate Disney (formally known as the Walt Disney Company).

So, what’s Disney’s latest move? Let’s explore!
 

What Did Disney Announce?

 

• In an announcement made by Disney, the company revealed that it will be collaborating with Epic Games, the publisher of the wildly popular game Fortnite.

• This will include a multi-year project of creating an all-new games and entertainment universe aimed at expanding the reach of Disney stories, characters and experiences.

• Another avenue of the partnership will see Disney investing $1.5 billion in Epic Games for a stake in the company, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

• The new universe will bring a plethora of opportunities for consumers to “play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and more.”

• Additionally, players will be able to create their own stories and experiences and share content.

• All of this will be powered by Unreal Engine, one the most powerful real-time 3D creation tools, which is well-received and touted as one of the best platforms by developers and gamers.

• This deal builds on a previous collaboration Disney had with Epic Games that brought characters from Star Wars, Marvel, Tron, The Nightmare Before Christmas and others to Fortnite.

 

What Did Stakeholders Say?

 

• Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, 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. This marks Disney’s biggest entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion. We can’t wait for fans to experience the Disney stories and worlds they love in groundbreaking new ways.”

• Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder, Epic Games, 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 ... 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.” 

• Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, said, “This will enable us to bring together our incredible collection of stories and experiences from across the company for a broad audience in ways we have only dreamed of before ... Epic Games’ industry-leading technology and Fortnite’s open ecosystem will help us reach consumers where they are so they can engage with Disney in the ways that are most relevant to them.”

Do you think other media and entertainment houses should make similar tie-ups with leading gaming technology companies? Will this be a watershed moment in the gaming technology industry?

Let us know in the comments below!