The Walt Disney Company is teaming up with Epic Games to create a groundbreaking games and entertainment universe, aiming to broaden the impact of Disney's iconic stories and experiences.
Disney plans to invest $1.5 billion for an equity stake in Epic Games, contingent on standard closing conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals.
The company says that in addition to being a world-class games experience and interoperating with Fortnite, the new persistent universe will offer a multitude of opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and more. Players, gamers and fans will be able to create their own stories and experiences, express their fandom in a distinctly Disney way, and share content with each other in ways that they love.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, "Our new partnership with Epic Games is a pivotal moment, merging Disney's treasured brands with the massively popular Fortnite to create an unprecedented games and entertainment realm. This is our most significant foray into the gaming sphere yet, opening up extraordinary possibilities for growth and innovation."
Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, highlighted the longstanding relationship with Disney, noting the early integration of their worlds in Fortnite and the use of Unreal Engine across Disney's projects. "Our collaboration now extends to crafting a new, open ecosystem that welcomes both Disney and Fortnite communities, setting the foundation for a unique, interoperable experience."
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, added, "This collaboration with Epic Games and their cutting-edge technology offers a thrilling opportunity to engage audiences in unprecedented ways, bringing our vast array of stories to life like never before. It represents a monumental step in reaching consumers directly and engaging them in the content they love most."
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