Source: SOPA Images / Getty / Fortnite / Disney / Epic Games
Fortnite Every nerd's dream come true where your favorite pop culture characters run around a shrinking map shooting each other. It received a huge boost from Disney that will ensure it continues to grow and have an endless supply of content.
After numerous announcements and financial information, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that House of The Mouse will invest $1.5 billion in Epic Games' ridiculously popular free-to-play game Fortnite.
During the call, Iger called the investment Disney's “biggest entry ever into the world of gaming,” which will lead to the creation of a “universe of games and entertainment” within its thriving world. Fortnite.
“Our exciting new relationship with Epic Games will bring together Disney's beloved brands and franchises with the wildly popular Fortnite into a transformative new gaming, entertainment universe,” wrote Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement. “This marks Disney's largest entry into the gaming world and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion.”
According to the trailer, we get some real ones Ready Player One type experience minus the immersive VR/AR headset that will allow players to “play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatarand more,” powered by Epic Games' Unreal Engine and coming “soon.”
Disney's Unreal Engine Story
Disney is very familiar with its powerful game engine, using it in theme park attractions and in movies and video games. Some of Disney's IP from Star WarsMarvel Studios and Tron are already in Fortnite.
The news that Epic Games has secured a $1.5 billion investment comes after massive layoffs in the video game industry. Epic Games laid off 630 workers, about 16% of its workforce, in September 2023.
The investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
You can see the reactions to the announcement in the gallery below.