Disney buys 5% stake in Epic Games to build ‘entertainment universe connected to Fortnite’

disney buys 5% stake in epic games to build ‘entertainment universe connected to fortnite’

Disney x Epic Games – please consume our product (Picture: Epic Games)

A new ‘persistent universe’ that will ‘interoperate’ with Fortnite is being planned by Disney, that will feature Marvel Star Wars, and Avatar.

Disney has always had a strange attitude towards video games, only occasionally being directly involved and even then always losing interest very quickly, such as with their Disney Infinity franchise from the mid-2010s.

Nowadays, despite owning Lucasfilm Gaming, they just licence all their properties out for others to make games based on them, but while that’s not changing they have also invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games, in order to create an ‘expansive and open games and entertainment universe connected to Fortnite.’

There’s little real clue as to what that means but it seems to be a new metaverse which can also connect to the otherwise separate Fortnite. Basically, the Lego Fortnite concept but on an even grander scale.

According to Disney the ‘persistent universe’ will be built using Epic’s Unreal Engine and will offer a ‘multitude of opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories’ from a variety of Disney IP’.

Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and Pixar are all mentioned by name, with Disney claiming that people 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.’

That begins to sound an awful lot like Roblox crossed with a real-life Disney theme park, with the trailer below giving a hint as to how it’s supposed to look.

disney buys 5% stake in epic games to build ‘entertainment universe connected to fortnite’

Disney x Epic Games – Marvel isn’t new to Fortnite (Picture: Epic Games)

The tagline being ‘Play Watch Create Shop’ is so on the nose it’s almost disturbing, as you imagine the dollar signs rotating in the eye sockets of Disney execs and the words ‘IP’ and ‘content’ being muttered like holy mantras.

There’s no indication of when any of this is going to be ready for the public to enjoy but the trailer says ‘soon(ish)’, whatever that means.

Disney’s investment is about 5% of Epic Games’ $35 billion net worth, so this is a serious investment, not just a vague announcement that’s never going to come to anything.

If you’re wondering why Epic is suddenly making all these major branding deals it’s because back in October things were not going well and Epic was complaining about ‘financial problems’, after having just made 870 job cuts and raising the price of V-bucks.

However, the nostalgia-tinged Season OG went better than expected and just a month later Fortnite was doing better than it ever had. By that time the deals with Lego and Disney, and who knows else, would already have been made though.

It was always Epic’s plan to make Fortnite more than just a battle royale though, and with Disney’s investment it seems that’s exactly what’s happening.

Follow Metro Gaming on Twitter and email us at [email protected]

To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.

For more stories like this, check our Gaming page

disney buys 5% stake in epic games to build ‘entertainment universe connected to fortnite’

GameCentral Newsletter

Sign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they’re seen on the site.

Sign upPrivacy Policy »This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Stay up to date with the latest gaming news, exclusives and insight from our experienced editors. Sign up to Metro.co.uk’s GameCentral newsletter

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Paul Hosford: Helen McEntee's future depends on the streets of Dublin remaining peaceful

Paul Hosford: Helen McEntee’s future depends on the streets of Dublin remaining peaceful The issue of policing in Dublin has been thrown into sharp focus following the horrific stabbing of ... Read more »

Five hospitalised following 'serious' two vehicle road traffic collision

The collision occurred on Monday morning. (stock image) Five people have been hospitalised following a two vehicle road traffic collision on Monday. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the collision, ... Read more »

Challenge: Try to find the hidden cat in a very old building

Challenge: Try to find the hidden cat in a very old building (Photo: Reproduction/Reddit) Only people with advanced observation skills can identify the hidden cat in this very old building. ... Read more »

Man arrested following suspected cocaine seizure in Galway worth €56,000

A man has been arrested following a seizure of cocaine with a value of €56,000 in Galway on Sunday evening. Gardaí seized the drugs during a search at a residence ... Read more »

Parkinson's Disease Warning Signs: What To Look Out For

generic doctor image Overview A chronic and progressive movement disorder that initially causes tremor in one hand, stiffness or slowing of movement. Symptoms If you or someone you know is ... Read more »

Man caught with over €1M worth of cocaine in van has jail time doubled in appeal

A man who was caught with over €1 million in cocaine in a “sophisticated” operation where the drugs were hidden in a modified compartment in his van has had his ... Read more »

Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd announces he will stand down after the next General Election

File image of Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd. FINE GAEL TD Fergus O’Dowd has announced that he will stand down at the next General Election. O’Dowd started his political career ... Read more »
Top List in the World