An anonymous reader cites a VentureBeat report. Disney is investing $1.5 billion in equity in Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite and Unreal Engine, as part of a broader partnership to create a new Disney gaming universe. Both companies plan to create a vast and open world of gaming and entertainment. I would say they are building a metaverse if this word wasn't used so much in the later stages that it's unpopular with some people. They didn't actually use that word. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced the investment in an interview with CNBC today. The companies will collaborate on a new world of games and entertainment that further expands the range of beloved Disney stories and experiences. This will be a multi-year project built by Epic Games.
“Parks aren't the only ones creating new opportunities for consumers to engage with the characters and franchises they love,” Iger said on a conference call with analysts. In our new relationship with Epic Games, we are integrating Disney's world-class storytelling into Epic's cultural phenomenon Fortnite, allowing consumers to play, watch, and enjoy both digital and physical products. We're creating a world of transformative games and entertainment that lets you create and shop. This represents Disney's largest ever entry into the world of video games and provides significant opportunities for growth and expansion. A new immersive universe will unleash their own creativity and experience the Disney stories they love in groundbreaking new ways. ”
Iger added, “Younger audiences in particular are big consumers of video games. In fact, among Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Z spend a significant amount of their time playing video games on screen-based platforms. “This new world created by Disney and Epic.” This is a great opportunity to not only meet more consumers where they are, but also allow more viewers to develop a bond with Disney's iconic brands and franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, and more. provides us with. The $1.5 billion transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. In addition to world-class gaming experiences and interoperability with Fortnite, the new Persistent Universe offers consumers the ability to play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. provides numerous opportunities for , Avatar etc. Fortnite teased the partnership in a new video posted to YouTube. You can read the official announcement here.