Thursday, February 8th 2024
Disney Acquiring $1.5 Billion Stake in Epic Games, Multi-year Collab Project Teased
The Walt Disney Company has announced a new collaborative venture with Epic Games—yesterday's press release outlined the creation of an upcoming "all-new games and entertainment universe that will further expand the reach of beloved Disney stories and experiences." Epic's Fortnite appears to be the first port of call for an expanded roster of Disney-owned characters and locales (perhaps for seasonal and time limited events)—new interactive projects will emerge at later time: "(our) 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. This will all be powered by Unreal Engine." Additionally, the press briefing mentions a big money transaction: "Disney will also invest $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games alongside the multi-year project. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals."
The Walt Disney Company's Chief Executive Officer—Robert A. Iger—stated: "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, Epic Games CEO and Founder also chipped in with: "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." Disney's introductory piece includes a teaser image that shows an overhead perspective of a Fortnite-esque digital theme park—several circular floating islands are dotted with well known franchise graphics and company logos. A 43-second video montage also presents similar content, with the narrated message: "Discover a place where magic is Epic." Fortnite is listed alongside Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Disney IPs.
Sources:
The Walt Disney Company, Polygon, Eurogamer
The Walt Disney Company's Chief Executive Officer—Robert A. Iger—stated: "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, Epic Games CEO and Founder also chipped in with: "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." Disney's introductory piece includes a teaser image that shows an overhead perspective of a Fortnite-esque digital theme park—several circular floating islands are dotted with well known franchise graphics and company logos. A 43-second video montage also presents similar content, with the narrated message: "Discover a place where magic is Epic." Fortnite is listed alongside Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Disney IPs.
41 Comments on Disney Acquiring $1.5 Billion Stake in Epic Games, Multi-year Collab Project Teased
I really want to be wrong but I suspect no good things will come of this. History is repeating itself and the industry keeps failing to learn from its mistakes.
And make NO mistake about it, this so-called "investment" is just a mildly-disguised precursor to an actual, complete takeover of Epic....and then we will all be cryin :(
As for the history thing, well....the big G said it best ~80 years ago....
"History teaches us that history teaches us NOTHING" - General George S. Patton
So government should do x or y? Disney has gotten giant because of regulators looking the other way over the last 20-50yrs. Same can be said for a lot of the giant conglomerates. Government can be bought and paid, especially if the right leaders are installed. So you cannot trust government to regulate properly unless you have a system in place and the right people involved to make sure laws are enforced. Then a public always made aware they exist and why. Education defeats totalitarianism and corruption. When it is corrupted, the government and the corporations can do whatever they want as long as the masses are well distracted.
disneyanimation.com/open-source/
disneyanimation.com/publications/?
In video games though ? Kingdom hearts is the only substantial thing that I can think of, and I have no doubt that their collab with Epic is targeted at die hard fans of their franchise. I don't expect nothing too crazy to came out of this
I assume this sake is done so they don't have to pay for unreal engine usage in TV shows and movies with that seamless background screen. Cheaper in the long run.
I did NOT like the financial report as it was hiding the usual facts such as LOSS of subscribers etc which was made up with increases in prices on just about everything they sell.
At this moment everything Disney touches by Iger is destroyed.
Anyway, I agree with the majority of comments. This is probably as bad as can be. Looking forward to games etc tailored towards "modern audiences".