Image: Disney and Epic Games
The entertainment world is shifting, and video games are taking center stage. This week, Disney and Epic Games announced a groundbreaking partnership. Disney is investing US$1.5 billion in the gaming giant, and both companies are collaborating on a multi-year project to create an entirely new "games and entertainment universe."
This union signifies a significant moment for entertainment, with two industry titans joining forces. Disney and Epic possess vast repertoires of beloved characters and worlds, setting the stage for exciting possibilities. Imagine exploring the worlds of Disney princesses, venturing further into Kingdom Hearts, or immersing yourself in Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar like never before—all within the context of video games.
The partnership doesn't come out of the blue. Epic's Unreal Engine already powers several Disney titles, including Kingdom Hearts 3 and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Additionally, both companies mentioned Fortnite's success in hosting in-game events. And that includes the 2020 Marvel Nexus Galactus, which gathered 15 million players and demonstrated the potential for immersive experiences.
Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasizes the strategic importance of this move, calling it "Disney's biggest entry ever into the world of video games." He recognizes the growing importance of gaming for younger generations, stating it allows them to meet more consumers where they are and cultivate even deeper bonds with iconic brands like Marvel and Star Wars.
Intriguingly, Iger hints at a potential Disney "megaverse," drawing inspiration from successful licensed properties like Spider-Man games. This vision encompasses parks, streaming services, and even a TikTok-like platform within this interconnected world. He imagines players enjoying Disney-created games, designing their experiences, watching content, and sharing short-form videos.