Disney Invests $1.5 Billion in Epic Games for New Disney Gaming Universe

Disney has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Epic Games, with Disney investing $1.5 billion in the gaming giant. The collaboration will result in a new Disney gaming universe that will integrate Disney's extensive catalog of characters and franchises into Epic's popular game, Fortnite. This initiative is expected to offer players the opportunity to 'play, watch, create, and shop' for digital and physical goods, all within a new expansive and open games and entertainment universe. The scope of the project is said to be massive, involving characters and storylines from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more.  

Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, 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.

The deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is anticipated to take several years to materialize. TThe collaboration is a result of Epic Games' participation in the 2017 Disney Accelerator program, and it is seen as a transformational endeavor in the gaming space.