During Disney’s Q1 FY24 Earnings Call, it was revealed that Disney has acquired a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games, marking a significant partnership to develop an expansive, open, and interactive universe within Fortnite. This collaboration aims to integrate beloved characters and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more into the Fortnite experience, allowing fans to play, watch, shop, and engage in new ways.

Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “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.” He emphasized the opportunities for growth and expansion presented by this venture, marking Disney’s largest foray into the gaming world to date.

Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder of Epic Games, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Disney and Epic Games,
noting Disney’s early recognition of the potential for merging their worlds within Fortnite. Sweeney expressed excitement about the development of a persistent, open, and interoperable ecosystem that will unite the Disney and Fortnite communities in innovative ways.

While specific details about the project and its release date were not provided, it is described as a multi-year endeavor building upon previous collaborations between Disney and Epic Games within Fortnite.
Past initiatives include the integration of Marvel and Star Wars skins,
as well as immersive live events such as the Marvel Nexus War with Galactus, which attracted 15.3 million concurrent players.

The partnership between Disney and Epic Games signifies a significant step forward in the evolution of interactive entertainment, promising a dynamic fusion of storytelling, gameplay, and fandom within the Fortnite universe.