Disney and Epic Games Collaborate to Build Immersive Virtual Universe
Entertainment giant Disney and video game developer Epic Games have partnered to create a new immersive virtual universe that will be connected to Fortnite. In addition, Disney plans to invest $1.5 billion in Epic Games as part of this multiyear project.
Details About the Project
While specific details about the collaboration are limited, Disney has shared some insights into their plans. The upcoming persistent universe will not only provide an exceptional gaming experience and integrate with Fortnite, but it will also allow consumers to engage with beloved Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar characters, stories, and content.
The project will be powered by Unreal Engine, which is Epic Games’ advanced technology.
Disney’s Expansion into Gaming
Last year, Disney discontinued its metaverse division, but with this collaboration, the company is making a significant entry into the gaming world. According to Disney CEO Bob Iger, this venture presents substantial growth opportunities for the company.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed their aim to create an interconnected ecosystem that brings together the Disney and Fortnite communities.
Record Loss for Meta’s Reality Labs
In related news, Meta subsidiary Reality Labs, which focuses on metaverse development, reported an operating loss of over $4.6 billion in Q4 of 2023. While generating nearly $1.1 billion in revenue during that period.
The Outlook on the Metaverse
The metaverse has been a topic of debate in the tech industry. Some leaders like Bill Gates have expressed skepticism. Several major supporters of the metaverse concept have scaled back their ambitions recently.
For example, Microsoft discontinued its Industrial Metaverse Core team and laid off about 100 employees working on the project.
Hot Take: Disney’s Major Entry into Gaming
Disney’s collaboration with Epic Games to create an immersive virtual universe tied to Fortnite marks a significant move for the entertainment giant into the gaming world. This venture not only offers growth opportunities but also allows consumers to engage with their favorite Disney characters and stories in a new and interactive way. While the metaverse concept faces skepticism, this collaboration demonstrates the continued interest in exploring its potential. It will be interesting to see how Disney and Epic Games bring their worlds together and create a unique experience for gamers and fans alike.
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