Disney and Epic Games have announced a collaboration that promises to revolutionize the way fans interact with their favorite characters and franchises. The two entertainment giants are working together to develop a persistent universe that will bring together popular properties from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
The ambitious project aims to create a seamless experience for players, allowing them to move effortlessly between Fortnite and the new Disney universe. Epic Games Executive Vice President Saxs Persson explained, “We see the power of ecosystems interoperating as being really the magic here. From a player perspective, you want to be able to flow between a Fortnite experience, a Disney experience, or any experience really.“
The collaboration builds on the existing relationship between Disney and Epic Games, which has seen numerous Disney-owned characters appear in Fortnite over the years. However, this new venture promises to take things to a whole new level, giving fans unprecedented access to their favorite Disney properties.
One of the key features of this new universe will be its integration into Epic’s existing ecosystem. Players will be able to access the same cosmetic “lockers” and social graphs in both Fortnite and the Disney universe, creating a unified experience. Persson explained, “From a player perspective, it just feels seamless.“
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While the exact details of how this new universe will work are still under wraps, it’s clear that both Disney and Epic Games are fully committed to the project. Disney has invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games as part of this partnership, demonstrating their confidence in the potential of this collaboration.
However, fans shouldn’t expect to see Mickey Mouse brandishing a gun in Fortnite‘s battle royale mode anytime soon. Persson emphasized that brand guidelines will be respected, saying, “Not every outfit will be able to do everything. Brands should be able to enforce the brand guidelines to the degree that they’re comfortable with that brand being associated with particular ratings.“
This approach is consistent with Disney’s diverse portfolio of franchises, which appeal to different age groups and audiences. While Marvel and Star Wars characters have appeared in Fortnite with weapons, other Disney properties may be limited to more family-friendly experiences in the new universe.
The collaboration between Disney and Epic Games represents a significant shift in the entertainment landscape, blending traditional media with interactive gaming experiences. As Persson enthusiastically stated, “This is all of Disney, and this is all-in from both companies to make what every Disney fan has ever wanted.”