Disney Announces New ‘Fortnite Partnership As It Purchases a $1.5 Billion Stake in Epic Games
The Walt Disney Company is set to conquer one of the last remaining spheres of entrainment that it does not already dominate with today’s announcement that the company is buying a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games.
As part of its foray into gaming, Disney is promising that the new experience will interpolate with Fortnite, and that they will launch a “groundbreaking new games and entertainment universe.”


Disney is launching a gaming universe that will connect with Fortnite. Photo: Epic Games
“This represents probably our biggest foray into the game space ever, which I think is not only timely, but an important step when you look at the demographic trends and look at where Gen Alpha and Gen Z and even Millennials are spending their time in media,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said.


(Charley Gallay / Getty Images for Disney)
“It’s pretty dramatic in terms of the amount of time spent in game. In fact, some demographics are equal to or greater than how people are spending their time on movies and television.”
A Big Shift in Disney’s Gaming Strategy
Prior to today’s announcement, Iger and the Disney board had been loathe to enter the gaming sphere, instead choosing to license their IPs to third parties.
According to Iger, the shift in Disney’s gaming strategy came after Josh D’Amaro and Disney gaming head Sean Shoptaw showed him demographic trends.


Photo: Dr DIsney
“The conclusion I reached was we have to be there and we have to be there as soon as we possibly can in a compelling way,” the CEO said.
The new gaming universe will operate separately from Fortnite but be “completely” interconnected.
As part of the deal, Disney will also acquire a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games. The investment will support the multi-year project.
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