If you’re a gamer then you’re most likely familiar with Epic Games. The developer has bloomed from crafting Unreal Engine and Fortnite to now running its own digital storefront and launching a ton of other games.
Recently Disney showed its interest in the gaming space by purchasing a stake in Epic Games meaning that the entertainment goliath now has deep ties to Fortnite. But does that mean that Disney owns Epic Games?
Disney’s ownership of Epic Games?
While Disney does own a portion of Epic Games, the mouse does not have complete ownership over the Fortnite developer.
On Feb. 8 Disney invested $1.5 billion, purchasing an equity stake in Epic Games, but while they do now have ownership over the company, it isn’t clear how much. There are several other companies that own portions of Epic Games with the biggest being Chinese tech goliaths Tencent.
Despite not having complete ownership over Epic Games, Disney will still have great influence over the developer’s products, including Fortnite which has already been teased in a video accompanying the news of their equity purchase.
“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,” Disney boss Bob Iger said in an earnings call.
“The new universe will offer a multitude of opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop and engage with content, characters, and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and more. Players, gamers, and fans will be able to create their own stories and experiences, express their fandom in a distinctly Disney way, and share content with each other in ways that they love.”
Basically expect to see a lot more Disney collaborations with Fortnite and Epic Games’ other projects going forward as this partnership grows in the coming years.
