Disney and Epic Games have announced an exciting collaboration that will bring Disney brands and characters into the popular game franchise, Fortnite. The details of this partnership were unveiled during the Disney Experiences Showcase presentation at the D23 fan gathering in Anaheim, California. Disney’s parks and products chief, Josh D’Amaro, along with leaders from Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, shared some of the early plans for this collaboration, which includes building new games and entertainment universes tied to Fortnite.
One of the first exciting announcements made during the presentation was the inclusion of Marvel characters Doctor Doom and the Fantastic Four in Fortnite’s Battle Royale Chapter 5, Season 4: Absolute Doom. This collaboration will allow fans to pick up clues and hints about upcoming Marvel films featuring these characters, connecting the game to Marvel storytelling in a deeper way than before.
Marvel Studios‘ president, Kevin Feige, revealed that Chapter 5 marks the conclusion of Battle Royale and teased a new Marvel-themed season with a cinematic and gameplay trailer premiere. This new season will offer players from around the world the opportunity to continue the Fortnite and Marvel story with new gameplay and locations to explore.
The D23 presentation also marked a significant moment for Disney, as it was the first time the company livestreamed a ticketed fan event within Fortnite. This interactive social watch party allowed players to engage with the showcase through cheers, mini-games, and visual effects. The event showcased the possibilities of the partnership between Disney and Epic Games, highlighting the immersive experiences that can be created using Unreal Editor for Fortnite.
This collaboration between Disney and Epic Games is a result of Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, announced earlier this year by Disney CEO Bob Iger. The partnership aims to bring beloved Disney characters into the world of Fortnite, starting with three iconic Disney villains: Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Captain Hook. Additionally, Pixar’s Incredibles will make their debut in Fortnite later this year, with plans for Pixar animators to explore new ideas in different formats.
Lucasfilm will also join the collaboration by introducing Star Wars characters IG-11 and Moff Gideon, along with new items for sale, including an all-new Grogu dynamic Back Bling. The Unreal tech used in Fortnite will help bring the universe of Lucasfilm’s hit series, „The Mandalorian,“ to life, with plans to allow fans to walk through sets from the show within the game.
Overall, the Disney and Epic Games partnership promises a Disney universe within Fortnite that will offer a multitude of opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop, and engage with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more. This strategic move by Disney reflects the company’s commitment to reaching a younger audience that spends a significant amount of time on video games, making it essential for Disney to be present in this space in a compelling way.
The D23 event showcased the exciting future of this collaboration, with more announcements and surprises to come. As the partnership continues to evolve, fans can look forward to experiencing their favorite Disney characters and stories in new and innovative ways within the world of Fortnite.