Walt Disney Company’s president and CCO, Dana Walden, has addressed rumors about a potential acquisition of Epic Games, stating that “those are not the conversations we are having right now.” Speaking at Bloomberg’s Screentime event, Walden highlighted ongoing fruitful discussions between Disney and Epic, particularly following Disney’s substantial $1.5 billion investment in Epic in 2024. Both companies are focused on showcasing the value of their partnership through upcoming launches.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney emphasized that Epic would maintain control of its board after the equity investment. The two companies have initiated a significant collaboration aimed at creating a “games and entertainment universe,” which recently resulted in themed gaming experiences based on properties like The Mandalorian. Players can engage with attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run in a unique way that links their Disney and Fortnite identities, offering personalized experiences and rewards.
Since the investment, Disney and Epic have rolled out numerous collaborations featuring characters from various franchises, including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, and multiple updates from Star Wars and Marvel. According to Josh D’Amaro, Disney Experiences chairman, the partnership is set to innovate how Disney stories reach audiences, leveraging Epic’s technology and Fortnite’s expansive ecosystem.
