In a groundbreaking move that promises to redefine the landscape of virtual entertainment, Disney has announced a staggering investment of up to USD 1.5 billion, approximately Rp 23.4 trillion, to acquire stakes in Epic Games. This strategic alliance aims to forge a new virtual realm seamlessly integrated with Fortnite, heralding a paradigm shift in the gaming and entertainment industry.
According to an official statement released on Tuesday (13/2/2024) and reported by detikINET, this new world will offer a plethora of captivating content, ranging from beloved characters and narratives spanning Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and beyond, to immersive gaming experiences, interactive storytelling, and even virtual shopping experiences.
Moreover, Disney revealed that gamers will have the unprecedented ability to craft their own narratives and gameplay experiences within this innovative ecosystem, all powered by the cutting-edge Unreal Engine technology.
"This exciting new partnership with Epic Games will unite Disney's cherished brands and franchises with the immensely popular Fortnite, ushering in a transformative new era of gaming and entertainment," remarked Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company.
Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, expressed enthusiasm about the extraordinary experiences this collaboration could offer to fans in entirely novel ways. He emphasized that Epic Games' technology would enable them to reach gaming enthusiasts through the most relevant means possible.
"This will allow us to unify an extraordinary collection of stories and experiences from across our company for a wide audience in ways we never dreamed possible before," he added.
However, the valuation of Epic Games following Disney's substantial investment remains undisclosed. For those unaware, Tencent, a Chinese technology behemoth, holds a 40% stake in Epic Games, while Sony owns 5%.
"We are collaborating on something truly new to build a resilient, open, and operable ecosystem that will bring together the Disney and Fortnite communities," stated Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, in his remarks.
As Jakarta emerges as a pivotal nexus in this transformative venture, bridging the gap between East and West, the possibilities for immersive storytelling, interactive experiences, and community engagement seem boundless. Disney's bold leap into the virtual realm, alongside Epic Games' technological prowess, foreshadows a future where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur into an awe-inspiring tapestry of digital wonder.
