Despite the declining use of the term “metaverse”, the development of an interconnected avatar-driven virtual world has continued.
The metaverse, positioned between the hype eras of NFTs and AI, is still being constructed, despite the change in terminology. Notably, Epic Games and Disney are shaping an “entertainment universe” together. This collaboration will utilize Epic’s technology and Fortnite’s social gaming ecosystem to bring Disney characters to life within a virtual world. Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic further solidifies their partnership.
The evolution of Fortnite from a mere battle royale game to a multi-genre platform, with recent in-game releases and expansions, showcases Epic’s grand ambitions for the future. The surprising partnership with Disney signifies a significant expansion of Fortnite’s capabilities.
Disney’s Strategic Position
Disney’s partnership with Epic represents a strategic move. Leveraging Epic’s advanced multiplayer gaming technology, Disney can integrate seamlessly with Fortnite’s existing player base of 100 million monthly users.
Furthermore, the collaboration with Disney will enable Fortnite to expand its appeal, especially to a broader demographic, including women and families seeking family-friendly gaming options. Disney’s vast archive of characters can provide a wealth of opportunities for both companies.
The State of the Metaverse
While Meta (formerly Facebook) focused on VR hardware, companies like Epic, Roblox, and Mojang were developing immersive avatar-driven virtual worlds that are hardware agnostic. These worlds have proven to be extremely popular, with people enjoying and expressing themselves in these environments without the need for VR headsets.
Epic’s success has been attributed to its positioning of Fortnite as a platform rather than just a game, hosting user-generated content that keeps players engaged and generates revenue. With its high-quality graphics and partnerships with diverse entities such as Lego and Disney, Epic is well-positioned in the evolving landscape of virtual worlds.
