Tim Sweeney, boss of Epic Games, has denied claims printed by The Wall Road Journal of frustration throughout the firm relating to its working relationship with Disney.
Yesterday, a WSJ report provided contemporary element on Fortnite’s mysterious upcoming Disney mode, developed following the latter’s $1.5bn funding in Epic Games. The providing will not launch till “fall 2026 on the earliest,” the report said, with some Epic executives complaining about “the sluggish tempo of the decision-making at Disney, with signoffs wanted from so many various divisions.”
It is this declare that Sweeney has now refuted, through a post on social media that manufacturers the suggestion as “BS.”
“The nameless quote is BS,” Sweeney wrote. “The velocity of Disney and Epic collaborations like Darth Vader has been superior and is round 10x the unusual velocity of media firm dealings on this enterprise. We even offered an announcement to the author of this text saying so, however they selected to not print it.”
Epic Games’ huge Disney collaboration was introduced in February 2024, although particulars on it have remained largely under-wraps. Preliminary idea paintings for the challenge featured a digital Disneyland-style surroundings, with hubs themed round Disney’s predominant manufacturers. Precisely what gamers will do in it, nonetheless, stays to be seen.
WSJ’s report states that the challenge is being overseen inside Disney by Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney parks and resorts, who has visited Sweeney and frolicked climbing with the CEO. One alleged concern across the challenge has been its fan-created parts, with questions raised over who may legally personal a dance that utilises Disney characters.
Epic Games and Disney have solid a deep collaboration in recent times, with Marvel and Star Wars themed seasons, and numerous characters now obtainable as Fortnite skins, now together with a variety from Pixar movies, and even Disney traditional animation, too.
The businesses not too long ago used Fortnite to check an AI-powered Darth Vader, who might chat away with gamers utilizing generative speech. Upon launch, the idea required an pressing repair after followers shortly bought Darth Vader saying issues he should not, although finally greater than 10 million gamers spoke with the Sith Lord.
This week sees Fortnite shift into its subsequent season, which sees its predominant battle royale Island infested with mutant bugs, and extra characters from Halo introduced in to assist. In the meantime, within the recreation’s OG mode, the motion strikes into Fortnite’s well-loved Season 5, which ought to see the looks of Kevin the Dice — although Epic Games is doing enjoyable issues with this re-run’s storyline, so maybe not.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You possibly can attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social