Disney eyes epic games acquisition amid fortnite slump

Disney executives reportedly want to fully buy Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, waiting for the right moment to make a bid following a $1.5 billion investment. Despite a rough year with 1,000 layoffs, Fortnite remains a significant money-maker.

Epic's indie status in question

Veteran tech reporter Alex Heath claims senior Disney executives are keen on an acquisition, with some seeing it as a natural fit due to the company's existing investments in the game, including character skins and a long-awaited Disney-themed mode.

Epic's founder Tim Sweeney has full control as a founder-controlled company, but any decision would ultimately be up to him. The company has been battling legal battles with Apple and Google and has been bankrolling its own game store.

Disney's new CEO Josh D'Amaro, who has previously backed the company's Fortnite investment, is expected to make a big impact in his first year and could see Epic or another gaming asset as a valuable addition to Disney's portfolio.

However, Fortnite has faced challenges with declining engagement and interest in new modes, and its future remains uncertain despite upcoming launch plans.