Disney's epic gamble: buying out fortnite's maker?

Kevin Mayer, the former Disney executive and current CEO of Candle Media, has sparked fresh speculation about Disney acquiring Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, after suggesting the deal would be a 'great addition' to Disney's portfolio.

Disney's esports gamble

Mayer, who played a key role in Disney's gaming push during his time at the company, believes Disney should be more aggressive in the gaming space to boost revenue and value. Buying out Epic Games, with its popular battle royale title Fortnite, could be a strategic move to strengthen Disney's presence in the industry.

Disney and Epic Games have had a close relationship for years, with the latter licensing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars IPs for Fortnite. However, Mayer thinks the partnership should go further, potentially leading to a direct acquisition of Epic Games by Disney.

Disney's interest in Epic Games isn't new, with some executives reportedly keen on the idea, although there's no consensus within the company. Epic Games' Tim Sweeney maintains full control, making any potential sale a complex and uncertain process.