Disney Dampens Talk Of Buying Fortnite Maker Epic Games
A Disney executive addressed the long-running rumor that the company could snap up Epic Games, pointing to its existing stake and partnership instead.
Disney has responded to the persistent rumor that it could buy Epic Games, the studio behind Fortnite. At Bloomberg's Screentime event, Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden was asked whether the relationship between the two companies could grow into a full acquisition. She said those are not the conversations Disney is having right now, adding that the pair still have what she called a great partnership. Disney had already invested more than $1.5 billion in Epic for an equity stake, a deal presented as a way to combine Disney's brands and franchises with Fortnite in a new games and entertainment universe.
Walden said more results from that partnership are on the way, pointing to a number of launches over the next two years she expects will show its value. The two sides have already brought Disney content into Fortnite, including tie-ins with Disney's real-world parks. Kevin Mayer, a former Disney and TikTok executive who runs Candle Media, suggested that new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro will need bold steps to grow revenue and the stock price, possibly including buying Epic or another studio. Reporter Alex Heath says some senior Disney figures want to buy Epic and are waiting for the right moment, while others at the company believe it would be a bad idea.
Tags
- fortnite
- business
- dlc
Sources
Where this story ran: 2 outlets on 2 October 2026. The summary above is written by GamersGuild; the links go to the original reports.
Games in this post
Fortnite
Fortnite is Epic Games' free-to-play online game, listed on the Epic Games Store with a release date of July 21, 2017. It holds several modes under one client: the 100-player Battle Royale, Zero Build, Fortnite OG, Reload, Festival, Rocket Racing, LEGO Fortnite and the co-op Save the World campaign. Battle Royale and Creative require no purchase; Save the World's campaign is unlocked through in-app purchases.