{"id":1876585,"date":"2026-04-10T21:05:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T18:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876585"},"modified":"2026-04-10T21:05:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T18:05:16","slug":"disney-extraction-shooter-reportedly-in-development-at-epic-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876585","title":{"rendered":"Disney Extraction Shooter Reportedly in Development at Epic Games"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-cy=\"article-content\" class=\"jsx-2870106660 article-content page-0\">\n<section data-cy=\"article-subtitle\" class=\"article jsx-3932497636 article-section jsx-28683165 news\" data-autopogo=\"true\">\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/games\/fortnite\"><u>Fortnite<\/u><\/a> developer Epic Games is reportedly working on a new extraction shooter featuring Disney characters that is set to launch later this year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-04-10\/epic-games-pins-fortnite-comeback-on-disney-partnership?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3NTg0NjcwOSwiZXhwIjoxNzc2NDUxNTA5LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUREFKUDFLSVVQU1cwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJGRUIzODlCNUI2ODI0RTY0QjY5MENEODE1RTBDREZGRCJ9.h6cBDcEh8Tu5LgBFeDz9XXDvKXrwqtOWNoYlxwJvx18&amp;leadSource=uverify%20wall\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>Bloomberg<\/u><\/a> report states the currently unnamed spinoff is expected to launch November 2026. It, as well as the other two unnamed titles, is said to be the result of <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/disney-buys-15-billion-stake-in-epic-games-to-create-expansive-universe-within-fortnite\"><u>a $1.5 billion investment Disney made in the gaming giant<\/u><\/a> back in 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2021719738 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">According to the site\u2019s sources, the mystery extraction experience is said to be a shooting game not unlike Embark Studios\u2019 <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/games\/arc-raiders\">Arc Raiders<\/a>, which launched to impressive player numbers and wound up a massive success for the developer late last year. Those familiar with the Disney game say some at Epic are optimistic the project will stick the landing at launch, though internal reviews have expressed concern about unoriginal game mechanics.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Disney has had plenty of its characters crossover to the main Fortnite experience in the years since its investment was announced, with two recent examples seeing <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/videos\/fortnite-official-buzz-lightyear-and-emperor-zurg-reveal-trailer\"><u>Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg joining<\/u><\/a> its enormous roster of skins. Last month, Epic gave players the ability to <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/fortnite-adding-ability-to-create-your-own-star-wars-games-this-week\"><u>create their own experiences based on Star Wars<\/u><\/a>. The game has also featured numerous crossovers with the <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/videos\/8-minutes-of-fortnite-x-avengers-endgame-gameplay\"><u>Marvel universe<\/u><\/a> in the past.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">It\u2019s unclear which characters from Disney\u2019s wide catalog of IP it plans to let loose in a new extraction shooter from Epic. Further details on the two entertainment companies&#8217; continued partnership are even murkier, as Bloomberg reports the plan is to eventually see at least a second and third game materialize in the future. There\u2019s no word on what shape each will take, as the site\u2019s sources paint a picture of average internal reviews for game number two, while resources for game three have been reallocated to the others.<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">Fortnite x Star Wars Watch Party Island Screenshots<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars: Galactic Battle First Order Stormtrooper Fortnite reward.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Asajj Ventress Fortnite loading screen reward.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 7 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 1.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 2.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 3.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 4.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Bloomberg reports Disney was \u201cdisappointed\u201d with the game developer\u2019s progress on the other projects, which drove the decision to shift resources around. Epic senior director of global communications Liz Markman told the site its reporting is \u201cnot reflective of the ambitions of the Disney collaboration,\u201d adding, \u201cWe are building a new games and entertainment universe of Disney experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cEpic\u2019s timelines are aggressive and always have been,\u201d Markman continued. \u201cWe&#8217;ve heavily moved developers onto projects with releases approaching, while smaller prototyping teams are working on further-off projects.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">A representative for Disney also provided the site with a statement, saying that it remains \u201cfocused on our long-term collaboration with Epic which continues to have strong momentum and our work to build a transformational games and entertainment universe remains unchanged.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">News of Disney\u2019s alleged plans with Epic follow the announcement that the Fortnite maker had <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/fortnite-developer-epic-games-lays-off-1000-employees-blaming-downturn-in-engagement\"><u>laid off 1,000 employees<\/u><\/a> just weeks ago. A message shared by the company pointed to a \u201cdownturn in engagement\u201d at the time, while also saying it was \u201cspending significantly more than we&#8217;re making.\u201d A separate <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/FortniteStatus\/status\/2036451164347109440\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>announcement<\/u><\/a> confirmed plans to shutter its Rocket Racing, Ballistic, and Festival Battle Stage experiences in the near future. Remaining employees <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/our-teams-will-have-to-pick-up-the-pieces-fortnites-remaining-staff-say-they-cannot-even-fully-understand-the-mass-layoffs-impact-on-the-game-this-year-and-beyond\"><u>took to social media in the wake of the news<\/u><\/a> to speak about what was next for the team.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2021719738 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">We spoke with industry analysts in the aftermath of the layoffs to <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/fewer-people-playing-fortnite-is-just-one-of-epics-many-problems-analysts-say\"><u>learn more about what may be troubling the studio<\/u><\/a>. Meanwhile, tech reporter Alex Heath shared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=K5yRAF5MWf4\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>The Town<\/u><\/a> podcast late last month that Disney was <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/disney-reportedly-keen-on-buying-fortnite-developer-epic-games-but-waiting-for-right-moment\"><u>allegedly interested in acquiring Epic at some point<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He&#8217;s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-1475529924\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2155806329 adunit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jsx-2155806329 bobble bobble-1 pogocnt pg-article\">\n<div data-mix-name=\"secondaryMedrec\" data-pos=\"1\" data-pogo-hide=\"1\" class=\"jsx-343126785 pogo-slot\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/games\/fortnite\"><u>Fortnite<\/u><\/a> developer Epic Games is reportedly working on a new extraction shooter featuring Disney characters that is set to launch later this year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2026-04-10\/epic-games-pins-fortnite-comeback-on-disney-partnership?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3NTg0NjcwOSwiZXhwIjoxNzc2NDUxNTA5LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUREFKUDFLSVVQU1cwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJGRUIzODlCNUI2ODI0RTY0QjY5MENEODE1RTBDREZGRCJ9.h6cBDcEh8Tu5LgBFeDz9XXDvKXrwqtOWNoYlxwJvx18&amp;leadSource=uverify%20wall\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>Bloomberg<\/u><\/a> report states the currently unnamed spinoff is expected to launch November 2026. It, as well as the other two unnamed titles, is said to be the result of <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/disney-buys-15-billion-stake-in-epic-games-to-create-expansive-universe-within-fortnite\"><u>a $1.5 billion investment Disney made in the gaming giant<\/u><\/a> back in 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2021719738 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">According to the site\u2019s sources, the mystery extraction experience is said to be a shooting game not unlike Embark Studios\u2019 <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/games\/arc-raiders\">Arc Raiders<\/a>, which launched to impressive player numbers and wound up a massive success for the developer late last year. Those familiar with the Disney game say some at Epic are optimistic the project will stick the landing at launch, though internal reviews have expressed concern about unoriginal game mechanics.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Disney has had plenty of its characters crossover to the main Fortnite experience in the years since its investment was announced, with two recent examples seeing <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/videos\/fortnite-official-buzz-lightyear-and-emperor-zurg-reveal-trailer\"><u>Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg joining<\/u><\/a> its enormous roster of skins. Last month, Epic gave players the ability to <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/fortnite-adding-ability-to-create-your-own-star-wars-games-this-week\"><u>create their own experiences based on Star Wars<\/u><\/a>. The game has also featured numerous crossovers with the <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/videos\/8-minutes-of-fortnite-x-avengers-endgame-gameplay\"><u>Marvel universe<\/u><\/a> in the past.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">It\u2019s unclear which characters from Disney\u2019s wide catalog of IP it plans to let loose in a new extraction shooter from Epic. Further details on the two entertainment companies&#8217; continued partnership are even murkier, as Bloomberg reports the plan is to eventually see at least a second and third game materialize in the future. There\u2019s no word on what shape each will take, as the site\u2019s sources paint a picture of average internal reviews for game number two, while resources for game three have been reallocated to the others.<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">Fortnite x Star Wars Watch Party Island Screenshots<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars: Galactic Battle First Order Stormtrooper Fortnite reward.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Asajj Ventress Fortnite loading screen reward.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 7 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 1.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 2.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 3.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Star Wars Watch Party island 4.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Bloomberg reports Disney was \u201cdisappointed\u201d with the game developer\u2019s progress on the other projects, which drove the decision to shift resources around. Epic senior director of global communications Liz Markman told the site its reporting is \u201cnot reflective of the ambitions of the Disney collaboration,\u201d adding, \u201cWe are building a new games and entertainment universe of Disney experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">\u201cEpic\u2019s timelines are aggressive and always have been,\u201d Markman continued. \u201cWe&#8217;ve heavily moved developers onto projects with releases approaching, while smaller prototyping teams are working on further-off projects.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">A representative for Disney also provided the site with a statement, saying that it remains \u201cfocused on our long-term collaboration with Epic which continues to have strong momentum and our work to build a transformational games and entertainment universe remains unchanged.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">News of Disney\u2019s alleged plans with Epic follow the announcement that the Fortnite maker had <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/fortnite-developer-epic-games-lays-off-1000-employees-blaming-downturn-in-engagement\"><u>laid off 1,000 employees<\/u><\/a> just weeks ago. A message shared by the company pointed to a \u201cdownturn in engagement\u201d at the time, while also saying it was \u201cspending significantly more than we&#8217;re making.\u201d A separate <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/FortniteStatus\/status\/2036451164347109440\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>announcement<\/u><\/a> confirmed plans to shutter its Rocket Racing, Ballistic, and Festival Battle Stage experiences in the near future. Remaining employees <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/our-teams-will-have-to-pick-up-the-pieces-fortnites-remaining-staff-say-they-cannot-even-fully-understand-the-mass-layoffs-impact-on-the-game-this-year-and-beyond\"><u>took to social media in the wake of the news<\/u><\/a> to speak about what was next for the team.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2021719738 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">We spoke with industry analysts in the aftermath of the layoffs to <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/fewer-people-playing-fortnite-is-just-one-of-epics-many-problems-analysts-say\"><u>learn more about what may be troubling the studio<\/u><\/a>. Meanwhile, tech reporter Alex Heath shared on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=K5yRAF5MWf4\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>The Town<\/u><\/a> podcast late last month that Disney was <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/disney-reportedly-keen-on-buying-fortnite-developer-epic-games-but-waiting-for-right-moment\"><u>allegedly interested in acquiring Epic at some point<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He&#8217;s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fortnite developer Epic Games is reportedly working on a new extraction shooter featuring Disney characters that is set to launch later this year. A Bloomberg report states the currently unnamed spinoff is expected to launch November 2026. It, as well as the other two unnamed titles, is said to be the result of a $1.5 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,243],"class_list":["post-1876585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-ign-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1876585"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876585\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}