Fortnite and Disney D23: A Groundbreaking Collaboration Between Epic Games and The Walt Disney Company

Disney’s D23, an annual fan event, is a celebration of all things Disney, bringing together fans from around the world to experience the magic of the company’s storytelling and innovation. This year, the event promises to be more expansive and immersive than ever before, with over 230 panels, presentations, and experiences lined up. From Aug. 9-11, the Anaheim Convention Center near Disneyland will be the epicenter of Disney fandom, featuring the largest show floor in D23 history, complete with immersive pavilions from Disney experiences, Pixar, Disney+, and more. For the first time, Avatar will have a full pavilion, and Lucasfilm’s ILM Stagecraft technology will be prominently featured.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s D23 is the unique showcase called ‘Horizons: Disney Experiences,’ which will be streamed exclusively within Fortnite. This collaboration between Disney and Epic Games marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry, as it allows Fortnite players to engage with Disney properties in new and innovative ways. To watch the stream in Fortnite, players need to follow three simple steps, and the livestream will be available on a loop until Aug. 16 for those who miss the live presentation. Players who stay on the island for at least 10 minutes during the event will receive a special cosmetic item called ‘Peelverine Plush Back Bling,’ which may also be sold in the game shop at a later date.

The partnership between Disney and Epic Games was announced in February, with Disney investing $1.5 billion in the company. This collaboration aims to bring a new level of engagement between Fortnite and Disney properties, allowing players to experience the magic of Disney in the virtual world of Fortnite. Disney’s chair of experiences, Josh D’Amaro, will be presenting the Horizons livestream, providing the first glimpse into what this partnership will bring to Fortnite players. The two companies have been relatively quiet about the details of the collaboration until now, but fans are eager to see what surprises are in store.

At the D23 event, Disney and Epic Games revealed plans to integrate Disney brands and characters into the popular game franchise. This collaboration will involve creating new games and entertainment universes tied to Fortnite. During the Disney experiences showcase presentation, Disney’s parks and products chief, Josh D’Amaro, along with leaders from Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, shared some of the early plans for the collaboration. Fan-favorite Marvel characters Doctor Doom and the Fantastic Four will be featured in the storyline for Fortnite’s Chapter 5, Season 4, set to launch on August 16.

The connection to upcoming Marvel films is significant for dedicated fans, as it allows them to continue the Fortnite and Marvel story with new gameplay and locations. During the D23 presentation, fans were treated to a world premiere of a cinematic and gameplay trailer revealing the origins of a new upcoming Marvel-themed season. This was the first time Disney has live-streamed the ticketed fan event, making it a natural fit to showcase their partnership with Epic Games. The live stream was described as an interactive social watch party and will remain available for viewing until August 16.

In addition to Marvel characters, three beloved Disney villains: Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, and Captain Hook, will be the first animated Disney characters to join Fortnite this fall. The Incredibles will also join Fortnite from the Pixar canon later this year. Pixar animators plan to explore original ideas in new formats, adding even more excitement to the collaboration. Lucasfilm will contribute Star Wars characters and items for sale, including ‘all-new Grogu dynamic back bling.’ The creators of ‘The Mandalorian,’ Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, are considering ways to use Fortnite’s technology to bring fans into the show by allowing them to walk through sets brought to life by Unreal.

The D23 event is a highly anticipated occasion, as it announces new projects for Disney’s entire slate of media. This year, the event will also be streamed on Fortnite, bringing together Disney and gaming communities in an unprecedented way. Players will have the opportunity to watch and learn about upcoming crossovers and events featuring beloved Disney characters. The event will take place on a specific island in Fortnite, adding an immersive and interactive element for viewers. Rewards will be given to those who watch the event, adding an exciting incentive for players to tune in.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, was convinced of the need to enter the gaming business after seeing demographic trends showing the time spent by younger generations on video games equal to TV and movies. This collaboration with Epic Games further solidifies Fortnite’s position as a popular gaming platform and expands opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite characters and stories. The D23 live fan event and the Fortnite collaboration are expected to be significant moments for both Fortnite and Disney fans, as they eagerly await the surprises Disney and Epic Games have in store.

The event brings together the best of Disney storytelling and innovation, making it a must-attend for Disney fans. Guests can visit the Walt Disney Archives stage to see artifacts and learn about preserving the company’s history. The event also includes the opportunity to experience the worlds of Disney animation at Disney parks, with exhibits from Frozen, Zootopia, and more. Disney on Broadway will also be celebrated with live demonstrations and the chance to meet artists. Lucasfilm will showcase their ILM Stagecraft technology, which has been used on shows like The Mandalorian.

Fans can also enter the Time Variance Authority and see scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Disney+ pavilion and the Hulu experience will feature themed environments and surprises, plus the chance to collect commemorative pins. Talent Central will host appearances from stars and creative talent, including Daniel Logan from Star Wars and Disney Legend Bill Farmer. There will also be an opportunity to shop for limited-edition and first-to-market merchandise from various Disney brands. Follow DisneyD23 on various social media platforms and use #D23 to stay up to date on the event.

The name ‘D23’ is in honor of Walt Disney’s first studio opening in 1923, and the D23 club offers members special experiences and perks. Guests can join at different membership levels through D23.com. The event brings together the best of Disney storytelling and innovation, making it a must-attend for Disney fans. The countdown is on for the D23 event and the collaboration between Disney and Fortnite. This groundbreaking partnership is expected to bring a new level of engagement and excitement for fans of both franchises, as they come together to celebrate the magic of Disney and the immersive world of Fortnite.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Disney and Epic Games represents a significant milestone in the gaming industry, offering fans a unique opportunity to engage with their favorite Disney properties in the virtual world of Fortnite. The D23 event, with its expansive lineup of experiences and programming, promises to be an unforgettable experience for Disney fans. As the countdown to the event continues, fans eagerly anticipate the surprises and announcements that Disney and Epic Games have in store. Whether it’s through new game modes, character skins, or other cosmetics, this partnership is set to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to the world of Fortnite.