Quick Read
- Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, denies claims that Disney’s decision-making is delaying Fortnite’s Disney Mode.
- The collaboration is part of Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games and aims to create a virtual Disneyland-like experience.
- Sweeney asserts the partnership is moving 10 times faster than typical media collaborations.
- The project, code-named Bulldog, is expected to launch no earlier than Fall 2026.
- Concerns remain about fan-created content and intellectual property rights in the new mode.
The gaming industry was abuzz this week after a Wall Street Journal report claimed that Epic Games’ much-anticipated Disney collaboration for Fortnite has been bogged down by Disney’s sluggish decision-making processes. The report suggested that Epic executives were frustrated by delays, with the project not expected to launch until Fall 2026 at the earliest. However, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has vehemently refuted these claims, calling them “BS” on social media and defending the collaboration’s pace as “10 times faster than the industry norm.”
Tim Sweeney’s Swift Rebuttal
On August 4, 2025, Tim Sweeney took to social media platform X to address the allegations, which were based on anonymous sources cited in the Wall Street Journal. The article claimed that Disney’s multi-layered approval processes were causing significant delays in the development of Fortnite’s new “Disney Mode.” Sweeney responded sharply, stating, “The anonymous quote is BS. The speed of Disney and Epic collaborations like Darth Vader has been awesome and is around 10x the ordinary speed of media company dealings in this business.”
Sweeney also noted that Epic Games had provided a statement to the Wall Street Journal that contradicted the claims, but it was allegedly not included in the report. According to IGN, Sweeney highlighted successful past collaborations, such as integrating Darth Vader and other Disney properties into Fortnite, as examples of the partnership’s efficiency.
The Disney Collaboration: A Bold Vision
Announced in early 2024, the Disney-Epic Games partnership is part of Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, granting the entertainment giant a significant stake in the gaming company. The collaboration aims to create a virtual Disneyland-like experience within Fortnite, incorporating themed hubs based on Disney’s biggest franchises, such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar.
Concept art released at the time depicted an expansive virtual universe where players could explore Disney-inspired worlds. While exact gameplay details remain under wraps, the project has generated significant excitement among fans. According to Insider Gaming, the code-named “Bulldog” project is expected to redefine how entertainment universes are integrated into gaming.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite Sweeney’s reassurances, the Wall Street Journal report touched on some legitimate concerns surrounding the project. One notable issue involves fan-created content within the Disney Mode. Questions have been raised about intellectual property rights, particularly regarding player-created dances or interactions involving Disney characters. These legal complexities could add layers of scrutiny to the project’s development.
Another point of contention is the timeline. While Sweeney did not dispute the claim that the project might not launch until Fall 2026, he focused his rebuttal on the allegations of Disney’s slow decision-making. As CGMagazine noted, Sweeney’s comments suggest that the delay may stem from the project’s ambitious scope rather than any inefficiency on Disney’s part.
A History of Successful Collaborations
The partnership between Epic Games and Disney has already yielded impressive results. Fortnite has hosted numerous Disney-themed events and character integrations, including Marvel and Star Wars seasons, and even AI-powered characters like Darth Vader. These collaborations have been lauded for their innovation and seamless execution, attracting millions of players worldwide.
In one notable example, Fortnite introduced an AI-powered Darth Vader who could interact with players using generative speech. While initial bugs allowed the Sith Lord to say unintended phrases, the feature was quickly fixed and became a massive success, engaging over 10 million players.
As Epic Games and Disney continue to push the boundaries of gaming and entertainment, the industry will be closely watching the development of the Disney Mode. Whether the project meets its ambitious goals or faces further delays, it stands as a testament to the evolving possibilities of cross-industry collaborations.