Overview

• Disney invested $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games and back the creation of a persistent Disney universe inside Fortnite.
• The initiative, internally codenamed “Bulldog,” is overseen by Disney parks chief Josh D’Amaro and targets a Fall 2026 release after reaching a stable build in early 2025.
• Reports have cited Epic insiders frustrated by sign-off requirements across multiple Disney divisions and by legal uncertainties over fan-generated content.
• Tim Sweeney publicly rejected anonymous claims of sluggish approvals as “BS,” highlighting rapid progress on AI elements like the Darth Vader NPC.
• Key challenges remain around user-created IP rights and AI content oversight even as both companies push toward their shared virtual universe goal.