Epic is reportedly developing an Arc Raiders-like extraction shooter featuring Disney characters
Despite reports of Epic Games firing over 1,000 employees due to a downturn in Fortnite engagement and revenue miscalculations, the game studio still plans to make good on its $1.5 billion deal with Disney to create a new money-printing game using the legendary studio’s IP. On Friday, Bloomberg reported that Epic is developing an online shooter starring unspecified characters from Disney’s extensive cast. All signs point to the project being an Arc Raiders-like extraction shooter with Disney characters working together to defeat enemies and reach an extraction point.
What are playtesters saying about the game?
Bloomberg says internal playtesters think the gameplay is unoriginal, but was anyone expecting more? Several Disney characters are already playable in Epic Games’ Fortnite, such as Maleficent, Captain Hook, and Cruella, as well as beloved favorites from Pirates of the Caribbean, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. The report indicates that the game could be ready for launch as early as November.
Is Bloomberg’s reporting accurate?
Epic’s global comms director, Liz Markman, said Bloomberg’s reporting was “not reflective of the ambitions of the Disney collaboration.” She added, “We are building a new games and entertainment universe of Disney experiences.” A spokesperson for Disney said the company was still “focused” on its “long-term collaboration with Epic” and that its plans to build a “transformational games and entertainment universe” remain “unchanged.”
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!
Speaking as someone who has nearly 700 hours in Fortnite, I’m game for this collaboration. Rumblings that the game mechanics are “unoriginal” don’t bother me, as a Disney-themed Arc Raiders-like game would suit me just fine. I understand why players would want more, but at this rate, Disney is more likely to agree to a proven formula than something experimental and risky. This project could be DOA given the recent downturn in Fortnite‘s popularity. The boost from Epic’s Simpsons collaboration only lasted so long. I want better things for Epic, and more importantly, the people who work there. Lightning won’t necessarily strike twice with this Disney collaboration, but I could see the formula working for a while because it’s new. It’s also Disney. The concept of playing a family-friendly extraction shooter in recognizable Disney locales sounds like a lot of fun. Epic could design maps based on Disney theme parks, Wonderland, Neverland, and so much more. While this news is all well and good, a Disney-themed extraction shooter won’t flourish on concept alone. It needs to have the juice. Something to make it unique. There’s still time to figure out what that means. Hopefully, this collaboration succeeds, and Epic can stop firing the game makers while the people who screwed things up in the first place are still sitting pretty at the top of Money Mountain.
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