In a major twist and turn of events this month, Disney has moved its entire gaming division under its core entertainment umbrella. This now puts games on the same playing field as the company's massive TV and Film projects.
Sean Shoptaw, Disney’s man in charge when it comes to gaming, says that the industry is shifting in a way we have never seen before and is in the middle of a “massive disruption.” Due to this fact, Disney will be pivoting their focuses to remain ahead of that curve.
Disney won’t just be looking to sell you a $70 title either; they are going to be focusing on building “social platforms” where Disney fans can hang out, create at their leisure, and even shop for their favorite products.
A 1.5 Billion Dollar Gamble on the Metaverse
The major focal point in Disney’s latest strategy is the massive investment in Epic Games. While most gamers know Fortnite for its legendary dances that turn into TikTok memes and skins that give major FOMO, Disney sees it as a “persistent universe”.
Shoptaw recently highlights the success of The Simpsons and Star Wars collaborations as proof that fans really want immersive experiences within the Fortnite universe, not just a digital rendition of their favorite show or movie.
By placing the gaming section under the same leadership as Marvel and Star Wars content, Disney is showcasing that future stories might not just begin on the big screen, but that they may start within a game. The “always on” approach is designed to capture new and old generations of Disney fans alike, who spend more time in digital worlds and streaming services than they do in a movie theater.
There is one small issue here, and that is it that Epic Games recently laid off 1,000 staff members due to Fortnite slowly declining and financial hardship. Only time will tell if this will influence Disney’s decision or if it will help Epic get back into the positive.
Why This Matters for the Future of Marvel and Star Wars
Disney seems to be sticking to their partnership model, meaning that they are not just trying to build these games as standalone titles. The company will continue to hand over the biggest characters to developers like Insomniac and Respawn, creating stories that can stand on their own merit.
With the Nintendo Switch 2’s one year anniversary coming up, the return of Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Champions, and Disney’s push for a more connected universe in terms of games and movies, 2026 might be shaping up to be a gaming landscape reset.
