Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has outlined ambitious plans for the company's future, including developing Unreal Engine 6 as part of broader metaverse initiatives.
Epic's Fortnite Metaverse Vision Combined With Unreal Engine 6 Development
Sweeney Envisions Connected Virtual Worlds With Shared Economy
In a recent interview with The Verge, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney disclosed details about creating an interoperable metaverse that would leverage assets from major Unreal Engine-powered games like Fortnite and Roblox.
Sweeney stated Epic currently has sufficient funding to realize these plans throughout the 2020s. "We're strategically positioned financially within the industry and can scale investments according to market conditions," he explained. "This positions us perfectly to achieve all our objectives this decade."
The company's roadmap includes integrating high-end Unreal Engine tools with Fortnite's editor, essentially creating Unreal Engine 6 over several years. Sweeney noted: "The true potential emerges when we combine our advanced engine capabilities with Fortnite's accessibility tools - that ultimate fusion will become Unreal Engine 6."
Sweeney described Unreal Engine 6 as enabling developers to "build applications once and deploy universally", facilitating interoperable content sharing between virtual worlds.
"We're collaborating with Disney to create interconnected ecosystems," Sweeney continued. "Unreal Engine 6 will provide the foundation enabling this connectivity across all developer tiers."
While discussions haven't begun with Roblox or Microsoft's Minecraft, Sweeney indicated these would occur progressively. He emphasized players increasingly prefer persistent gaming experiences with lasting digital ownership.
"An interconnected economy enhances player confidence in digital purchases," Sweeney explained regarding the revenue-sharing model. "Players want assurance their investments remain valuable across platforms."
Epic EVP Saxs Persson reinforced this vision: "There's tremendous potential enabling seamless transitions between Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite. Such interconnectivity would benefit players and allow superior ecosystems to thrive."
"We're expanding successful Fortnite concepts, not inventing entirely new paradigms," Persson clarified during earlier interviews about practical implementation.
Persson concluded: "More choices and social connectivity increase engagement - it's straightforward." Sweeney added: "Gaming's diverse ecosystem prevents any single company's dominance, contrasting with smartphone market consolidation."
