Epic Games and Disney Collaborate on New Shooter Game

Concerns raised over lack of originality in gameplay mechanics

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of futuristic technology infrastructure, with neon cyan and magenta lights illuminating the various components. The image conceptually represents the fusion of Epic Games' digital expertise and Disney's iconic franchises, hinting at the innovative and visually striking gaming experience to come.The upcoming Epic Games and Disney collaboration aims to blend the digital and physical worlds, creating an immersive gaming experience that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the industry.Norfolk Today

The gaming industry is abuzz with news of Epic Games' upcoming release, a shooter game that draws inspiration from Arc Raiders but with a Disney twist. This collaboration between Epic and Disney aims to create an immersive gaming experience, but concerns have been raised about its originality.

Why it matters

The partnership between Epic Games and Disney is an ambitious one, bringing together two giants in their respective fields. However, internal reviewers have expressed concerns about the lack of originality in the gameplay mechanics, which reportedly mirror those of Embark Studios' successful Arc Raiders. This raises questions about whether Epic will be able to deliver a unique gaming experience that justifies the Disney collaboration.

The details

Epic's senior director of global communications, Liz Markham, emphasized the company's aggressive timelines and the reallocation of resources to speed up production. Markham believes that this approach, while challenging, is necessary to meet the high expectations set by the Disney partnership. The recent mass layoffs at Epic Games, which affected over 1,000 employees including key veterans, have undoubtedly impacted the development process.

  • Epic Games and Disney announced their partnership in 2024.
  • The new shooter game is expected to launch in 2026.

The players

Epic Games

A leading video game company known for the popular Fortnite franchise.

Disney

A multinational entertainment conglomerate that owns popular franchises such as Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar.

Liz Markham

The senior director of global communications at Epic Games.

Embark Studios

A video game development studio that created the successful shooter game Arc Raiders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The partnership between Epic Games and Disney is expected to result in at least two more games, with the second game already receiving mixed internal reviews. This highlights the pressure Epic is under to deliver multiple successful titles as part of this collaboration.

The takeaway

This project is a test of Epic Games' ability to innovate and create a unique gaming experience within the constraints of a well-established franchise. The success of this collaboration will hinge on Epic's ability to strike a harmonious balance between creativity and commercial expectations.