Epic Unveils Metaverse Ambitions for Unreal Engine 6

Epic Games' Ambitious Metaverse Vision: Unreal Engine 6 and Interoperability

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a truly interoperable metaverse, leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 6 and integrating popular game platforms like Fortnite and Roblox. This vision, detailed in an interview with The Verge, hinges on creating a shared marketplace and asset ecosystem across multiple games utilizing the Unreal Engine.

Sweeney emphasized Epic's financial strength as a key enabler of this long-term project, spanning the remainder of the decade. The company's strategy involves merging the capabilities of its high-end Unreal Engine with the user-friendly interface of the Unreal Editor for Fortnite. This fusion, projected to take several years, will form the foundation of Unreal Engine 6.

The resulting Unreal Engine 6 will empower developers, from AAA studios to indie creators, to build games once and deploy them across various platforms. This "build once, deploy anywhere" capability is central to Sweeney's vision of an interoperable metaverse with a shared technology base and content.

A collaborative approach is key. Epic is already partnering with Disney to create an interoperable Disney ecosystem within the Fortnite environment. While discussions with Roblox and Microsoft haven't begun, Sweeney anticipates future collaborations to expand this interoperable metaverse.

A key driver is the increasing player preference for persistent, shared gaming experiences and the willingness to invest in digital assets within trusted, long-term platforms. Sweeney envisions a revenue-sharing model that fosters this trust, ensuring players' investments maintain value across the interconnected metaverse.

Epic EVP Saxs Persson echoed this vision, highlighting the benefits of a federated metaverse connecting platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite. This interconnectedness, Persson argues, enhances player engagement and longevity. The goal, as Sweeney explains, isn't total domination, but rather the creation of a thriving, interconnected ecosystem where the best experiences prevail.

The core principle is simple: increased player choice, extended playtime, and enhanced enjoyment, leading to a more robust and engaging gaming experience for all.