Who Owns Fortnite Now?
Fortnite, the popular battle royale game, has been making waves in the gaming industry since its release in 2017. But have you ever wondered who owns this gaming phenomenon? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Fortnite’s ownership and explore who owns it now.
Early Days
Fortnite was created by Epic Games, a video game development company founded in 1991 by Tim Sweeney. The company’s early successes included the Unreal game engine and the Gears of War series. However, it was Fortnite that truly put Epic Games on the map.
Tencent’s Investment
In 2012, Tencent Holdings, a Chinese conglomerate, invested in Epic Games for an undisclosed amount. At the time, Tencent was looking to expand its presence in the gaming industry, and its investment in Epic Games marked the beginning of a long-term partnership.
Fortnite’s Rise to Fame
Fast forward to 2017, when Fortnite was released as a paid-for early access game for PC, Mac, and consoles. The game’s success was immediate, and it quickly gained a massive following. As the game’s popularity grew, so did its revenue, reaching $5.4 billion in 2018 alone.
Battle for Ownership
In 2018, Tencent Holdings acquired a 48.4% stake in Epic Games, becoming the company’s largest shareholder. This deal valued Epic Games at $15 billion. However, it was not until 2020 that Tencent’s ownership became more formalized.
New Ownership Structure
In September 2020, Epic Games and Tencent Holdings signed a new agreement that consolidated Epic Games’ ownership under Tencent. According to the deal, Tencent now owns 80% of Epic Games, while Tim Sweeney retains a 20% stake. This new ownership structure has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, with many questioning the implications for Epic Games and Fortnite’s future.
Implications of Tencent’s Ownership
So, what does this mean for Fortnite and the gaming industry as a whole?
• Increased scrutiny: With Tencent’s significant stake in Epic Games, the company is now under greater scrutiny from regulatory bodies and governments worldwide.
• Influence over game development: Tencent’s increased ownership may give it more influence over the direction of Fortnite and other Epic Games titles.
• Global expansion: Tencent’s resources and expertise may enable Epic Games to expand its global presence and reach new audiences.
Table: Epic Games’ Ownership Structure
| Owner | Stake |
|---|---|
| Tencent Holdings | 80% |
| Tim Sweeney | 20% |
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about who owns Fortnite now:
Q: Is Tencent the same as Fortnite?
A: No, Tencent Holdings is a separate company from Fortnite. Fortnite is a game developed and published by Epic Games.
Q: Why did Tencent buy a stake in Epic Games?
A: Tencent invested in Epic Games to expand its presence in the gaming industry and tap into the success of Fortnite.
Q: How much did Tencent pay for its stake in Epic Games?
A: The exact amount is undisclosed, but the deal valued Epic Games at $15 billion in 2018.
Q: What is Tim Sweeney’s role in Epic Games?
A: Tim Sweeney is the founder and current CEO of Epic Games.
Q: What does the new ownership structure mean for Fortnite?
A: The new ownership structure means that Tencent now has more control over the direction of Fortnite and other Epic Games titles.
Q: Is Tencent’s ownership a concern for Fortnite fans?
A: Some fans may be concerned about the potential implications of Tencent’s increased ownership, but there is no indication that the game will be significantly changed or affected.
Q: Can Tencent’s ownership affect Epic Games’ independence?
A: It’s possible that Tencent’s increased ownership could impact Epic Games’ independence, but it’s too early to say for certain.
Q: How does this affect Epic Games’ relationships with other companies?
A: The new ownership structure may lead to new partnerships and collaborations with other companies, particularly those within the Tencent ecosystem.
Q: What’s the future of Fortnite with Tencent as a major shareholder?
A: Only time will tell, but with Tencent’s significant resources and expertise, Fortnite is likely to continue to evolve and expand its global reach.
In conclusion, who owns Fortnite now? The answer is a combination of Tencent Holdings and Tim Sweeney, with Tencent holding a majority stake of 80%. While there may be concerns about the implications of this new ownership structure, there is no indication that the game will be significantly changed or affected.