Epic Games is preparing a Disney-themed shooter for a November release—a project that will either pull the company out of its financial hole or become the strangest crossover of the decade. Disney’s $1.5 billion (approximately 120 billion rubles) investment from two years ago is finally taking shape—and it’s an Extraction game starring Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh. It sounds outlandish. But Epic simply can’t afford to fail.
Two years ago, Disney invested a whopping $1.5 billion in Epic Games—a sum that was destined to turn into something spectacular. The first result of the deal, according to Bloomberg, will be an Extraction shooter scheduled for November of this year. And that’s just the beginning—at least two more joint projects will follow. However, the reaction within Epic Games to this venture has been far from enthusiastic.
Bloomberg insiders describe the mood among some employees as “lukewarm.” Some openly doubt the originality of the mechanics, claiming that slapping Disney character skins on a standard looter shooter isn’t the most brilliant idea. Epic’s official position, voiced by spokesperson Liz Markman, is predictably different: “We’re creating a new gaming and entertainment universe based on the Disney experience.” What exactly lies behind this vague statement remains a mystery.
What’s interesting is that the second project under the partnership has also reportedly received a lukewarm response within the company. It seems internal skepticism is growing. This is happening despite Epic’s current financial position being difficult to call sustainable—engagement in Fortnite is declining, and there are no new sources of revenue other than the store and the engine.
Betting on the Disney brand is both obvious and risky. On the one hand, the license provides instant access to an army of fans, but on the other, Disney’s audience may not be receptive to the brutal gameplay of an extraction shooter. Will Goofy and Winnie the Pooh look natural with machine guns in their paws? We’ll find out in November 2026.
