Epic Games is taking major steps to realize its metaverse vision, as highlighted by CEO Tim Sweeney and EVP Saxs Persson. The company is expanding Fortnite beyond its shooter roots, aiming to build an open, creator-friendly ecosystem.
Unveiling New Tools to Power the Metaverse
At GDC’s State of Unreal, Epic introduced several new technologies supporting its metaverse goals:
- Unreal Editor for Fortnite – Empowering users to create and monetize their content.
- Metahuman Animator – Enhancing character creation.
- Unified 3D Marketplace (Fab) – A cross-platform asset marketplace.
- Creator Economy 2.0 – A revenue-sharing model where 40% of Fortnite’s net earnings go to eligible creators.
The Importance of User-Generated Content
Epic emphasizes the role of user-generated content in shaping its metaverse. The goal is to create an environment where players engage with diverse content while creators are fairly compensated. The monetization model rewards engagement and retention rather than direct item sales, distinguishing it from platforms like Roblox.
Moderation and Ecosystem Quality
To ensure a balanced experience, Epic enforces strict moderation. Content must meet clear quality standards while avoiding intrusive monetization tactics. The company aims to foster creativity without compromising player experience.
Making Game Development Accessible
Epic is making game creation more approachable through its tools:
- Unreal Editor for Fortnite enables young and experienced developers alike to create high-quality content.
- Verse, a new programming language, is designed to streamline metaverse development with scalability in mind.
Commitment to an Open Metaverse
Sweeney envisions an open, interconnected metaverse, avoiding restrictive “walled gardens.” Epic’s goal is to lead in game engines, cloud services, and asset marketplaces, while supporting creators with fair revenue distribution.
Challenges and Industry Opposition
Despite its progress, Epic faces obstacles, particularly from Apple. Sweeney criticizes Apple’s restrictive policies, arguing they threaten the metaverse’s openness. He advocates for antitrust measures to prevent monopolistic control.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Metaverse
Epic believes the metaverse is already taking shape, with millions engaging in virtual spaces. Rather than relying on trends like NFTs or VR, Epic focuses on practical, scalable solutions that work across devices.
Epic’s investment in tools, fair monetization, and an open ecosystem positions it at the forefront of metaverse development, aiming to shape the industry’s future.
