Disney and Epic Cooperate for "Simpsons" Month in "Fortnite"

November is “Simpsons” month in “Fortnite”: Epic Games and Disney are cooperating for an ambitious crossover event between the online shooter and the animated series. The promo event includes a Springfield map for 80 players in “Fortnite” and a total of four “The Simpsons” short videos, which are scheduled to be broadcast on Disney+ throughout the month.

Within “Fortnite,” players can play on a Springfield map that is set to change multiple times throughout the month. Additionally, several skins from the “The Simpsons” universe can be unlocked via the Battle Pass. Several items inspired by the cult animated series can also be purchased in the shop.

The cooperation also results in four new “Simpsons” short videos—for those who haven't had enough after nearly 37 seasons—and numerous specials. All short videos are intended to have references to the “Fortnite” event. One episode has already been released: it's called “Apocalypse D'oh,” runs for about five minutes, and has also been dubbed into German. Three more videos are scheduled to be released this month, which can be watched both in “Fortnite” and on Disney+, Disney's streaming service.

Marvel, Star Wars, and Lego in “Fortnite”

“Simpsons” rights holder Disney and “Fortnite” developer Epic Games have cooperated several times before: costumes of Marvel superheroes and large-scale “Star Wars” events have already emerged from their collaboration. Last year, Disney announced that it would invest 1.5 billion US dollars in Epic Games to jointly create a “universe of games and entertainment.”

Epic Games has also entered into a similar agreement with Lego. The Danish company invested one billion US dollars in Epic to jointly build a “Lego metaverse.” One result of this partnership is the survival game “Lego Fortnite.” Established brands are thus leveraging the popularity of the online shooter to reach a young and exceptionally large audience for their products.

(dahe)