Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has outlined ambitious plans for Unreal Engine 6 as part of the company's broader metaverse vision.
Epic's Roblox, Fortnite Metaverse Planned Along With Unreal Engine 6
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney Envisions Connected Metaverse With Shared Economy
Speaking with The Verge, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney disclosed details about their next major initiative: creating an interconnected metaverse leveraging assets from major Unreal Engine-powered titles like Fortnite and Roblox.
Sweeney confirmed Epic's financial readiness to pursue this decade-long vision, stating: "We've secured substantial funding that positions us perfectly to implement these plans gradually throughout this decade while maintaining flexibility to adjust as needed."
The roadmap involves unifying their advanced development tools through what Sweeney describes as essentially merging Unreal Engine with the Unreal Editor for Fortnite into "what will become Unreal Engine 6 over several years." This hybrid platform would combine professional-grade capabilities with user-friendly accessibility.
Sweeney elaborated that Unreal Engine 6 would enable developers to "create content once and deploy it across any platform," establishing foundation technology for a truly interoperable metaverse. Epic has already partnered with Disney to create interconnected ecosystems between Disney properties and Fortnite.
"The goal," Sweeney explained, "is creating technological infrastructure that allows seamless interoperability for all creators — from major studios to individual developers — similar to what we're achieving with Disney." However, discussions haven't yet begun with major players like Roblox and Minecraft's Microsoft.
The executive emphasized player tendencies favoring social gaming experiences and digital ownership: "Players invest more in games they expect to play long-term. An interoperable economy would strengthen trust that digital purchases retain value across different virtual spaces."
Epic EVP Saxs Persson reinforced this vision: "Technologically, nothing prevents creating linkages between Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite. Such connectivity would enhance player experiences while allowing ecosystems to compete naturally."
Persson described the strategy as expanding proven Fortnite concepts: "We're simply amplifying what already works — more social connections and choices lead to longer, more enjoyable play sessions." Sweeney added that unlike mobile platforms, the gaming industry's diversity prevents any single company from establishing total dominance.
