The relationship between Sony and Epic Games is becoming more intense: the Japanese group is investing over 2 billion dollars together with LEGO.
Just a few days ago it was announced that the Danish LEGO Group and Epic Games are working on a “Children’s Metaverse” – a family-friendly online game world, the concept of which is still largely open.
Now follow details of extensive investments in the US Fortnite– and Unreal Engine providers: Accordingly, the Japanese Sony Group and the Kirkbi Holding are investing $1 billion each (around €900 million) in Epic Games – with the aim of taking a leading role in the Metaverse segment.
The PlayStation manufacturer already acquired a 1.4 percent stake in July 2020. The Chinese games world market leader Tencent has controlled the lion’s share of more than 48 percent since 2012. Founder and CEO Tim Sweeney continues to hold the Epic majority.
The valuation of the non-listed games manufacturer thus rises to $31.5 billion – almost €29 billion. To put this in context: the market capitalization of Electronic Arts – one of the world’s largest games publishers – is €32 billion.
KIRKBI is a so-called family office: The holding company of the LEGO owner family, based in Billund, Denmark, holds shares in various properties and companies – above all the trademark rights to LEGO, but also to Merlin Entertainment (Legoland, Heide Park, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeons, SeaLife).
Sony President Kenichiro Yoshida: “We are confident that Epic’s experience – especially with regard to the powerful game engine – combined with Sony technologies will accelerate all our endeavors – both the development of new, digital fan experiences in the field of sports and our virtual productions.”
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney: “If we want to be part of the future of entertainment, we need partners who share our vision. We found these partners in Sony and Kirkbi.”
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