The creative engine behind Fortnite is about to get a lot more powerful. Starting today, Epic Games is giving its community of developers the official tools to build their own Star Wars games and experiences within Fortnite. These player-made worlds can be published for everyone to play starting May 1st.

This move is the latest step in a partnership solidified by Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic in 2024. Since launching the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), Epic has gradually added major brands like Lego. But the demand for Star Wars was immediate. "Since day one, every creator was asking, 'When are we getting Star Wars?'" said Andre Balta, Epic's senior director of ecosystem growth.

The collaboration leverages a seven-year history of Star Wars crossovers in Fortnite. Disney provided a vast library of assets, from Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to X-wings and lightsabers. Creators must follow brand guidelines and agree to share 20% of their revenue from these experiences with Disney.

The larger, ambitious "persistent universe" jointly announced by Disney and Epic in 2024 remains in development. Balta confirmed Star Wars is just the beginning, with more Disney franchises slated to reach creators' hands.

The announcement coincides with a significant week for Fortnite: a new battle royale season featuring Looney Tunes, the global return of the game on Android, and a price increase for the in-game V-Bucks currency, which Epic attributes to rising operational costs.

Source: The Verge