Epic set to release Arc Raiders-like extraction shooter with Disney characters by the end of the year
Epic Games is developing an extraction shooter game featuring Disney characters, expected to launch before the end of 2026. According to Bloomberg reports, the title will follow the gameplay formula of Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders, where players battle enemies while attempting to reach an extraction point.
This project represents the first game to emerge from Disney’s significant investment in Epic Games. The Walt Disney Company acquired a $1.5 billion stake in Epic back in 2024, signaling a strategic partnership between the entertainment giant and the Fortnite developer.
However, the project faces internal skepticism. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, internal reviewers have expressed concerns that the game’s mechanics lack originality. Despite these reservations, some Epic employees remain optimistic that the studio can refine and perfect the gameplay before the intended launch date.
This announcement comes at a challenging time for Epic Games, which recently conducted major layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees. The company cited both industry-wide challenges and issues specific to Epic as reasons for the restructuring. These layoffs have also led to the shutdown of multiple Fortnite-related game modes, indicating a broader strategic shift at the company.
The Disney extraction shooter project may serve as a crucial test case for Epic’s ability to launch successful new IP beyond Fortnite, while also validating Disney’s investment in the gaming division. The game’s reception could significantly impact both companies’ gaming strategies moving forward.