Epic Games

Epic Games is the prototype for the metaverse.

Epic Games is a video game, software development and publishing company that has remained private for over 30 years.

Why do we own it?

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, is building an open digital entertainment world. It provides developers the tools to create new games and gives users access to other developers’ games. Culturally, this approach stands out. Traditionally, gaming developers have sought to ‘own’ gamers by putting up virtual walls that prevent cross-play onto other platforms. Instead, Epic is pursuing the vision for anyone to play any game with whoever they want, on whatever platform they want – and in so doing, expanding the global gaming universe.

Epic is also the developer of the Unreal Engine, the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D creation tool. It is continuously evolving to serve not only its original purpose as a state-of-the-art gaming engine. It also gives creators across various industries, from architecture to live music, the freedom and control to deliver cutting-edge content and immersive virtual worlds.

Finally, the Epic Store has been designed with both gamers and creators in mind. It has created a virtuous cycle by providing great games for gamers, and fairer deals with improved take-rates for developers, meaning up-and-coming developers can build the bigger and better games of the future.

Who is key?

Founder Tim Sweeney is an original thinker and has set Epic on a path different from the rest of the gaming industry. The company’s strategic direction is what it is only because of Sweeney’s view of the gaming world, his belief in where it should go, and the role he sees for Epic Games in this space.

 

First bought

in June 2020.

What's special is the potential for all the business lines to come together to be worth more than the sum of their parts.

 

The company showcased on this page is part of a diversified portfolio. The commentary should not be taken as advice on an individual stock.

Image Credit - © Wachiwit/Shutterstock

Close up of Fortnite being played on a Nintendo Switch.

Investment trusts are UK public companies and are not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may not get back the amount invested and please bear in mind that past performance is not a guide to future performance.