The tech world held its breath recently when gaming giant Epic Games announced that it had filed a lawsuit against Apple and Google. The dispute came after the two tech giants removed Fortnite from their app stores, because Epic Games had added its own payment system to bypass paying the companies their standard commission fees. The timing of this publicity stunt was also notable for another reason – it came shortly after the multi-billionaire Elon Musk expressed interest in buying Fortnite himself.
In July of this year, Elon Musk took to Twitter to post a lighthearted but pressing message asking if anyone was selling Fortnite. The billionaire explained that he wanted to save the game from its imminent extinction due to its removal from Apple and Google’s marketplaces. Some speculated that this may have been an April Fools’ joke, but it appears that Musk was serious.
Musks’ request was met with approval from many gamers around the world, who saw it as a sign of hope that their beloved battle royale might be saved from ruin. Experts agreed that with Elon’s help, Epic Games would likely stand a better chance against their opponents in court.
However, despite the logic of Musk’s proposal and the popular response, it appears that his plan may have been blocked. Epic Games’ CEO Tim Sweeney publicly stated that he was not in talks with Musk about buying the company, which was seen as a way of putting an end to the speculation.
Some industry experts, who have been watching the situation unfold, believe that it may be too late for Musk to intervene. Others argue that the billionaire could still make a move and seize the opportunity. In either case, the fate of Fortnite remains up in the air, and it remains to be seen who, if anyone, will step up to buy the game.
The Company Behind Fortnite
Fortnite is a battle royale game, which was published and developed by Epic Games, a company that was founded in 1991 and originally established as Potomac Computer Systems Inc. The company was founded by Tim Sweeney, who was a passionate video game and computer geek from a young age. By 1998, Sweeney had gone from a one-man-operation to an established development studio, and his name was known across the video game industry.
Over the years Epic Games went on to create a number of blockbuster hits, including Gears of War, Infinity Blades and Paragon, which helped define and shape the gaming landscape. In 2017, they launched the incredibly popular and successful battle royale Fortnite, which propelled the company even further into the limelight.
Epic Games and Fortnite have since become some of the most powerful brands in the industry, not just winning praise from fans, but bringing considerable wealth to the company and its owners. As of July 2020, the company is valued at over $17 billion, and its star product, Fortnite, has amassed nearly 250 million players.
The popularity of this game was a key factor when it came to eliminating it from the two tech giants’ marketplaces. As such, it is unsurprising that Musk would take an interest in the company, both out of investment potential and as a way to prevent its fate from being sealed by the verdict of the lawsuit.
Elon Musk’s Passion for Gaming
Elon Musk is widely known as a successful entrepreneur, investor, and engineer. He has gone from founding his first company Zip2, at the age of 27, to owning a number of high-profile companies like Tesla and SpaceX. He’s also the founder of The Boring Company, which was created to build an underground tunnel network with the mission of making city-transportation faster and more efficient.
But what many people may not know is that Musk has an interest in gaming. His love for the medium is well-documented, and as a child he spent many hours playing titles like Doom and Wing Commander. He’s also an avid fan of Blizzard’s first-person shooter OverWatch, and has even played the game competitively, often in shared streams from his residence in Los Angeles.
Considering his passion for games, it isn’t too hard to imagine why the prospect of owning Fortnite would be appealing for Musk. However, his desire hasn’t gone unheard. Epic Games rejected his request and now the future for Fortnite is uncertain, as the case continues to unravel.
The Intense Legal Battle Facing Fortnite
Epic Games’ legal battle against Google and Apple is set to take center stage in court in the near future, as Epic Games prepares to make its case. Epic Games have argued that Apple and Google’s decision to remove Fortnite is unlawful and anti-competitive, as it gives them an unfair monopoly over the app market. The tech-giants have refused to budge and have accused Epic Games of bypassing their payment systems without permission. It remains to be seen whether this case will be successful as legal experts say that it is a “David vs. Goliath” type situation.
Epic Games are due to be in court in May 2021, at which point we may get an answer to the legal battle between the company and the two tech-giants. But will we ever a get a conclusion to the Elon Musk episode? Will the tech-billionaire still make an attempt to buy the game? Or will he just follow the news from sidelines? The tech-world waits with bated breath to find out.
The Potential Impact of Elon Musk’s Acquisition
If Elon Musk succeeds in his plan to buy Fortnite, experts believe that the game’s fate and the legal dispute can be sealed. With Musk’s financial backing, Epic Games would have the resources to fight back against Apple and Google. This could also be a boon to the gaming giant, as it would now have access to an investor with deep pockets, who could help it grow even bigger.
Musk’s entry into gaming could also have a positive impact on the overall market. His presence could attract more investors and innovators, as well as bring up the reputation of the gaming industry, which many people see as a less serious form of entertainment. It could also help gaming organizations and developers diversify, as people come to realize that the industry is about more than just making video games.
In addition, his purchase of Fortnite could help promote newer games and even start trends in the industry. Musk is known for setting trends and pushing boundaries, which could benefit the gaming industry if he were to join the fray.
The Challenges of Elon Musk’s Potential Purchase
On the other hand, Elon Musk’s potential purchase of Fortnite also faces many challenges. The most notable of these is that Epic Games has already publicly denied Musk’s overtures, meaning that he will have to work hard to convince the company to change its stance.
The cost of the purchase could also be an issue, as the company could be currently overvalued, and pricing it could complex and uncertain. Musk is also known for taking risks and making bold moves, but this could potentially backfire and be a costly mistake for the billionaire.
The tech and gaming industry is already full of competition and litigation, and it could become even more so if Musk were to purchase Fortnite. This could pose a threat not just to Epic Games, but to many other companies and entities, who could be put at risk if they opted to oppose him.
The Final Verdict on Elon Musk’s Offer
Overall, it appears that Elon Musk has not been successful in buying Fortnite, as Epic Games rejected his offer. Despite this, the multi-billionaire is set to remain involved in the gaming industry, and could potentially have a positive impact on the market if he were to join the fray.
From a business perspective, Musk’s entry into gaming could be huge, as he could potentially use his wealth and influence to help shape the industry as we know it. However, any potential purchase of Fortnite also comes with a number of risks, so it will be interesting to see what decision the billionaire makes in the end.
