Tencent Epic Games Navigate Antitrust and Global Fortnite Growth

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Tencent's acquisition of a majority stake in Epic Games in 2012 marked a significant turning point in the gaming industry.

The deal valued Epic Games at around $825 million, a fraction of what it would be worth today.

Fortnite's massive success has been a key driver of Epic Games' growth, with the game generating over $5 billion in revenue in 2020 alone.

The game's global popularity has helped Epic Games expand its reach into new markets, including China, where Tencent's resources have been instrumental in its success.

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Epic Games' Fortunes

Epic Games has raised $1.25 billion as part of a major new investment round, with investors hoping to see similar success to Tencent's investment in 2012.

The company's success can be attributed to the overwhelming popularity of its game "Fortnite", which has netted over $1 billion in revenue from microtransactions since its release last year.

Epic's decision to shift away from big, boxed games and pricey titles has paved the way for massive profits, with the company now valued at nearly $15 billion.

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Side view of ethnic male gamer with hair bun and console controller playing video game on sofa in living room
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Tencent's investment in Epic back in 2012 was a smart move, as it valued the firm at about $825 million, roughly a third of the current valuation.

Epic co-founder Tim Sweeney credited Tencent's money with helping the company make a huge leap without fear of financial constraints.

Epic's strategy to give away its game engine has proven to be a successful one, with the company now giving it away to anyone who wants to use it.

The company's valuation has tripled since the release of "Fortnite", making Tencent's investment look like a very smart move.

Fortnite in China

Tencent has a significant stake in Epic Games, having acquired 48.4% of the company in July 2012 for $330 million.

Tencent is planning a major marketing push for Fortnite in China, reportedly spending $15 million to promote the game to the Chinese player-base.

Tencent will be cracking down on illegal clones of Fortnite, a move that suggests they're serious about protecting their investment.

A dedicated app assistant for Fortnite has been developed by Tencent, which will help players learn about the game while watching videos and live broadcasts.

Fortnite Basics

Credit: youtube.com, FORTNITE FOR ANDROID (TENCENT + EPIC GAMES)

Fortnite is a "sandbox survival game" developed by Epic Games, which can be described as "Minecraft meets Left 4 Dead".

The game involves building defensive positions, known as "forts", and killing players until there's one player left standing.

Fortnite has become extremely popular, with a recent tournament having over 42 million live views.

Tencent, a major Epic shareholder, has invested heavily in Fortnite, reportedly spending $15 million on marketing to the Chinese player-base.

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Alan Donnelly

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Alan Donnelly is a seasoned writer with a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in finance and economics, Alan has established himself as a go-to expert in the field of derivatives, particularly in the realm of interest rate derivatives. Through his in-depth research and analysis, Alan has crafted engaging articles that break down complex financial concepts into accessible and informative content.

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