Extraction shooters may be poised to become the next major wave in video games, as industry insiders suggest Epic Games is developing a title in the vein of the successful monster-slaying game ARC Raiders. This new project is rumored to feature playable Disney characters.
The report originates from Bloomberg and indicates a potential release as early as November 2026. This venture could represent a significant comeback for Epic Games, following recent layoffs and the discontinuation of certain Fortnite game modes. The company is reportedly pinning significant hopes on this Disney collaboration and other upcoming projects with the iconic entertainment company.
According to the report, internal reactions to the extraction shooter concept have been mixed, with criticism focusing on a perceived lack of originality in its gameplay mechanics. However, there’s optimism that Epic’s extensive experience in multiplayer gaming will allow them to refine the formula before its launch.
This Disney-themed game is just one of at least two titles expected to emerge from the partnership between Epic Games and Disney. This collaboration was solidified two years ago when Disney provided Epic with a substantial $1.5 billion investment.
Both Disney and Epic Games have responded to the Bloomberg report. A Disney spokesperson stated, “We remain focused on our long-term collaboration with Epic, which continues to gain strong momentum, and our work to build a transformative universe of games and entertainment remains unchanged.”
Liz Markman, Epic’s Senior Director of Global Communications, offered a different perspective, asserting that the Bloomberg report “does not reflect the ambitions of the collaboration with Disney. We are building a new universe of Disney games and entertainment experiences. Epic’s timelines are aggressive and always have been. We have strongly shifted developers to projects with upcoming releases, while smaller prototyping teams are working on more distant projects.”
Should the rumored release date of November 2026 for this “Disney ARC Raiders” title hold true, an official announcement or reveal is expected in the near future. Stay tuned for further updates.