Epic Games plans to let Fortnite skins work in other games with Unreal Engine 6

Epic Games has revealed its next major step toward an interoperable metaverse. With the upcoming Unreal Engine 6, the company plans to enable developers to create games that can utilize a player's Fortnite skins, and also allow developers to build skins that work with Fortnite.

The system is designed to prove the concept and deliver player value by respecting purchases across an interconnected gaming ecosystem, according to Marcus Wassmer, Epic's EVP of development. However, for this to become widespread, developers must implement support in their games—which is not guaranteed. Incentives may be necessary.

Unreal Engine 6 early access is targeted for the end of 2027, with a full release 12-18 months later. Meanwhile, Fortnite is facing difficulties: Epic laid off over 1,000 workers in March due to declining engagement. Despite still having 75 million monthly active users, the company is trying to turn things around with more crossovers and a planned shift to a Roblox-like 'Discover' screen.

A long-announced persistent universe project with Disney, revealed over two years ago, has yet to materialize. Epic is also facing criticism over its use of generative AI. It recently detailed how AI assists in creating Fortnite art and announced an experimental MCP plugin for Unreal Engine. However, developer Poncle said it would review its collaboration with Epic due to the AI news, despite announcing a planned Fortnite crossover with Vampire Survivors.