Fortnite's UEFN Program Gets The Simpsons

Epic Games and Disney have announced that The Simpsons is being added to the Fortnite UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite) program, which means players will be able to create "fully authentic" games based on the iconic animated show. This will include officially licensed characters and settings, allowing creators to bring their own unique visions of Springfield to life. The partnership follows a successful precedent with Star Wars, where UEFN tools allowed developers to craft engaging experiences using the franchise's assets.

What to Expect from The Simpsons in UEFN

With the release of the The Simpsons UEFN tools later this year, fans can expect a wave of creative content from the community. The tools will provide access to a wide range of assets, including characters like Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa, as well as the bustling streets of Springfield. This is a major step for the UEFN program, which has already proven its potential with Star Wars content.

One of the most anticipated projects is a potential remake of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, a 2003 action-adventure game that was widely praised for its gameplay and humor. While no official announcement has been made about a remake, it's almost certain that someone will attempt to recreate the game using the new UEFN tools. Fans have long called for a re-release or remake, and with the accessibility of the tools, that desire might finally be fulfilled.

Disney has been careful with how it manages its intellectual properties in the UEFN program. For Star Wars, the company had several restrictions in place, such as prohibiting the use of assets for political purposes. While no specific limitations have been mentioned for The Simpsons, it's likely that similar guidelines will be in place to ensure the content remains appropriate and in line with Disney's brand.

The popularity of the Fortnite x The Simpsons crossover last year was a strong indicator of the potential for new content. The event reached 80 million unique players, significantly boosting Fortnite's player base and reigniting interest in the show. This success has likely influenced the decision to expand the UEFN program to include The Simpsons.

Disney Digital Entertainment boss Ray Gresko shared his thoughts with Variety, saying, "What we found with the Star Wars IP toolkit is that when you hand developers the assets—the characters, the worlds, the visual language—their passion for the content comes through in the surprising, creative, and engaging experiences they make." He added, "We wanted to see what that looks like with Springfield and we can’t wait to see what creators do with it."

With the The Simpsons UEFN tools now in the works, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation. Whether it's a remake of Hit & Run or something entirely new, one thing is clear—creators are ready to bring the world of The Simpsons to life in exciting and unexpected ways.