Why Epic Games Took 25 Years to Make Fortnite

Epic Games is such an interesting company. 30 years in the making, it's not really a startup anymore, but I think they are going to have a big impact on technology broadly over the next decade. I didn't even get to mention all the cool things they are doing with virtual production on shows like The Mandalorian. Hoping to do a follow up soon!

KEY SOURCES:

ABOUT JOHN COOGAN:

I've been an entrepreneur for nearly a decade across multiple companies. I've done a lot of work in silicon valley, so that's mostly what I talk about. I've raised over 10 rounds of venture capital totaling over $100m in total funding.

I work mostly in tech-enabled consumer packaged goods, meaning I use software to make the best products possible and then deliver them to the widest possible audience. I'm a big fan of machine learning, python programming, and motion graphics.

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Disclaimer: This video is purely my opinion and should not be regarded as a primary source. I am not a financial advisor and this is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Always do your own due diligence.

[karlduckett]

One thing that is also worth pointing out is that a huge portion of the money generated from Fornite enabled Unreal Engine 5 (released this year) to exceed the capability of other engines (Unity etc). Also, they are releasing assets (textures, models, tutorials) for free at an incredible rate. This will result in more people making their games within the Unreal Ecosystem.

[tobidaada]

There really is never a dull moment in any of your videos. I'm always hooked from start to finish.

[kaychan]

Im shocked you didn't mention anything about Epic Engine being used for movies and TV shows

[ahmedsalman]

John, with the pure quality of these videos, you are destined to make it big. I’m just happy to be here early.

[komivalentine]

In 2017 when I started learning Unreal, I really felt this whole energy inside the community and I am thankful that Unreal exists and I could make a living for the past years using Unreal :)

[Anthrofuturism]

Many success stories are inspiring, but this one is an inspiring story for people like me who want to build something great, not just get rich. Luckily the world often rewards great works financially too, which seems to be true in Tim's story.

[Arran]

Dude, you've got this documentary format down to an art. Engaging and dense from start to finish, awesome 🖖🏻

[DirtyWorka]

This is unreal. I had no idea. Thank you! Absolutely love your videos.

[BraulioCassule]

This episode blew me away! I knew nothing about epic games story. Sharing for everyone to see and be inspired.

[aleksandrgriadovoi]

Wow, I didn't knew these facts about original Unreal and that Epic was behind that. Somehow I was under impression, that Unreal used a licenced and modified Quake engine like Half-life did.

[MattShade]

I have to admit that it was Tim Sweeney who got me: a complete 'cyberphobe' [now there's a word you don't see every day] into Computer Graphics back in '97 with UNREAL and its' free inbuilt Level Design Editor: UnrealEd. 25 years later I use the new and improved Unreal Engine to design my own models, to see things in 3D - Virtual Sculpture if you like - that I once could only see in my mind. Thank You Tim. You are changing the world.

[nefelibatacomingthrough]

Tim Sweeney sounds like a stand up guy. Respect for carving your own path when others were too greedy!

[MegaFerdster]

how the hell does this video only have 8.5k views... such a good video and even all these other videos of yours! I found myself watching 4 videos so far during work and they are so interesting and informative throughout the entire video! im honestly shook

[pmxsy]

Tbh this is the first time I've watched a 16 min video without skipping u just went straight to the point easy and fast now I'm encouraged to not give up and continue on my game development

[ISpoofBIG]

I am really impressed by this video. So much knowledge and research packed into an entertaining and well-made clip with introductions, plot twists, and interlinking conclusions.
Question for you - with Meta likely to fall from grace, would you then argue that Epic Games and Microsoft are in a league of their own? Do you think one is more likely than the other to pioneer the metaverse given their tech, strategies, acquisitions and business models?
Also, maybe you could do a video on Enjin in the future?
Thanks.

[JackSucksAss]

How has this not gotten more views? The topic and how the video is made is amazing.

[TylerF]

There's a good video by Michael Kocha explaining why he as an indie developer chose Unreal Engine for his indie game. He talks about a lot of the advantages you spoke of here, and even why the popularity of Fortnite gave him confidence that the engine will keep updating. Great video John!

[winstonwilkins]

Tim’s brother, Steve clearly recognized the raw programming talent Tim possessed, so he bought him an Apple II (from Steve, before Tim took over). 😂

[apri]

Just wanted to say "Hi" that I am here when this channel still 4.12K Subscribers
Your content is so good!

[defeatSpace]

Unreal Engine has been and is still changing the world, I'm so grateful to Epic.