# Long-Term Metaverse Visions Epic Games is Investing in Future Growth Opportunities By Kalin Ned | Published 2021-04-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaverse-vision References: [epicgames](https://www.epicgames.com/site/ar/news/announcing-a-1-billion-funding-round-to-support-epics-long-term-vision-for-the-metaverse) Earlier in April, Epic Game made a big announcement for its long-term metaverse vision—the goal of which is to create a unified and interconnected digital world. The company completed a $1 billion round of funding which will go into developing new and existing services. This pool of money includes a whopping $200 million strategic investment from [Sony Group Corporation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/london-venture-partners), who is already a close collaborator to Epic Games. In a press release, Tim Sweeny, Founder and CEO of Epic Games, shared that the funding "will help accelerate [the company's] work around building connected social experiences in Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys, while empowering game developers and creators with Unreal Engine, [Epic Online Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-x-epic-games), and the [Epic Games Store](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grit-game)." Image Credit: Epic Games ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Metaverse Development:** Epic Games is investing in the development of a unified and interconnected digital world, creating opportunities for companies focused on metaverse technology. - **Connected Social Experiences:** Epic Games is building connected social experiences in their games, highlighting the need for companies to innovate in social media and online community building. - **Game Development Tools:** Epic Games' focus on empowering game developers and creators with Unreal Engine, Epic Online Services, and the Epic Games Store creates opportunities for companies that provide similar tools and services. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming:** Epic Games' investment in metaverse and game development tools highlights the continued growth potential in the gaming industry. - **Social Media:** Epic Games' focus on connected social experiences emphasizes the need for innovation in social media and online community building, providing opportunities for companies in the social media industry. - **Virtual Reality:** Epic Games' metaverse vision presents opportunities for companies focused on virtual reality technology, as the development of a unified digital world will require advancements in VR technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Magical Game Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-x-epic-games.md) - [Cross-Platform Game Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playgig.md) - [Virtual Reality Creator Funds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-horizon-creator-fund.md) - [Metaverse Developer Training Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wpp.md) - [3D Digital Creation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unreal-engine-5.md) - [Web3 Development Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thirdverse.md) - [Casual MR Gaming Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mixrift.md) - [Co-Branded Metaverse Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disneyland-game-rush.md) - [AI Metaverse Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/futureverse.md)