CARY – Epic Games is adding another marketplace to its growing efforts to make digital content more accessible – this time in the realms of 3D, virtual reality and augmented reality.

The latest move is the acquisition of Sketchfab, which provides customers ways to “discover, edit, buy, and sell 3D content.” The site is already home to more than 4 million 3D assets, according to Epic.

“By joining forces, Epic and Sketchfab will be able to make 3D, AR and VR content more accessible and grow the creator ecosystem, which are critical to an open and interconnected Metaverse,” Epic explained in a blog post.

The Metaverse – a blend of virtual worlds and experiences – is a major priority of Epic CEO Tim Sweeney.

“The Sketchfab team has done an incredible job opening up the world of 3D content on the web and enabling anyone to edit and publish content online,” said Marc Petit, general manager of Epic’s Unreal Engine. “As the adoption of real-time 3D technology continues to grow, demand for web-based solutions will only increase. We are excited to work together with the Sketchfab team to empower even more creators.

In April, Epic acquired ArtStation which Epic said “provides a platform for creators across games, media and entertainment where they can develop and share their portfolios, post and discover job opportunities and make a living doing what they love.”

Read more about the latest deal online.

The acquisition is the latest in several Epic has made over the past several months. Epic also recently closed on a new round of investment capital totalling $1 billion.
https://wraltechwire.com/2021/04/30/epic-acquires-company-that-offers-a-marketplace-to-artists-worldwide