Epic Games Buys Online Marketplace ArtStation

Epic Games has acquired ArtStation, according to a company blog post.

ArtStation allows creators in games, media and entertainment to develop and share portfolios, post and discover job opportunities and make a living, the post stated. As part of Epic, the company will be allowed to operate independently, collaborating with the Unreal Engine team.

In addition, the post announced that Epic will be reducing ArtStation fees to allow creators “even more value” from the platform. ArtStation Learning will also be free to users for the rest of this year.

“We are thrilled that ArtStation is joining Epic as we work to accelerate the development and growth of the creator community worldwide,” said Unreal Engine Vice President and General Manager Marc Petit in the post. “The ArtStation leadership team brings tremendous talent and an unparalleled track record of supporting a vibrant creator community and ecosystem. We look forward to working with them to provide creators with access to even more resources and tools, empowering them to do their best work.”

ArtStation CEO and Co-Founder Leonard Teo said in the post: “Over the last seven years, we’ve worked hard to enable creators to showcase their work, connect with opportunities and make a living doing what they love. As part of Epic, we will be able to advance this mission and give back to the community in ways that we weren’t able to on our own, while retaining the ArtStation name and spirit.”

Last year, Epic Games bought SuperAwesome and its Kids Web Services. The company, based in London, provides publishing of children’s websites and apps.

SuperAwesome Co-Founder and CEO Dylan Collins said at the time that his company provides a safe internet experience for children as the internet wasn’t originally designed for them. Via the partnership with Epic, the company gets the opportunity to deliver that premise on a wider scale.