Strategic Shift: Epic Games Divests ArtStation and Sketchfab to KitBash
By Editorial Staff | August 12, 2026
In a significant restructuring of its corporate assets, Epic Games has officially offloaded its creative portfolio hub, ArtStation, and its 3D model marketplace, Sketchfab. The buyer, KitBash-a prominent player in the digital asset space-has acquired both platforms for an undisclosed sum. This transaction marks the end of a five-year ownership period, as Epic originally brought both entities under its umbrella in 2021.
Refocusing on Core Infrastructure
The decision to divest these platforms is rooted in Epic’s desire to streamline its operational focus. According to company statements, the developer behind Fortnite and the Unreal Engine is reallocating resources to accelerate the development of Unreal Engine 6, expand the Epic Games Store, and bolster its broader developer ecosystem.
By shedding these specialized creative marketplaces, Epic is effectively narrowing its scope to prioritize high-level engine technology and platform-wide services rather than maintaining niche community-facing tools.
A New Chapter Under KitBash
KitBash, widely recognized for its influence in the 3D design industry through its management of KitBash3D and Greyscalegorilla, is well-positioned to take over these assets. These platforms are industry staples, providing creators with extensive libraries of high-fidelity assets, advanced animation utilities, and workflow-optimizing software.
Banks Boutté, co-CEO of KitBash, emphasized a commitment to continuity for the millions of users who rely on these sites. “Having been deeply embedded in the creative community for over ten years, we understand the vital role ArtStation and Sketchfab play in the daily lives of 3D artists and designers globally,” Boutté noted in a recent announcement. He further pledged that the company’s primary objective is to safeguard the features and community aspects that users have come to depend on.
The Impact on the Creative Community
For many professionals, ArtStation and Sketchfab are more than just marketplaces; they are essential infrastructure for career development and project visualization. As of recent industry reports, the demand for high-quality 3D assets has surged, with the global 3D rendering market projected to grow significantly through 2030. By consolidating these platforms under a company dedicated specifically to creative tools, there is potential for deeper integration between asset libraries and portfolio management.
As the transition unfolds, the creative community remains watchful, hoping that the change in ownership will foster innovation while preserving the portfolios and collaborative spaces that have defined these platforms for years.
