The success of Epic Games' battle royale Fortnite has led to plenty of high-profile events, including a recently announced Fortnite and Crystal Dynamics' Marvel's Avengers crossover. However, Fortnite has also become a prominent platform for events such as concerts, and today it was announced that Japanese musician Kenshi Yonezu will be premiering a new video through a Party Royale on August 7.
Yonezu has had four songs reach the top 10 in the Japan Hot 100 charts. These include "Spirits of the Sea," theme song for the animated movie Children of the Sea, which peaked at number one in June 2019 according to Billboard. Epic Games says the artist will "take you on a sonic journey" through various songs on Fortnite's Main Stage, including singles off of his new album Stray Sheep that is set to release August 5.
This video premiere event will occur at three different times next Friday: 7:00 a.m. EDT, 1:00 p.m. EDT, and 7:00 p.m. EDT. Much like those who logged on to watch today's Diplo Presents: Higher Ground concert got a free weapon wrap, anyone who plays Fortnite between 8:00 p.m. EDT on August 6 and 8:00 p.m. EDT on August 7 will receive a free banner depicting a simplified, black-and-white version of the Stray Sheep album cover.
By now, Fortnite has an impressive pedigree of digital concerts, which have undoubtedly received extra clout because of how accessible they are amid gathering restrictions set in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In April, Epic Games held a Travis Scott concert that broke Fortnite's concurrent player record, gathering over 12.3 million viewers at once.
The popular battle royale has also served as a platform for trailers and films, including for content related to important social issues. Earlier this week, Fortnite hosted screenings of "We The People x More Than A Vote," a conversation on racial inequality, voter suppression, and other related concerns prevalent in American life that was put together by Opus United. Players also received a free emote for attending.
Having live events, such as the upcoming Yonezu show, is a great way for Epic Games to keep attention focused on their game and give fans something to do while many are sitting at home. With major content releases like Fortnite's anticipated car update being delayed for an uncertain amount of time, it also helps to have these events as consolation.
Fortnite is available now on mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are in development.
Sources: Epic Games, Billboard