The metaverse phenomenon is perhaps more bewildering than intriguing to non-gamers and digital immigrants, but contemporary pop-culture giant Fortnite is steadily normalising a seamless fusion of digital lifestyles with real-world ones. One way of blending the two is by using music. Since 2019 the video game has been used as a platform by developer Epic Games to host digital concerts, with artists such as Marshmello, Travis Scott, Diplo, and Kaskade performing for millions of gamers in the crowd (Travis Scott drew a digital live crowd of a whopping 12,3 million attendees).
Nonetheless, this weekend is set to up the ante for Fortnite concerts. Multi-platinum and pop superstar Ariana Grande will be hosting The Rift Tour, with five shows spanning from Friday, August 6 to Sunday, August 8. On top of the 15-minute long live set (the longest yet for Fortnite concerts), the Fortnite store will offer free and purchasable Ariana Grande skins for in-game avatars, including outfits, weapons, equipment, and more.
— Working with Epic and the Fortnite team to bring my music to life inside the game has been so fun and such an honour, says Ariana Grande, and continues:
— I can’t wait to join my fans and see all of your reactions to such an unforgettable, magical journey to new realities.
The concert is free to attend, just make sure to download Fortnite ahead of time on either PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X & S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Android. iPhone users are still out of luck thanks to the ongoing feud between Epic Games and Apple.
Get more information here.
