On Thursday, Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott performed to millions of fans worldwide — not during a living room set or from an empty venue, but via the massively popular video game Fortnite.
Fortnite's developer Epic Games says the virtual concert drew in 12.3 million players, setting " an all-time record" for an in-game event.
Over the course of the performance, Scott appeared as a towering version of himself which transformed into different globe-headed avatars transported through a series of impossible landscapes. The performance also featured the debut of a collaboration with Kid Cudi, "The Scotts."
Altogether, the set lasted roughly 10 minutes. (Several encores of the virtual performance are scheduled throughout the weekend.)
It was a marriage of convenience, brought about by social distancing restrictions and Fortnite's built-in audience, which parent company Epic Games claims stands at more than 250 million players. But even previous to the current distancing recommendations, Fortnite had built a reputation around such events.
Last year, a performance by the electronic artist Marshmello brought in millions of watchers, and other live events such as a Kaiju film-inspired battle between a massive robot and sea monster.
"Honestly today was one of the most inspiring days. Love every single one of u guys, " Scott tweeted in appreciation following the event. "And I know times are weird for us. But for one moment to be able to have the ragers to rage where ever you are is amazing."
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