A landmark event featuring Snoop Dogg, Juice WRLD, Eminem, and Ice Spice.

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14.3 Million Players Tune In for Fortnite’s Remix: The Finale Event

Fortnite has once again demonstrated its prowess in merging gaming and live entertainment. The Remix: The Finale event was an immersive and exhilarating virtual concert, featuring performances from Snoop Dogg, Juice WRLD, Eminem, and Ice Spice. Each artist delivered a song or two setlist, with the show concluding in a heartfelt tribute to the late rapper Juice WRLD.

This was Fortnite’s third large-scale virtual concert, following Travis Scott’s Astronomical and Ariana Grande’s Rift Tour. Unlike previous events, Remix: The Finale expanded its lineup to include multiple headline artists, drawing audiences together from different fanbases. Players were also rewarded with an exclusive Juice WRLD skin for logging in, enhancing the event’s appeal.

Ariana Grande Confirmed As The Latest Musician To Play A Virtual Concert In Fortnite

Fans were particularly impressed by the visual spectacle of the concert, so much so that Fortnite decided to ‘run it back’ for an encore performance. From custom-built virtual stages to synchronised effects that transformed the Fortnite world, the event showcased the potential of gaming to create immersive experiences for music fans. The show’s massive turnout of 14.3 million concurrent players eclipsed the previous in-game concert record of 12.3 million set by Travis Scott in 2020, underscoring Fortnite’s ongoing ability to attract massive audiences.

While some may be surprised by Fortnite’s ability to draw such numbers in 2024, especially as its peak popularity seemed to have passed, the concert proved the game’s everlasting appeal. The event’s success was second only to Fortnite’s Galactus event, which hit 15.3 million concurrent players in 2021. By blending iconic artists, nostalgic tributes, and cutting-edge immersive experiences, Fortnite continued its streak of redefining what’s possible in virtual entertainment.

Revolutionising Music Marketing

Fortnite’s virtual concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re powerful marketing tools for artists. The event featured new music debuts from Snoop Dogg, and Juice WRLD. Snoop Dogg premiered “Another Part of Me” featuring Sting, while Juice WRLD debuted an ‘Official Fortnite Video’ for “Empty Out Your Pockets,” generating excitement among fans and amplifying their reach.

This event also served as a promotional effort for Juice WRLD’ third posthumous album, The Party Never Ends, which was released the day before the concert. Such timing underscores the potential of virtual performances to amplify album releases, creating immersive campaigns that extend beyond traditional methods.

In addition to large-scale concerts, Fortnite has integrated music into its broader ecosystem through Fortnite Festival. Artists like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish have had their music and themed skins featured in the game, engaging fans in new ways without requiring massive events.

The financial benefit can be equally impressive. Travis Scott’s Astronomical concert grossed roughly $20 million through in-game item sales, and was not tied to any album release. Events like these highlight the increasing integration of music into gaming and the marketing benefit of doing so.

Building a Global Community

Fortnite’s strength lies in fostering a sense of community among its players. Virtual concerts serve as cultural gatherings, connecting fans across the globe in shared experiences. For many, these events leave a lasting impression. As someone who was young enough to have been playing Fortnite during its ‘prime’, I vividly remember exactly where I was when I experienced Travis Scott’s Astronomical concert. For sure, these events bridge the gap between different forms of entertainment, and create memorable moments for millions of fans. 

Events like this can also bring together fans of different artists, exposing them to new genres and performers. I doubt many younger players are familiar with Snoop Dogg’s prime but can still appreciate his performance within Fortnite’s immersive experience. These gatherings blur the lines between gaming and music, creating virtual spaces that resonate with millions.

A Growing Trend in Entertainment

Fortnite’s success reflects a broader trend of integrating music into gaming. Platforms like Roblox have also embraced this synergy, with Universal Music Group’s virtual hub hosting interactive experiences allowing users to play licensed tracks, such as the Rolling Stones. 

These collaborations unlock new revenue streams for artists while introducing their music to untapped audiences. Earlier this year, Don Toliver also leveraged Fortnite to promote his album by creating a custom Fortnite game mode. Artists no longer want to purely promote their work on these platforms, but also create interactive gameplay for their fans to enjoy, blending their promotional activities with immersive entertainment.

As more artists and music rights holders realise the revenue potential of gaming platforms, virtual concerts and music-driven experiences are becoming staples of the industry. The opportunities are vast, allowing artists to connect with their fans through a virtual landscape.

The Future of Music in Gaming

Fortnite’s Remix: The Finale is a testament to the possibilities of merging music and gaming, pioneered by Fortnite themselves. By providing artists with innovative ways to connect with fans and monetise their work, gaming platforms are reshaping the music industry. As this trend grows, we can be sure to expect more groundbreaking collaborations that redefine the boundaries of digital entertainment.