Travis Scott‘s Fortnite performance not only set the bar for virtual concerts but also set a viewership record in the process. According to Epic Games, an estimated 12.3 million concurrent Fornite players participated in the concert. Travis brought his fiery Astroworld set to the virtual world for a near 15-minute set. It also was the stage for the premiere of his “The Scott’s” collaboration with Kid Cudi.
Over 12.3 million concurrent players participated live in Travis Scott's Astronomical, an all-time record!
Catch an encore performance before the tour ends: https://t.co/D7cfd2Vxcc
— Fortnite (@FortniteGame) April 24, 2020
The 12.3 million turnout was largely helped by stay-at-home quarantine orders mandated across the globe. The Houston rapper’s concert broke the previous live fan record as 10.7 million fans logged in for EDM artist Marshmello’s virtual performance in 2019.
Epic Games set additional “tour dates” for Scott’s virtual performance to go live to accommodate fans across the globe . They also added him to their Icon Series to let players get his outfits, emotes, gear and other accessories. As for why Scott partnered with Epic Games and Fornite, it makes perfect business sense. Fornite already reigns supreme as the biggest game in the world. As it raked in $1.8 billion in revenue in 2019 after earning a record-breaking $2.4 billion in 2018.
Check out the virtual concert below.