Travis Scott Fortnite Concert Breaks Concurrent Player Record

Uncertainty breeds innovation, and there are some incredible things happening in esports during COVID-19. There are seriously more video games on TV and in the news now than ever. In a way, it’s an interesting test for the industry to prove it belongs alongside TV and movies in pop culture circles. No longer is gaming an outlier hobby, which means more attention is on major events in the esports world. An obvious draw is the presence of events inside Fortnite, one of the most popular games in the world right now. Combine the major player count for the title with a virtual Travis Scott Fortnite concert and records were bound to be broken.

How Many People Tuned Into the Travis Scott Fortnite Concert?

Image Credit: Fortnite and Epic Games

The idea of a concert inside Fortnite didn’t seem outlandish to me, but I’m shocked at how many people watched. Reports from Epic Games, the publisher for the battle royale mega-hit, indicate 12.3 million people logged in to watch the premiere performance on April 23. Any indication that Fortnite profits are dropping steeply be losing players is clearly a non-issue and worth no concern. The concert began in a seriously ridiculous fashion, with an explosion revealing the rapper. It’s worth mentioning Travis Scott was also the size of Godzilla and opened with the hit song “Sicko Mode.” Then, as if that wasn’t enough, he debuted a new song and project called The Scotts. The collaboration includes rapper Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi.  

If you’re not familiar with Travis Scott’s body of work, then you likely haven’t been keeping up with popular music. Scott’s rap stylings went mainstream to the point last year that he was performing on things like the Super Bowl and Ellen Show. Audiences who don’t usually engage with rap love Travis Scott, much like Drake. Funny enough, both show up on the song “Sicko Mode,” which kicked off the Travis Scott Fortnite Concert. If you missed the show, then don’t worry. There will be repeat performances through April 25. 

When Can I Catch a Repeat Performance? 

The Travis Scott Fortnite Concert series is replaying the event over the next two days. Here are the dates and times where you can log-in and catch a show:

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 AT 6:00:00 PM CDT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 AT 9:00:00 AM CDT

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2020 AT 11:00:00 PM CDT

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 AT 10:00:00 AM CDT

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 AT 5:00:00 PM CDT

Is This a Future Trend Waiting to Blow Up?

Image Credit: Fortnite and Epic Games

I think a lot of the things people are trying now are bound to stick post-Coronavirus. There are several people who are seeing more attention due to moving to virtual spaces. Granted, Travis Scott doesn’t need help gaining fans or audiences at a show. He’s a worldwide phenomenon and one of the most popular rappers in the world. Still, access to artists is everything for social media circles and clout. Not everyone can fly to Coachella and catch the Astroworld Tour. That’s why something like a Travis Scott Fortnite Concert is so successful. You’re not losing people who would go see a live show, you’re just gaining new audiences. 

It’s similar to YouTube uploads of performances of Lollapalooza or Hangout Festival. People obviously would rather pay to be there; videos aren’t the same as a live show. Overall, as a promoter, you could easily sell more ad space on video streams. If people want to tune in, then guess what? That’s easy money. Plus, fans get access to the music and artists they love. Everyone wins.

If you think things like this Fortnite event are a sign of the future, then let us know in the comments. Thanks for choosing Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture. 

Image Credit: Fortnite and Epic Games

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.