Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic has officially joined Epic Games hit video game Fortnite, in partnership with Fortnite and Atlantic Records.
The ‘Icon Series’ launch includes new in-game outfits for players, an in-game radio station, and a player tournament.
Described as the “first of its kind” Icon Radio launches today (February 3), and allows players to tune into the new station inside cars and listen to tracks from the An Evening with Silk Sonic album, with funk icon Bootsy Collins as radio host.
The station will also feature other popular Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak tracks.
The official ‘Silk Sonic Set’ Outfits – which will allow players to select either Bruno Mars or Anderson .Paak as their in-game character style – will launch in the game on February 10th at 7PM ET.
Fortnite players will also have the chance to gain early access to the new Outfits and the duos’ signature Silk Sonic Spray – a cosmetic item for gamers – by competing in the Silk Sonic Cup tournament, which launches on February 7.
This is not the first time Silk Sonic have appeared in Fornite.
In September 2020, Anderson .Paak performed a ‘Spotlight Concert Series’ in the game, and in April 2021, Bruno Mars’ ‘Leave The Door Open’ Emote – a dance players can perform in the game – came to Fortnite.
Silk Sonic’s official entrance into Fortnite is the latest move in an ever-expanding music industry-gaming shared universe.
The wildly popular (and very valuable) free-to-play game Fortnite has already hosted virtual performances from the likes of British band Easy Life and Grammy-nominated electronic music DJ and producer Kaskade. It also premiered a choreography version music video of the BTS’ single Dynamite in 2020.
Elsewhere in the world of video game and music industry convergence, gaming platform Roblox is kicking off 2022 with a virtual performance by an avatar of superstar producer and DJ David Guetta, developed in partnership with Wonder Works Studio and Warner Music Group.
“When Fortnite asked me if I wanted to create an outfit for the game, I asked, Are CGI muscles off the table?”
Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars said: “When Fortnite asked me if I wanted to create an outfit for the game, I asked, ‘Are CGI muscles off the table?’ They said ‘no.’ I said ‘deal.’ I’ll see you on the Island.”
“When Fortnite agreed to give Bruno CGI muscles, I said, I’m in.”
Anderson .Paak
Anderson .Paak said: “When Fortnite agreed to give Bruno CGI muscles, I said, I’m in. He could use the help, so I support it. And it makes me cool. Win, win.”
“The Icon Series is a celebration of the most dynamic figures in culture.”
Nate Nanzer, Epic Games
Nate Nanzer, VP of Global Partnerships, Epic Games said: “Bruno and Anderson are long-time Fortnite favorites, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Fortnite’s Icon Series.
“The Icon Series is a celebration of the most dynamic figures in culture – Silk Sonic’s entry will allow players to express themselves as the iconic duo with reactive signature style Outfits and accessories, and to discover new music through the new ‘Icon Radio’ station.”
“it’s crucial that we’re meeting fans where they live – which means hours and hours of immersive gameplay.”
Kevin Weaver, Atlantic Records
Kevin Weaver, President, Atlantic Records, West Coast, said: “Gaming has become a key touchpoint for music marketing and it’s crucial that we’re meeting fans where they live – which means hours and hours of immersive gameplay on platforms like Fortnite.
“Working with the band to execute their creative vision, for this incredible multi-faceted and first of a kind activation with our amazing partners at Epic Games, has been such a massively rewarding experience and I can’t wait to see it all brought to life.”Music Business Worldwide
