Epic Games has announced its acquisition of Harmonix, the studio behind popular rhythm games Rock Band and Fuser. The developer now joins other high-profile takeovers by the major video game publisher, including Rocket League studio Psyonix and Fall Guys creator Mediatonic.
According to a recent blog post, Harmonix says that it will help Epic “create musical journeys and gameplay” for Fortnite. While it didn’t provide any specifics, its contribution is likely related to the game’s recent emphasis on music oriented content such as virtual concerts, which previously featured known artists such as Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, and deadmau5.
Turn your speakers UP! @Harmonix, the makers of interactive music experiences including @RockBand, are joining the Epic Games family! Together we will explore new ways for people to enjoy music across the digital world. 🎸🥁🔊 https://t.co/YLFBtYFKKn
— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) November 23, 2021
In addition, the studio also revealed that it will also provide its support in aiding the publisher to develop its own metaverse. “Now, we’ll be working with Epic to once again challenge expectations as we bring our unique brand of musical gaming experiences to the metaverse, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Harmonix wrote on its blog.
The studio also noted that its acquisition by Epic Games will not affect its existing games. Specifically, Harmonix assured that titles such as Rock Band and Fuser will continue to receive updates and DLCs moving forward. In the same announcement, it also assured that all of its games will still be hosted on Valve’s digital storefront Steam, as well as on video game consoles.
While not a full-blown metaverse just yet, Epic has been utilising Fortnite as a platform to trial the concept. For several years now, the publisher has introduced crossovers in the game to help promote other brands to its strong user base, as well as organise exclusive in-game events such as trailer screenings and the aforementioned virtual concerts.
Given the success of these tie-ins and events, it would only make sense for the company to add more variety and improvements to its offerings. This is especially before it decides to eventually expand this particular concept into an actual metaverse, which would interconnect all of its services and games.
(Source: Epic Games [Twitter] / Harmonix [Official blog])
