This deal will add a musical element to Epic's plans to expand its metaverse.
Epic Games has acquired another developer who has brought in Harmonix Music Systems as a way to help create its own “metaverse.”
Harmonix, the developer behind franchises like Rock Band, Dance Central, and the original Guitar Hero games, was acquired by Viacom in 2006 and sold again in 2010, when the company became independent again. The company, which has been creating music-centric games for 26 years, will bring this unique development brand to Epic's Metaverse.
For Epic, this isn't the first time the company has expanded its efforts to music-adjacent projects by hosting multiple concerts and events within Fortnite with artists like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande.
With activations like this, Fortnite's use of new technology, revolutionizing in-game content and events, and continued expansion through partnerships with key brands, Epic is building a central place where users can go and enjoy a multitude of different experiences.
With the acquisition of Harmonix, Epic will work with its new team to develop and create new "musical journeys" within Fortnite through gameplay and presentation.
“Music brings millions of people together in Fortnite, from our emotions to global concerts and events,” said Alain Tascan, Epic Games vice president of game development. “Together with the Harmonix team, we will change the musical experience of players by moving from passive listeners to active participants.”
Inside Harmonix, this deal won't immediately change for the company. The development of new DLC for Rock Band, new content for games like FUSER and much more is still under development and will continue to be released.
Also, Harmonix will not change the way it supports any of its older games, and there are no plans to remove products from Steam to make them exclusive to the Epic Games Store.