Fortnite launches weapons-free Party Royale mode with concerts from deadmau5 and Steve Aoki
FORTNITE is launching a new weapons-free game mode where players can watch free concerts from some of the world’s biggest acts.
First previewed last week with sets from Jordan Fisher and Diplo, the Party Royale mode will kick off in earnest this weekend with a lineup featuring Dillon Francis, Steve Aoki and deadmau5.
Performances live-streamed from the artists’ homes will be beamed onto a huge screen perched on a virtual stage within the game.
Rather than shoot one another, players will be free to roam the map unarmed and watch the concert from the comfort of their own homes.
The music starts on the main stage on Saturday, May 9 at 2am BST (Friday at 9pm ET) and runs until 3am BST (10pm ET).
For those who don’t fancy staying up late, there’s a repeat show scheduled for the same day at 7pm BST (2PM ET).
To watch either show, select the “Party Royale” playlist in Battle Royale.
Fortnite-maker Epic Games said the “party” was being held in-part to celebrate hitting a landmark 350million registered players last month.
“Dillon Francis, Steve Aoki, and deadmau5 are coming to Party Royale with back-to-back-to-back sets LIVE on the big screen at the Main Stage,” the US firm wrote in a blog post.
“Hit the dance floor, chill with friends, or jump into activities in Party Royale.”
What is Fortnite, anyway?
FORTNITE is an online video game played by up to 250 million people across the world.
In it, 100 players compete on their own or with a small group of pals to grab weapons, gather resources and build defences, before fighting it out to be the last man (or team) standing.
Matches take about 20 minutes, and you can drop into a new game within seconds of your previous one finishing.
It’s bright, it’s cartoony and it’s fiendishly compelling.
Skill is rewarded but luck also plays a huge role, meaning no two games are ever the same and everyone feels like they have a chance of winning.
Fortnite has also made its developer billions.
In Europe it’s rated 12+, meaning it’s suitable for those aged 12 and up.
The battle royale mode is free to play, but there is also a story-driven single player and co-op mode called Save The World that players have to pay for.
Pop culture crossover events are very common because of the game’s huge audience.
These involve players being able to buy themed outfits for the movie, TV show or brand, as well as getting some themed activities in-game to do too.
These might be new places to explore, new challenges to complete to win themed accessories, or new game modes that are loosely related to the theme of whatever is being crossed over with.
Party Royale takes place on a special island map that’s separate from the game’s wildly popular Battle Royale mode.
As well as watch the odd gig, visitors can play mini-games, try out new outfits or just chat with fellow Fortnite fans.
“Shows at the Main Stage are just some of the many attractions at Party Royale,” Epic Games said.
“In this new experimental and evolving space, there are many things to do and places to explore.
“For example: take on aerial obstacle courses at Skydive Rift, participate in boat races at Fishsticks’ Boat Race, and grab items at The Plaza such as the new Paint Launcher.”
Fortnite, which you can download for free on PC, PS4 and Xbox One, has hosted live concerts before.
Last month, Texas rapper performed four virtual concerts within the game as an enormous, computer-generated version of himself.
An estimated 12million players tuned in to his first show on April 24.
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What do you make of the Fortnite concerts? Let us know in the comments!
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