American media corporation iHeartMedia is hosting an exclusive Ed Sheeran event in its Fortnite location, iHeartLand. The event marks the first time a third-party music experience created using Epic Games’ Unreal Editor is being held in Fortnite. Dubbed A Special Ed Sheeran Immersive Experience, the event runs from October 5th through October 9th.
“It’s great to see iHeartMedia continuing to bring world-class artists like Ed Sheeran into Fortnite through their iHeartLand experience,” says Epic Games vice president of global partnerships, Nate Nanzer.
A Special Ed Sheeran Immersive Experience isn’t Sheeran’s first time appearing in the metaverse. Sheeran became the first artist to perform in Pokémon Go in 2021. Fortnite is also no stranger to hosting musical events. The platform has hosted various concerts for musical artists, including Kid LAROI, Travis Scott and Marshmello.
Multiple Virtual Worlds
During the A Special Ed Sheeran Immersive Experience, players can explore virtual worlds based on tracks from Ed Sheeran’s newest album, Subtract and his upcoming album, Autumn Variations. The worlds feature a city at night, a boxing ring at twilight, a forest and a boat ride. Throughout the worlds, players can view Ed Sheeran performing Eyes Closed, Shape of You, Boat, and Life Goes On, and more on virtual video screens.
“We want to continue to push boundaries of tech and innovation for music and gaming fans, allowing them to go deeper into the songs, lyrics, and meaning behind the music in ways that are native to the Fortnite environment,” says iHeart chief programming officer Tom Poleman. “We’re sure Fortnite players will love this immersive experience in iHeartLand’s State Farm Park.”
Musicians are also interacting with video games in new ways. Metal band Megadeath recently partnered with video game company Wargaming for an in-game event spanning four games. Similarly, Imagine Dragons collaborated with composer Inor Zur to create a Starfield-inspired track, Children Of The Sky (A Starfield Song). Likewise, OneRepublic just released Mirage (for Assassin’s Creed Mirage) Feat. Mishaal Tamer, a song inspired by the upcoming Assassin’s Creed title.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
