Gaming company Epic Games has just purchased the online music marketplace Bandcamp. The Fortnite and Unreal Engine proprietor has been expanding its presence in the gaming industry over the past few years, most notably by increasing the consumer value of the Epic Games Store via exclusive and free games. A recent example of this is the modern Tomb Raider trilogy, which was offered free of charge through the store. The company has also been known for hosting in-game concerts in Fortnite, along with other assorted celebrity and musician collaborations.
Epic continues to expand its corporate repertoire with the purchase of Bandcamp. An update on the official Bandcamp blog details the merge, stating that most of how its users interact with the platform will remain the same. The statement goes on to say that Epic and Bandcamp will be working together to build a wider music-sharing ecosystem with greater international reach. Additionally, the post mentions that Bandcamp is aiming to "push development forward" as it relates to its user interface, artist pages, and other areas like vinyl pressing and live music streaming.
This acquisition is likely not what most gamers were expecting to come out of Epic Games. While the company is known to collaborate with musicians and bands like Silk Sonic through Fortnite, purchasing a major music marketplace like Bandcamp is obviously a much bigger step. Epic could be planning to deliver more in-game concerts and events, and Bandcamp could help connect the company with more artists. This would also satisfy Bancamp's agenda of growing its music streaming offerings. This is just one potential outcome of this merge, though, and only time will tell exactly how Epic Games will integrate Bandcamp in its broader media endeavors.
Source: Bandcamp