Today, developer Harmonix and Epic Games have announced that the developer behind Rock Band, Fuser, Dance Central, and more is joining Epic Games. “Harmonix has a track record creating fun and engaging music experiences designed for everyone to enjoy,” Epic Games said. “As we work to build the metaverse, this expertise is needed to reimagine how music is experienced, created and distributed. The Harmonix team will collaborate closely with Epic to develop musical journeys and gameplay for Fortnite while continuing to support existing titles including Rock Band 4.” Harmonix wrote “Over the last 26 years we have pushed ourselves to redefine how people experience and interact with music. From the earliest days of The Axe to Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Dance Central, our VR titles, FUSER, and everything in between, we have aspired to redefine what a music game can be. 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 pointed out that nothing is really changing when it comes to the games they are still supporting. They will be continuing their existing DLC plans for Rock Band. Rivals Season 25 is already planned and they have ideas for Season 26 and beyond. There will also be no changes to FUSER events. FUSER and all of Harmonix’s other games will remain on Steam and console. No changes will be made in how Harmonix supports any of their older games.
“Harmonix has always aspired to create the world’s most beloved interactive music experiences, and by joining Epic we will be able to do this at scale,” said Alex Rigopulos, Co-Founder and Chairman at Harmonix. “Together we will push the creative boundaries of what’s possible and invent new ways for our players to make, perform and share music.”
“Music is already bringing millions of people together in Fortnite, from our emotes to global concerts and events,” said Alain Tascan, Vice President of Game Development at Epic Games. “Together with the Harmonix team we will transform how players experience music, going from passive listeners to active participants.”