Fortnite, the 2017 videogame that blew up into a global phenomenon, frequently hosts virtual concerts by iconic artists like Snoop Dogg and Bruno Mars. To boost morale among their dedicated fanbase, developer Epic Games brought the magic of the musical robot group back to life one more time.


Brett Marks, responsible for Music Partnerships at Fortnite, admitted the choice for Daft Punk as their new experience was an easy one. “We’re all from the ’80s and big fans of Daft Punk,” he said. “It made sense to bring the biggest electronic duo to Fortnite, even though our main demographic might be new to their music.”

Fans responded wildly to the reveal, creating reaction videos that eventually became viral hits. The developers took the iconic ‘Alive 2007’ concert as core inspiration for their content. Lead Producer JP Kellams revealed that they hid countless Easter eggs inside the Fortnite experience, like the ‘Technologic’ baby and many of the Alive 2007 concert visuals. “If anything, we mostly discussed which Easter eggs not to put in,” he admitted, laughing.

Cédric Hervet, Creative Director at Daft Life, revealed that he spoke to Daft Punk just last week; they were delighted with the outcome and the crowd reception. The robots had never expected this kind of reaction after disbanding Daft Punk over three years ago. The French duo had been playing videogames since the ’80s, so it made sense to mix the two franchises. Both Cédric and the Daft Punk members were very thankful to Epic for their work on the collaboration.


Alex Rigopolis, a veteran developer at Epic Games who previously developed Guitar Hero and Rock Band, spoke about the medium’s evolution. After 30 years in the industry, Rigopolis noted how much the landscape has changed. He expressed his enthusiasm for moving the player from a passive listening position into an active participant. This can happen through direct engagement, like Guitar Hero, or a more immersive experience, like Fortnite Festival.

Looking ahead, the panel identified today’s gaming as a spectator sport increasingly, with millions tuning in to watch streamers. What makes Fortnite Festival unique is its ability to unite millions of players in a single, synchronized event, creating a shared experience reminiscent of Daft Punk’s ’Alive 2007’—an album that remains a benchmark for live electronic music experiences.