Bandcamp has been purchased by Fortnite publisher Epic Games
A statement from Bandcamp’s co-founder claimed that there would be no disruption to the site’s services and mission.
Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
Bandcamp has been acquired by Epic Games, the publisher behind the megahit online game Fortnite. Ethan Diamond, Bandcamp's co-founder and CEO, revealed the acquisition in a statement published on Wednesday, March 2.
"Bandcamp will keep operating as a standalone marketplace and music community," Diamond wrote, promising that "the products and services you depend on aren’t going anywhere." Bandcamp's "artists-first revenue model" will remain in place, Diamond said, along with the monthly Bandcamp Fridays event where the site waives its fee on sales of music.
The Epic Games partnership, Diamond continued, will fund Bandcamp's expansion. "From basics like our album pages, mobile apps, merch tools, payment system, and search and discovery features, to newer initiatives like our vinyl pressing and live streaming services."
A statement from Epic Games mirrored Bandcamp's in its support for the site's artist-friendly mission. "Fair and open platforms are critical to the future of the creator economy," Epic wrote. "Bandcamp will play an important role in Epic’s vision to build out a creator marketplace ecosystem for content, technology, games, art, music and more."
Fortnite has allowed Epic Games to stake a place in the music industry thanks to its in-game concerts with acts like Travis Scott, Ariana Grande, and J. Balvin.