This coming weekend, Coachella is taking place once again, set to grab headlines with its lineup and Instagram-curated outfits. For those missing out on the annual festival, though, a virtual recreation of the experience is coming to Fortnite, with the official launch of Coachella Island.
An always-on experience within the game, Coachella Island is "a new destination for creator-made music and art experiences in Fortnite," according to a press statement. This entails virtual replicas of the festival's distinct aesthetic landscape (desert mountains, palm trees, the works), built by creators from Alliance Studios(opens in a new tab), a gaming consultation group heavily involved in Fortnite. There are also a slew of art installations recreated by the Fortnite community, including the the Coachella Ferris Wheel and balloon chains.
Last year, Coachella already made a presence(opens in a new tab) within the game, releasing Coachella-themed skins and features, including music from the festival's artists.
Building upon the collaboration this year in a big way, Coachella Island is offering a full experience, including songs from Porter Robinson, a DJ performing at this year's festival IRL, and a bunch of team v. team mini-games. In the island's Art Park, fan and artist-submitted images will be displayed, in an effort to promote participation from the game's creators. A merch tent will also offer Coachella-esque clothing and other in-game items.
The foray into gaming this year is more concrete, signalling a larger interest from the festival in providing virtual experiences. The island will be available to view on April 14, 3pm ET.
Sam Schoonover, Innovation Lead for Coachella, tells Mashable that "seeing how well gamers responded" to Coachella x Fortnite last year, the two were motivated to pursue a greater partnership.
"Gaming and virtual spaces offer the unique opportunity to provide an immersive experience that is true to the festival - one where gamers can visit with their friends and enjoy a playground of experiences inspired by the music, art, style, and scenery that is iconically Coachella," he says.
"Just like the festival IRL is a stage for musicians, Coachella Island is now a canvas for gaming creators. Fortnite provides the tools needed to invite creators and fans to participate in this creative process," he continues.
Beyond the island, Fortnite will offer music from this year's headliner(opens in a new tab) Bad Bunny and performer Burna Boy, alongside skins once again in the Item Shop, which include two new outfits.
