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Video games have become a new stage for big-name musicians. From surprise cameos to full-scale virtual concerts, several mainstream artists have quietly woven themselves into the fabric of beloved titles. Below we trace four high-profile names who have left memorable marks on games, old and new, and explain where to spot them.
Travis Scott: the Fortnite event that remade live shows in games
In 2020, Travis Scott turned Fortnite into a music venue and a spectacle. The “Astronomical” event blended live performance, surreal visuals, and interactive design. Players watched a concert that felt cinematic and participatory.
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What made it stand out
- Immersive staging: The in-game show used game environments to reshape the concert experience.
- Massive reach: Millions logged in to watch the event, proving games can host global music moments.
- Merch and skins: Custom Travis Scott cosmetics gave fans a way to bring the event into play.
Where to experience Travis Scott’s game presence
- Fortnite — Astronomical concert and themed cosmetics.
- Fortnite collabs and promotional in-game items tied to the event.
David Bowie: a late‑90s artist who ghosted into a sci‑fi game
Long before virtual concerts became common, David Bowie lent his voice and persona to a 1990s adventure game. The collaboration felt natural, given Bowie’s fascination with technology and alter egos. His in-game presence blurred the line between celebrity cameo and storytelling device.
How Bowie became an in-game character
- Voice and likeness: Bowie recorded performances and appeared as characters inside the game.
- Original music contributions: The project included tracks not released elsewhere at the time.
- Creative fit: Bowie’s artistic sensibility matched the game’s futuristic atmosphere.
Games to check for Bowie’s involvement
- Omikron: The Nomad Soul — the title that featured Bowie’s creative input and character work.
The Beatles: turning a classic band into playable avatars in rhythm games
The Beatles made a unique leap from album covers to console screens in a premier rhythm title. The project recreated iconic performances and let players step into the band’s shoes. For many fans, it was the closest thing to a time machine.
Why their appearance mattered
- Digitized legends: Players could play as digital versions of band members.
- Authentic catalog: The game offered remastered songs and faithful stage recreations.
- Cross-generational appeal: Gamers and music fans both found reasons to engage.
Where to find The Beatles in games
- The Beatles: Rock Band — a headline title built around the band’s career and music.
Metallica: heavy metal’s full throttle in rhythm and action titles
Metallica embraced video games as an extension of their stage power. The band has been the focus of dedicated rhythm releases and has licensed tracks widely. Their presence helped cement metal as a staple genre in gaming soundtracks.
Different ways Metallica appears in games
- Dedicated titles: Games designed around the band’s music and imagery.
- Rhythm game staples: Tracks available as core songs or DLC for popular music games.
- Licensed soundtrack use: Metallica songs appear across genres of games.
Notable Metallica game ties
- Guitar Hero: Metallica — a spotlight game centered on the band’s catalogue.
- Various rhythm titles and downloadable packs featuring Metallica songs.
