Epic Games acquires music store Bandcamp as part of “creator marketplace ecosystem” vision

Epic has acquired online indie music marketplace Bandcamp for an undisclosed sum.

It’s the second acquisition in the last year that takes the Fortnite firm beyond its traditional realms of technology and video games, following last year’s purchase of artist platform ArtStation.

The acquisition was announced on the websites of both Epic Games and Bandcamp, with the latter emphasising that it will continue to operate as an standalone marketplace and community for independent music artists and their fans.

“The products and services you depend on aren’t going anywhere,” wrote co-founder and CEO Ethan Diamond, who also emphasised that he will continue leading the company.

“We’ll continue to build Bandcamp around our artists-first revenue model, you’ll still have the same control over how you offer your music, Bandcamp Fridays will continue as planned, and the Daily will keep highlighting the diverse, amazing music on the site.

“However, behind the scenes we’re working with Epic to expand internationally and push development forward across Bandcamp, 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.”

Bandcamp was founded in 2008 and allows indie musicians to promote and sell their work. According to Diamond, the average artist receives 82% of the revenue from every sale, with Bandcamp paying out almost $1 billion to artists and labels to date.

Diamond hinted that other companies have previously tried to acquire Bandcamp, but the company held out for a buyer that would allow it to continue as well as “provide the resources to bing a lot more benefit to the artists, labels and fans who use the site.”

Both companies talked up the importance of building up fair and open marketplaces, with the Epic statement suggest the company is working on something that brings its acquisitions together.

“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,” the company wrote.

Epic has also been actively acquiring more games studios, having purchased Fall Guys parent Tonic Games Group and Rock Band creator Harmonix in the past year.