Earlier this current year, Twitch streamer Tyler "Ninja" Blevins set a fresh record when he held a Fortnite stream with Drake, Travis Scott, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. The stream drew 600,000 viewers, and resulted in Ninja being interviewed on mainstream news networks. But more than this, the stream collaboration often have changed perceptions about gaming as a hobby, says Ninja.
In a current interview, Ninja said, "Drake, that must be pushed gaming into your mainstream making it it cool." Although Ninja notes they doesn't see Drake playing Fortnite just as much now when he did before (his rap career likely keeps him very busy), his participation in the stream has received a ripple effect.
Some may believe Ninja, highlighting the achievements Fortnite (and Ninja) since that Drake stream. Drake's fascination with the experience likely introduced the game to a different one audience, helping refill Epic Games' coffers much more. Meanwhile, Ninja has since broken the Twitch viewership record yet again. Fortnite and Ninja were both pretty successful as it is, minus the endorsement from Drake, Travis Scott, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, although the stream may have sped that success up a lttle bit.
Others took issues with Ninja's comments, though, arguing that gaming was already "cool." Naturally, there are numerous high-profile celebrity gamers including Henry CavillCthat is, the actor portraying Superman (and today, The Witcher)CTransformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actress Megan Fox, and That 70s Show star Mila Kunis. Many soccer players are avid FIFA fans, too, although many pro ballers have discussed their love of NBA 2K. If they are Drake's contemporaries, then gaming is indeed cool automatically.
Plenty would also declare that game titles already are mainstream. We have seen big-budget adaptations of online games including the Tomb Raider movie franchise. Sonic the Hedgehog and Detective Pikachu movies are also headed into the big screen as well, showing that movie studios rely on the package office potential for these gaming franchises.
While most will take issues with the wording of Ninja's comments, the base sentiment is true. Fortnite is probably the biggest video gamesCand media properties in generalCon the entire world. People perform Fortnite emotes outside in public and morning news segments debate the overall game in the process. That isn't entirely down to Ninja's stream with Drake or when using the rapper's curiosity about the adventure, however it's a contributing factor.
Fortnite can be obtained on Android, iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
Source: Variety
