Duran Duran’s song “INVISIBLE” has taken on a new life among today’s gamers and TikTokers, finding a viral spotlight in unexpected places like Metal Gear and Fortnite. If you haven’t heard about it yet, just ask a teenager – they’re likely in on the trend.

On February 5, 2024, DuranDuranies.com was the first to report on this viral phenomenon: TikTok users were crafting edits using the song and imagery from the game. Shortly after, Duran Duran’s official TikTok account joined in, propelling the trend even further and inspiring a wave of gamers to create their own unique edits.

What is Metal Gear

Metal Gear is a stealth action video game series where the player controls a Special Forces Operative on a mission to confront the superweapon “Metal Gear,” a nuclear-capable walking tank. The series is known for its cinematic cutscenes and complex storylines exploring politics, warfare, science (particularly genetics), and philosophical themes like free will and artificial intelligence. The genre blends realism with supernatural elements, offering background on real science and technology. In the game, the player controls Solid Snake, a military operative tasked with infiltrating an enemy base without being seen. If spotted, the game enters “Alert Mode,” and Snake must escape the enemy’s sight to resume infiltration. Most of the Duran Duran INVISIBLE edits include Snake.

Metal Gear Duran Duran INVISIBLE Edits

For those who were born before Duran Duran’s first album was released, an “edit” on TikTok refers to the process of editing a video before posting it on the platform. This can include adding effects, filters, music, text, and other elements to enhance the video and make it more engaging. Edits are an important part of creating TikTok content, as they allow users to personalize their videos and make them stand out. That’s where “INVISIBLE” comes in. The song has become a sort-of anthem for game-players who are connecting with the lyrics.

Duran Duran and Fortnite

The trend has expanded to Fortnite and other gaming platforms where users are creating custom emotes where characters from the game dance and move to the song.

Don’t believe us? Just look at the Invisible Duran Duran Fortnite Emote category on TikTok.

Invisible Top 5 Most Streamed Duran Duran Song

Still not convinced of the influence of video games on Duran Duran’s music? “INVISIBLE” has climbed to Duran Duran’s top five songs on popular streaming platforms like Spotify, standing alongside classics such as “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and “Ordinary World.” This means the younger generation is listening – and they’re liking.

Huxley and the INVISIBLE Video

“INVISIBLE” (released on 19 May 2021), was the debut track from the Duran Duran’s fifteenth studio album, ‘FUTURE PAST,’ produced by Mark Ronson. Much of the music and lyrics were written during the COVID-19 lockdown. Released with a groundbreaking music video on May 21, 2021, the visual masterpiece was crafted in collaboration with ‘Huxley,’ an innovative artificial intelligence developed by Nested Minds Solutions.

Huxley was given images of the band, the music and lyrics of INVISIBLE, video of the band shot on an iPhone, and other information. The AI then created the video for Invisible with no interference from humans. It was the very first collaboration of its kind between musicians and an artificial being.

“INVISIBLE” was mixed with an immersive #360RA experience in mind and was scientifically optimized for use with headphones.

Duran Duran INVISIBLE Lyrics

(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)

(Shy one) Walking by the wall
(Shy one) The shadows will not fall
(Shy one) Is silently ignored
(Quiet one) Discouraged by the noise
(Quiet one) Living without choice
(Quiet one) Is a life without a voice

When you can’t even say my name
Has the memory gone? Are you feeling numb?
Go and call my name
I can’t play this game, so I ask again
Will you say my name?
Has the memory gone? Are you feeling numb?
Or have I become invisible?

(Sky light) That dreamers wish away
(Hindsight) Is falling on my face
(Highlights) The shape of my disgrace

When you don’t hear a word I say
As the talking goes, it’s a one-way flow
No fault, no blame
Has the memory gone? Are you feeling numb?
And have I become invisible?

(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)
(Invisible)

And no one hears a word they say
Has the memory gone? Are you feeling numb?
Not a word they say
But a voiceless crowd isn’t backing down
When the air turns red
With their loaded hesitation
Can you say my name?
Has the memory gone? Are you feeling numb?
Have we all become invisible?