The convergence of the music and video games businesses is a topic that MBW has covered quite a lot in recent months.
Just last month for example, Sony Corporation of America announced its new subsidiary, Sony Immersive Music Studios, with its first project revealed as an immersive experience created using Fortnite maker Epic Games’ Unreal Engine.
Meanwhile, Amazon-owned live streaming platform Twitch, best known for its association with video games, has been getting much closer to the music business of late, with for example, the launch of a new personalized Music Directory in November and the recruitment of a Head of Artist Relations in North America.
Today brings more news around the collision of the music and games worlds: SoundCloud is launching a livestream gaming tournament, called Player One.
Hosted by Esports commentator Javier “MonsterDface” Collazo and breakout rapper, singer, and songwriter Rico Nasty, SoundCloud Player One will see eight rising SoundCloud artists compete in a game of Epic Games’ Fortnite.
The event will be streamed on the platform’s Twitch Channel and Facebook page on February 18, from 8pm-11pm EST and will also include a halftime performance from Rico Nasty.
According to SoundCloud, over 49% of its users identify as gamers and the platform claims that its new tournament will create “an exciting moment for some of SoundCloud’s most promising emerging talent to build new relationships with potential fans”.
SoundCloud launched its ‘SoundCloud on Twitch’ channel in May last year, with the platform promising a slate of originally produced live programming, featuring artists, producers, and industry experts.
SoundCloud also partnered with Twitch last year to fast-track SoundCloud Pro, SoundCloud Premier and Repost creators directly to Twitch Affiliate status.
“With so many of our creators and listeners sharing a real passion for gaming culture, we’re stepping into the gaming space for the first time to bring them together to engage in innovative ways and connect rising creators with new fans.”
Erika Leone
Erika Leone, Vice President, Brand Marketing, SoundCloud, said: “We’re always looking for ways to help our community discover, share, and grow relationships in real time, and it’s become more important now than ever before with the pandemic limiting in-person connection through channels like concerts and events.
“With so many of our creators and listeners sharing a real passion for gaming culture, we’re stepping into the gaming space for the first time to bring them together to engage in innovative ways and connect rising creators with new fans.”Music Business Worldwide
