In a recent episode of the Music Business Worldwide Podcast series, Maria Egan, the Global Head of Music at Riot Games, discusses the fascinating intersection of music and e-Sports. Renowned for popular online games such as League of Legends and Valorant, Riot Games is also making significant strides in TV and movie production, including the award-winning Netflix animated series, Arcane.
Egan, who joined Riot Games from music-making platform Splice, where she served as Chief Music Officer, offers unique insights into how the gaming industry’s approach to music could potentially inform and shape strategies within the music industry.
The collaboration between Riot Games and famous artists such as Imagine Dragons and Lil Nas X for official anthems of the League of Legends World Championship underscores the scale of e-Sports and its potential for music among its audience. One notable example of this successful synergy is the virtual group K/DA, created by Riot Games. This innovative musical project has amassed over a billion streams, highlighting the vast potential of blending music with the gaming world.
A significant point of discussion in the podcast revolves around the importance of the fan experience and fandom strategy in the music industry. Drawing parallels with the gaming industry, the conversation highlights the need for more centralized fan experiences on streaming platforms, acknowledging the complexity of rights in the digital age.
Moreover, the potential of music creation tools, such as generative AI, is highlighted, pointing towards a possible redefinition of the role of music creators. Such tools could provide more access and autonomy to creators, allowing them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music.
In conclusion, the podcast emphasizes that while the music industry and the world of e-Sports might seem vastly different, there are valuable lessons to be learned from their intersection. The blending of music and gaming, fan engagement strategies, and innovative use of technology could all play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the music industry.
