Tag: gaming

Gamers in Saudi Arabia Press Play on Bringing Esports and Music Together

October 18, 2023

an illustration of a gaming console controller against an orange background

The thrill of victory. Anticipating the unexpected. Mastering a new skill. These are just some of the things that make gaming a thrilling hobby for people around the world. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is a country filled with young gamers who love to hop into online lobbies, gather at esports venues for tournaments, and—most notably for Spotify—stream music while playing.

“Gaming in Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented surge,” shares Nicole Aoun, Spotify Marketing Manager for the Middle East and North Africa. “The country currently boasts the highest gamer-per-capita ratio in the world, with almost 89% of the population identifying as gamers. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s indicative of a cultural movement.”

Data from January 1 to September 29, 2023, shows that Saudi Arabia is also the country with the greatest proportion of music streams when it comes to gamers’ streaming from their consoles. “Spotify offers the convenience of streaming music anywhere, including directly from gaming consoles,” explains Nicole. “This creates a seamless experience that resonates with the lifestyle of the modern Saudi gamer, who seeks versatility and convenience.”

There’s a natural synergy between music and gaming. Music plays a crucial role in elevating a gaming session; it helps set the mood, increases focus, and creates memorable moments for players. But for gamers looking for that multisensory experience for the eyes, ears, and brain, podcasts are also serving as a key way to build adrenaline and stay captivated. That means while some Saudi listeners prefer to listen to The Weeknd while gaming, others turn to shows like The POWR Podcast. 

Meshael MR, a Saudi content creator, avid gamer, and esports enthusiast who uses her platform to engage with people from all around the world, notes that listening to music really amplifies her focus and concentration. “When I do not have music while gaming, it often affects my gameplay.”

One of her favorite artists to listen to while playing is Amr Diab. “His tracks give me an exhilarating energy boost, motivating me to outplay my opponents,” says Meshael.

And just as music may enhance moments of intense, in-game action, gaming-focused podcasts can also help to enrich the experience. “The gaming community is a powerful one and one that likes to stay in touch and talk about gameplay,” Rhea Chedid, Spotify Senior Podcast Manager in MENA, shares. Podcasting allows gamers to be in constant conversation with the gaming community. “Gamers are looking for spaces where they can express themselves and find like-minded people; podcasts are giving them the opportunity to do so,” Rhea continues.

No matter the medium, our team in Saudi Arabia looks for opportunities to connect these moments of play on our platform and on the ground. 

An IRL anthem for the ages

This summer, we logged on for our second year as the official audio partner for Gamers8, the biggest gaming and esports festival in the world. The eight-week event took place at Boulevard City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and featured elite gaming titles alongside live concerts from the biggest global, regional, and local artists. 

During the opening ceremony of the games, we were proud to premiere the official Gamers8 Festival anthem, “GG Geena.” In collaboration with Spotify, the track was a partnership between Saudi Arabian artist and gaming enthusiast Mishaal Tamer and Palestinian Jordanian national Llunr, whose music has found its way to multiple Spotify Viral 50 charts. 

“The song was conceived as a tribute to the vibrant Saudi gaming community and local creators, but we always had our eyes set on resonating globally,” says Nicole. “We wanted to leverage our global reach to celebrate not just the Saudi gaming community, but also to show how gaming as a whole is this amazing, universal language that brings people together.”

To push the event’s reach around the world, “GG Geena” was promoted and showcased through our Times Square billboard in NYC, and we worked with Gamers8 to take over our global playlist, Start Select.

“It’s worth mentioning that the playlist has a diverse audience,” shares Nicole. “So we’re talking about a multilevel impact here, one that validates our mission to bring the Saudi and international gaming communities together, united by the universal love for gaming.”

We also hosted onsite activations that engaged gamers and spectators alike—one at the festival and one at a local music venue. 

“When we talk about uniting gamers around the world through music, Spotify becomes a natural conduit for that,” says Nicole when referencing the importance of the partnership between Spotify and Gamers8. “It’s not only about reaching gamers; it’s about creating a global community that celebrates the joy of gaming through the language of music.”

How Spotify Island Is Leveling Up by Gamifying Sound

October 17, 2023

Last year, Spotify became the first music streaming brand to have a presence on Roblox with the launch of Spotify Island, an otherworldly digital destination for all things audio. Made up of the main Spotify hub, and surrounded by our awesome collection of themed destinations, this digital universe is an audio oasis where fans can mingle with their favorite artists, embark on interactive quests, and unlock exclusive content. We even have some special music-themed pets for players to collect by completing various challenges around the Island.

Back in June, we announced three new features that were in the works—the Dashboard, the Spotify Soundsphere, and the ability to ride Soundwaves. Since then, the first two have already made their way to Spotify Island and, starting today, the beach is open for all sound surfers.

Here’s all the new fun that awaits on the Island:

  • Take control of the Dashboard: While visiting Spotify Island’s studio, players can take a seat in the producer’s chair to mix their own tracks with a collection of sounds, loops, and one-shots exclusively from Soundtrap, the music-creation tool for beatmakers and songwriters.
  • Create your own sound in Spotify Soundsphere: Featuring whimsical interactive beatmakers, instruments, and equipment, Spotify Soundsphere is all about exploring and having fun. While visiting, players can create their own sounds and share them with friends.
  • Riding the Soundwaves: Starting today, players can grab a board and ride the waves of custom Soundtrap mixes. Depending on the music, the waves change in size, color, and intensity. 

You can access all of these features and many more by logging into Roblox and visiting the main island. We have a lot more fun new features on the way, so stay tuned.

While it’s only been a little over a year since we entered the massive space of Roblox, we’ve made quite a few additions to Spotify Island to make it more like a home for all music-lovers. Themed portals like K-Park, the whimsical wonderland dedicated to the vibrant dreamland of K-Pop, and Planet Hip-Hop, a futuristic universe that covers the world of hip-hop, were introduced to the world, creating an immersive genre experience like no other. Plus, an ongoing roster of collaborations with creators like Doechii and Stray Kids have led us to create unique experiences and games for fans while deepening their connection with artists through avatar meet-and-greets and special virtual merch sales. 

So, with so much happening in our little corner of the Roblox universe, it’s time we put you to the test. How well do you know Spotify Island? Take our quiz to find out.

1. Which exclusive virtual pet is available on Spotify Island?
2. Which creator(s) were the first to appear in K-Park?
3. Where in Planet Hip-Hop can you customize your ride?
4. What K-Pop choreographer visited Spotify Island and let fans join in on a dance session?
5. How could you previously unlock the Annyeong (안녕) emote?
6. Last year on Planet Hip-Hop, what did you have to do for Doechii to allow you into her swamp?
7. What is the best Korean treat to have at the K-Pop Cafe?
8. How could you get the Floating Boombox when it was on Planet Hip-Hop?

Spotify Island on Roblox Expands With New Destinations, Minigames (and Pets!)

June 15, 2023

It’s been one year since we unveiled Spotify Island on Roblox as an interactive meeting place to bring artists and fans from all over the world closer together. It’s now the ultimate way to create and share music on Roblox, as fans can play, explore, and connect through immersive Spotify Island hubs like Planet Hip-Hop and K-Park. And thanks to exciting new experiences we’re unveiling today, our otherworldly digital destination is in full bloom.

With new audio tools, minigames, and collectibles, we’re inviting fans to become creators, offering them fresh ways to bring their own beats and sounds to life. These include: 

  • Create with Spotify Soundsphere: Featuring whimsical interactive beatmakers, instruments, and equipment, Spotify Soundsphere is all about exploring and having fun. While visiting, players can create their own sounds and share them with friends.
  • Take control of the Dashboard: While visiting Spotify Island’s studio, players will be able to take the producer seat and create their own unique tracks by mixing a collection of sounds, loops, and one-shots exclusively from Soundtrap, a music-creation tool for beatmakers and songwriters.
  • Ride the Soundwaves: Players will be able to grab a board and ride the waves of their favorite songs, tracks, Soundtrap mixes, and artist releases, with the waves changing in size, color, and intensity depending on the music. We’ll also give players the opportunity to personalize their boards with custom stickers. Be on the lookout for some fun Easter eggs as you shred.
  • Adopt a virtual pet: We’re joining the fun with special music-themed pets for players to collect by completing various challenges around Spotify Island. A cross of animals and musical instruments, these pets include Zekeys, Seahorns, Tambos and more.

Gaming and Hip-Hop Go Head-to-Head at a Spotify Event in France

January 20, 2023

When it comes to gaming, nothing quite ups the adrenaline—or helps you focus—like playing music. The two go hand in hand, and nothing proves this more than our listeners’ streaming habits in France.

In the last six months, Spotify France listeners have streamed more than 52 million hours of music across Discord, PlayStation, and Xbox. And the players’ genre of choice? French rap. The rapper Jul, who was the most-listened-to Spotify artist in France last year, is the most-listened-to artist streamed on gaming platforms by French gamers. Gamers have listened to his music on the three platforms for more than 42 million hours.

To celebrate the nation’s love for gaming and music, Spotify France hosted an event called Le Van (The Van in English). We invited three popular gamers and three hip-hop stars to the stage to compete in a series of games. Squeezie, Billy RebeuDeter, and Inoxtag represented the gaming community, while Dinos, Soso Maness, and Niska stepped up for the artists.

Spotify and Gamers8 Combine Forces for an Unforgettable Esport Event

July 21, 2022

a man stands in the middle of a room with a lot of screens and a water fountain right in front of him

Esports fans, prepare to take your gaming up a notch thanks to a new partnership between Spotify and Gamers8, a global gaming and esports festival that kicked off July 14. During this eight-week event taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, virtual and physical worlds collide in a series of tournaments, activities, and attractions. And with the prize pool at $15 million, the stakes for Gamers8 participants are sky-high.

Connecting the players through music

Through our partnership, gamers can prepare for matches and take their audio experience to a new level with content created specially for Gamers8. Fans can also access these curated music playlists, which were a collaboration between Spotify’s music team and Gamers8 gaming professionals, and enjoy playlist takeovers by some of the biggest names in gaming.

Also a part of the partnership, multiplatinum DJ and producer R3HAB released the highly anticipated Gamers8 anthem, “Challenge تحدي للأخير .” The track, which features Sultan Al Murshed and rapper Big Bo, is a tribute to local creators, Saudi Arabia’s gaming community, and the international viewers tuning into the events. The Arabic EDM song debuted at the tournament’s opening event. 

For the Record got the chance to ask R3HAB a few questions about his gaming experience and what it was like creating the Gamers8 anthem.

The artist R3HAB looks into the camera in front of a grey backgroundHow is the new anthem designed to enhance the gaming experience? 

I love gaming myself and love studying different styles and genres. As a DJ/producer, you tend to listen more carefully to sounds, whether it’s a game or a movie. My goal for this record was to find a perfect balance between an uplifting and vibrant mood to inspire action while bringing in moments to reflect on the game plan.

How was it working on a track with regional artists like Sultan and Big Bo? 

It was an extremely inspirational and exciting journey. They both have different backgrounds and signature sounds. However, we realized pretty early in the creation process that our musical visions for this project were aligned. I’ve learned a lot from Sultan and Big Bo and am really proud of what we’ve created.

What is it like producing a track for the gaming community, and how does it compare to creating a track purely for the dance scene? 

Dance music is designed to pull people out of their inner world and let loose. Gaming music is designed to help gamers focus on the task at hand. While the goals are different, you can use the same tools to achieve both. 

Do you have any plans to create more music in the gaming space?  

I’ve had a blast working alongside industry revolutionaries like Gamers8. Though the dance and gaming worlds have a symbiotic relationship and shared audience, it’s still a lot of work to make a great record. Being able to find the sweet spot between worlds is so rewarding. It’s a challenge I love to take on.

Elevating the game with a new podcast

Spotify and Gamers8, together with Rising Giants Network, will also launch a dedicated podcast called Outplay. The eight-episode series will be the go-to source for news on the festival’s top teams and players, with can’t-miss highlights and exclusive one-on-one interviews. For the Record talked to Faisal Bin Homran, Head of Esports, Saudi Esports Federation, to learn more about the podcast.

Faisal Bin Homran looks into the camera with a grey backgroundWhat aspects of the competition will the podcast be covering?

We’ll have content centered around teams, players, and creators, as well as influencers who are related to the different games. For example, we are going to have a couple of Rocket League influencers. We are also going to speak about content creation and how esports factors in, especially when it comes to esports players with large fan bases. We really want to deliver entertaining content. In five years, I want to go back to this content and know that we built something for the future. 

Who should tune in? Those competing themselves, those looking to learn more from the sidelines, or both? 

Be it the podcasts or other projects, we are always trying to involve more segmentations. The podcast is for those looking for industry insights, for gamers who want to dive deeper into esports, and for the fanatic. There truly is something for everyone. 

Why do you think music and gaming go hand in hand? What sort of music do you like to listen to while gaming? 

Music has always been part of the esports experience. It excites players and viewers and connects them. There is no specific type of music that I particularly like to listen to while gaming, but I’m in love with the publishers that put specific songs for their games or top championships. For example, League of Legends including Imagine Dragons—that’s one of my top ones. In the future, I think songs will become an even bigger part of esports and there will be songs for each title when it comes to the World Championships or World Cups. 

What are you most excited about during this year’s competition? 

I am excited about the players’ experience in Riyadh. We want to showcase and deliver a unique experience for the players—that blends between the physical and virtual. We want to give them a mix of the cultural experience and the esports experience. We are excited to meet all of them and talk about future projects and how we can be part of the international esports ecosystem. 

Before you dive back into the game, one-up your competition by checking out the first episode of the Spotify and Gamers8 podcast, Outplay, below:

 

Spotify Island Brings New Experiences for Fans and Artists to Roblox

May 3, 2022

a luscious green land with flowers and plants depicts Spotify Island on Roblox. The singer SUNMI is on a giant screen on the island.

Roblox fans, pack your bags—Spotify is entering your world. Today, we are introducing Spotify Island, a paradise of sound where fans and artists from all over the world can hang out and explore a wonderland of sounds, quests, and exclusive merch. 

Spotify is the first music-streaming brand to have a presence on Roblox, a virtual universe where users can create and play games and share experiences with friends. Through this interactive world, we’re creating a place where fans can link up and create new sounds together, hang out in digital spaces, and gain access to exclusive virtual merch. Spotify Island is an audio oasis that has it all. 

Roblox users can mingle with artists, complete interactive quests, and unlock exclusive content. Players can also enjoy an immersive audio experience by creating music and exploring sounds at the virtual beat-maker stations powered by Soundtrap. The island will have other musical Easter eggs at every turn for eagle-eyed users to discover. Users can even climb to the top of “The Charts” by collecting points.

Getting Ready for the Big Game? Tune In to These Sports Podcasts and Spotify Greenroom Live Rooms

February 10, 2022

It’s no secret that football fans have an insatiable appetite for the game and everything that surrounds it. And they’re often looking to go deeper—whether by digging into the stats of a player or team, entering a fantasy league, or connecting with other fans. The week leading up to the biggest game of the year (and the week coming out of it) is no exception.  

Podcasts provide the perfect medium for rabid fans to get their football fill, hear from the experts, and reflect on the way sports influence society—and vice versa. Spotify has the home-field advantage on all sports and gaming talk with podcasts from The Ringer, live Spotify Greenroom discussions, and custom curations on our latest podcast editorial hub, The Roster. 

Whether you’re creating or consuming content, Spotify has plenty for you to warm up with as you prepare for the Big Game.  

Rounding out The Roster

The Roster is our new community for sports, betting, and gaming, and it has made its rookie debut on Spotify just in time for the Big Game. Like our other podcast editorial hubs, The Roster is a one-stop-shop destination for fans across many different communities, backgrounds, and sports to find the game-day discussions they’re looking for. Fans can find a five-episode weekly curation of the biggest sports conversations under Podcast Browse every Thursday. (This week, it includes Let’s Go! with Tom Brady, Larry Fitzgerald and Jim Gray, “Tom Brady Speaks Post-Retirement for the First Time.”) 

Plus, leading into the Big Game, The Roster’s four distinct shelves have been broken down into themes celebrating many different aspects of football: 

Most Valuable Playlists: This shelf is dedicated to guest curations featuring talent from The Ringer, sports journalists, iconic athletes, and other voices within the sports and gaming communities. Make sure to check out The Ringer’s Bill Simmons’s ultimate guide to this weekend’s game. 

Sports on Demand: This space updates weekly to provide the best podcast episodes that recap, forecast, and bring awareness to the moments, events, and athletes of the month. Of course, this week it’s football themed with curated episodes recapping previous games, including selections like The Man to Man with DB & AB (that’s Antoine Bethea and Darius Butler for the uninitiated), who speak to Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs. 

Beyond the Game: Fans of experiences that speak to the human side of sports can come here for stories of injustices, scandals, inequalities, testimonies, triumphs, breakthrough moments, and beyond. For example, this week you’ll find the Black Girls Talk Sports podcast episode “Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day.” 

The Moneyline: There’s a world beyond the game, whether that’s fantasy or betting, and this shelf digs into that. So this week, check out The Ringer Gambling Show, “Initial Super Bowl Leans and Putting Together Prop Bet Narratives.” 

Not a fan of football? No sweat. Tune back in ahead of upcoming basketball, baseball, and soccer championships and playoffs—as well as many more moments—for custom curations to help avid fans of all types wade through the stands to find sports and gaming content they’re craving.

The Ringer Shows Live From Los Angeles at Radio Row

Back in 2020, Spotify acquired The Ringer and with it, the very best podcasts from across the world of sports. So this week, The Ringer hosts will be recording special episodes from Radio Row across your favorite podcasts like The Ringer NFL Show; New York, New York; The Full Go with Jason Goff; The Ringer Fantasy Football Show; and The Ringer Gambling Show. Here are the shows to check out:

The Ringer NFL Show: Known for featuring a rotating panel of football experts, The Ringer NFL Show hits LA to bring fans the lastest news and insights ahead of the Big Game. Join hosts Kevin Clark, Nora Princiotti, Ben Solak, Steven Ruiz, Jason Goff, James Jones, Ryan Shazier, Mallory Rubin, and Kaelen Jones as they break down everything you need to know. 

Throughout the past week, The Ringer’s hosts have been breaking down the action. On Tuesday, Kevin, Danny, and Ben discussed and shared their picks for Super Bowl LVI. On Wednesday, Jason James and Ryan shared their early thoughts, including James’s and Ryan’s personal playoff stories. Still to come this week, the hosts of The Ringer NFL Show will sit down with Maxx Crosby, Mike Evans, Matt Ryan, Zach Ertz, and more! Fans can also find episodes of The Ringer Fantasy Football Show in the same feed. 

New York, New York: Veteran New York sports talk host John Jastremski gives his unique take on all the big stories in the Big Apple and beyond, including interesting guest conversations, gambling picks, and reactions from you, the listener. On Radio Row, JJ will be joined by Victor Cruz, Mike Golic, Mack Hollins, Jerome Baker, Kevin Mawae, and more to bring the New York perspective to the LA standoff. 

The Full Go with Jason Goff: Chicagoland’s own Jason Goff teamed up with The Ringer to put his unique spin on the Windy City sports scene. Featuring insights and analyses, interviews with friends and people who matter in town, and reactions from you, the listener, this is your new home for all things Chi. This week, Jason will speak with Greg Newsome and Anthony Walker for the podcast and will be live on Spotify Greenroom with additional guests.

The Ringer Gambling Show: The Ringer Gambling Show is here to help you place your bets on the biggest sports around the world. Join NFL Analyst Warren Sharp on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with guests Chris Vernon, Ben Solak, and Joe House to guide you through the NFL betting landscape. Each week, they will cover everything from spreads, game totals, and parlays, to player props, futures, post-game reactions, and more. Tune in for everything you need to know about how to score big on game bets!

Get it all live on Greenroom

All week long, Spotify Greenroom and The Ringer hosts have been on the ground in Los Angeles broadcasting live from Radio Row—something that will continue well into Game Day. 

On Sunday, Spotify Greenroom’s live coverage of one of the biggest days in sports kicks off with John Jastremski’s guide to the best bets, most entertaining props, and absolute locks for the action ahead with The Ringer Gambling Show. When the game ends, tune in live for a one-two punch of post-game reaction, breaking down everything that happened on the field . . . and everything that happened off of it. 

John Jastremski and Jason Goff have the on-field action covered with The Ringer’s Super Bowl Postgame Show, while The Press Box’s Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker will deliver their takes on everything besides the football—the commercials, the announcers, and, of course, the halftime show.

And for a little lighter take before pregame kicks off, check out the football-themed episode of Spotify Greenroom’s Dating Makeover, featuring The Ringer‘s Danny Heifetz as he joins show host Jared Freid to talk love and football.

Not sure where to begin? Tune into The Ringer NFL Show ahead of—and after—the Big Game. 

The Game Awards’ Geoff Keighley Gives His Predictions for Tonight’s Awards and His Hopes for Future Audio Innovation

December 9, 2021

Audio is playing a bigger role than ever when it comes to video games—from introducing catchy anthems to influencing listening habits long after gamers log off. Music and video game enthusiasts alike will be able to see this firsthand tonight at The Game Awards as we reveal what gamers listened to most this year on Spotify. 

The festivities are a culmination of a year of video game–inspired listening. Gamers around the world have been able to enjoy Spotify-curated playlists for every gaming moment, with playlists like Top Gaming Tracks, Hip Hop Controller, and Soundscapes for Gaming, all gathered in the dedicated Gaming Hub. And earlier this year, we also joined forces with the Esports Summit, one of the biggest gaming events in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), as the official audio partner. Spotify’s music experts collaborated with gaming professionals to curate the summit’s official playlist.

Leading up to tonight’s ceremony, Game Awards Creator, Executive Producer, and Host Geoff Keighley launched an insightful podcast called Inside the Game Awards, available exclusively on Spotify. On the show, he welcomed guests including Tina Amini, Editor in Chief of IGN Entertainment, Jeff Gerstmann, founder of the website Giant Bomb, and Keza MacDonald, Video Games Editor at the Guardian, to give an inside look at the nominees, the world premieres, and the music. 

For an insider’s perspective on the awards, For the Record asked Geoff about his predictions, the role of music in the video game experience, and more.

What are you most looking forward to at The Game Awards?

We’re really excited to be back in person with a live event. I’m also looking forward to showing fans some of our world premieres, which are a real look at the next generation of gaming.

What prompted you to launch the podcast? What do you hope fans get out of the experience?

As a show producer, you always struggle with how to give fans context to the nominees and the show. You see all these amazing games on-screen but why is Resident Evil Village up for Game of the Year? Given the pace of our show, you never really get to explain that to the home viewers. The podcast is a great companion to the show to give listeners more insight into why certain games were nominated and how we build the show. 

In another big year for gaming, what’s been your 2021 gaming highlight?

That may be coming up at The Game Awards. We’re doing something really cool with Epic Games and Unreal Engine 5 around The Matrix. It’s called “The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience.” It’s something you’ll see at the show but actually get to experience alongside the show on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S.

Viewership of the awards grew by 84% last year! Why do you think the ceremony resonates with gamers?

We’re grateful for the viewership. It reflects the growth of gaming overall, and the global community. I think that’s why people tune in: They feel a part of something bigger than themselves and want to join in celebrating games as the most powerful form of entertainment. I really try to produce a show that is celebratory, looking back at the year that was and looking forward to what’s next.

The Game Awards orchestra is a big draw for viewers. What musical moments can viewers expect this year?

Sting will be performing his incredible song from Arcane, “What Could Have Been”—and he’s doing it with our Game Awards orchestra! We will also have a very special performance from Imagine Dragons, along with some very special guests from the video game world. And, of course, orchestral music will be a big part of the show. Lorne Balfe is back as our musical director and we will be playing LOTS of video game music.

Spotify is sharing what gamers streamed the most this year. How does music impact the gaming experience?

Music is such a key part of gaming. It always has been, and we see it with our show. Fans love the live orchestra. I think we all have memories of a key scene or moment in a game that was elevated by music. For me, that moment was “Far Away” from José Gonzáles in Red Dead Redemption. It was the perfect song at the perfect moment. In many ways, I wish more artists would write original songs and music for games.

Do you have a favorite gaming track or song?

I’m very partial to the theme song from The Secret of Monkey Island. That and the theme song for the adventure game Gabriel Knight! Those are two of my favorites I often listen to on Spotify just for fun.

Why do you think audio is playing a bigger role in gaming and esports? Do you predict this trend will continue?

Absolutely, audio is a vital part of the gaming experience—I think we all dream of live audio experiences, like when your radio station in-game is actually updated live in real time with Spotify playlists. That’s my dream: To have a live-service audio experience in a game that constantly evolves.

Don’t miss tonight’s Game Awards with Geoff at 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET / 12:30 am GMT. Until then, check out Geoff’s Wrapped playlist.

Get Your Headsets Ready Because Spotify Is Teaming Up With The Game Awards

November 22, 2021

In 2020, more than 83 million gamers and gaming enthusiasts tuned into the livestream of The Game Awards. Last year’s record-breaking viewership of this popular event is poised to continue in 2021, and Spotify is here to help.

To celebrate music’s role in gaming, we’ve teamed up with The Game Awards to be the official and exclusive audio streaming partner for this year’s ceremony, to be held Thursday, December 9 in Los Angeles. During the live show, Spotify will reveal what gamers have listened to most this year.  

In addition, Spotify is inviting fans to check out exclusive playlists and a special four-episode podcast called Inside the Game Awards, hosted by The Game Awards’ Creator, Executive Producer, and Host Geoff Keighley. The show’s first episode premieres today, November 22, with new episodes dropping weekly, and the entire series will be available on Spotify. 

“We’re happy to welcome Spotify as our exclusive audio streaming partner for The Game Awards as we celebrate video games and the incredible people behind them,” said Geoff. “We’ve always strived to bring the community together and working with Spotify will help us reach audiences around the world.”

Each episode will feature special guests from across the video game community, including Tina Amini, Editor-in-Chief of IGN Entertainment, Jeff Gerstmann, Founder of the website Giant Bomb, and Keza MacDonald, Video Games Editor at the Guardian. The four-episode series will highlight the latest news on the awards ceremony, including this year’s nominees, as well as the musical elements of the show and the return of The Game Awards Orchestra, a star-studded ensemble of rock and orchestra musicians.

Join Geoff as he prepares for the biggest night in the video gaming industry, and tune into the first episode of Inside the Game Awards now. And start making your music predictions when you listen to Spotify’s Top Gaming Tracks playlist.

Getting in the Zone: How Fitness Can Step Up Your Gaming

January 22, 2021

From everyday enthusiasts to esports professionals, the gaming industry surged in 2020. This growth also increased competition, challenging esports’ premier athletes and novice gamers alike to find ways beyond the screen to level up their play.

Enter Jasper Schellens, a fitness trainer and gamer who is shedding light on how gamers can sharpen their competitive edge with a healthy and active IRL lifestyle. “In my opinion, both mental and physical wellness are very important in the competitive world of esports,” he told For the Record. “Not only is it important to be on top of your game for hours on end, you have to be mentally strong to withstand the pressure from outside.” 

Jasper, who is a fitness coach for the professional esports organization FaZe Clan, looks at the gamers he works with like any other sport’s class of elite athletes. “A lot of pro gamers are actually very talented athletes inside and outside of the game,” says Jasper. “They’re driven and understand that hard work leads to improvement.” 

Still, you don’t need to belong to the upper echelons of the esports community to reap the benefits of a fitness routine—Jasper is looking to show that any gamer, even beginners, can improve their virtual performance by taking care of their physical and mental health. Jasper is even teaming up with YouTuber and Twitch streamer Marcella de Bie for a livestream workout class. 

For Marcella, wellness encompasses more than just consistent trips to the gym. She says getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep, staying hydrated, and taking time to unwind are essential to keeping a healthy mindset, which is key for gaming. “I find it very important to be in a good mental state when playing or streaming games,” she says. “You can’t sit behind a PC for hours a day without doing something that calms your mind and helps you relax.” 

If you’re looking to take control of your fitness, it doesn’t need to begin with a top-to-bottom lifestyle overhaul. Gaming sessions can be long and intense, so Jasper recommends trying to get up and move around every 30 minutes to an hour when possible. This is a good tip for players and really anyone who may be working from home and spending a lot of time in front of a screen. Outside of gaming, the coach suggests committing to at least 30 active minutes daily, like a long walk or easy jog, while tuned in to Jasper’s favorite gaming podcasts, The CouRage and Nadeshot Show or Mom’s Basement.

If you’re ready to up the intensity, Jasper gave For the Record a few gamer-specific workout tips. “Gamers tend to lean forward, especially when it comes to clutch moments,” he says. “So some exercises and stretches that allow you to work on your posture are very important.” Try Jasper’s suggestions: Loosen up with some stretches like child’s pose, cat-cow pose, and neck retraction. Next, he suggests some gym exercises like:

  • Face pulls: “One of the best exercises to train your rear deltoids which can be a huge factor to good posture. I’d recommend it on a cable machine with a rope attachment. Another fun way to try is with a barbell, using a very wide grip to pull the bar directly to your face.”
  • Pull-Ups: “A staple back exercise which will help with overall back development! There are a ton of variations that help you target different parts of the back. I recommend doing a wider or neutral grip to start off with—assisted if needed!”
  • Reverse Fly: “Another great exercise for the rear delts & lower trapezius. You can do this exercise with a cable or dumbbells.”

Behind every great workout is a high-energy, heart-pumping playlist. Jasper likes to break a sweat to Tiesto and NF, with an emphasis on inspiring lyrics to soundtrack his bigger lifts. Marcella focuses on rhythm, preferring to listen to hip-hop and hardstyle EDM tracks when she’s gaming and exercising. 

Ready to get your heart rate up? On Sunday January 24 at 10 AM PT  / 1 PM ET, join Jasper (http://twitch.tv/xfazejasper) and Marcella (http://twitch.tv/nysira) on Twitch for a livestream workout. 

Find new music for gaming or your workout routine with Jasper’s takeover of our Start Select playlist, which sits alongside an ever-growing platform of curated gaming playlists, gaming-centric podcasts, and Original Game Soundtracks as part of Spotify’s Gaming Hub.  

This Week on the ‘Spotify: For the Record’ Podcast, Explore New Markets and New Partnerships

August 27, 2020

A lot has been happening this week at Spotify; we shared news of our League of Legends esports partnership with Riot Games and celebrated our one-month anniversary in Russia with a look at the top-streamed songs and artists in the market. On this week’s episode of our new podcast Spotify: For the Record, we take listeners behind the scenes of these big strategic moves for the company. 

First up, we talk to Naz Aletaha, Head of Global Esports Partnerships at Riot Games, about League of Legends and the new Spotify hub that will feature a variety of music, podcasts, and playlists inspired by the gaming community. Then, we spend time digging into the data for our latest market launch in Russia and have a listen to the top streaming songs of the moment.

But that’s not all we dive into in this episode. Finally, to provide more insight into our business strategy—and what moves like launching in Russia have to do with it—Paul Vogel, our Chief Financial Officer, joins Morgan Stanley media analyst Ben Swinburne.

Take a listen below.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/06Rexru3OWnCtQ4JNj2ubA?si=0Vun6_rERISYH-ZV0IarWA

Want more? Check out other episodes of Spotify: For the Record here.

 

This episode is no longer available as of November 2021, however you can get more great stories and news delivered audibly by following our podcasts, Spotify: For the Record, Spotify: Mic Check, and Spotify: Discover This.

Spotify and Riot Games Team Up for an Official League of Legends Esports Partnership

August 24, 2020

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game League of Legends is the biggest esport in the world. Last year, tournaments were held in over 37 different cities across five continents, with a record-breaking viewership of 21.8 million average minute audience watching the 2019 World Championship Final unfold. But gamers and fans aren’t just playing: they’re also streaming. 

The official League of Legends soundtrack racks up over 4.8 million Spotify listeners per month—a sizable number of both gamers and Spotify users. That’s why Spotify and Riot Games, the video game developer behind League of Legends, are joining forces for a first-of-its-kind multiyear partnership. Spotify is also now the official—and exclusive—audio -streaming partner for League of Legends global events. 

The partnership will also give fans original podcasts, curated playlists, and so much more. Get ready for:

Official League of Legends Esports hub

Music is already important in the League of Legends world, but we’re taking it one step further by creating a hub. Get excited for new and existing music, podcasts, and playlists inspired by the gaming community, including Official League of Legends and Road to Worlds 2020 playlists. Keep an ear out for more coming soon.

Exclusive and original podcasts

Spotify and Riot Games are working to create and launch several new League of Legends podcasts. Untold Stories: Top Moments from Worlds, a 9-episode series leading up to the 10th League of Legends World Championship this fall, will be the first. Listeners will be able to hear about the top players and anthems through game highlights, recorded interviews, game sound effects, and new interviews with key players. Thanks to our extended partnership, we look forward to evolving this podcast over the years to come. 

Elevated music moments

We’re also providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Worlds Anthem through the Worlds Anthem Takeover on Spotify. This highly anticipated track is the hero song of the year. It’s released alongside a bespoke music video and is then performed during the Opening Ceremony of the World Championship Finals, setting the tone and celebrating the big event. In previous years, Riot Games has worked with artists including Imagine Dragons, The Glitch Mob, and Against the Current.

“Music and audio are an intrinsic part of our sport and game, so we are thrilled to partner with Spotify to provide our fans with another platform where they can enjoy the ultimate manifestation of League of Legends,” says Naz Aletaha, Head of Global Esports Partnerships, Riot Games. “As a disrupter in their space similar to Riot Games, Spotify allows us to collectively challenge the limits of possibility as we blend sports, technology, entertainment, and music to create iconic experiences and content that inspire generations.”

June Sauvaget, Global Head of Consumer and Product Marketing, says, “Our partnership with Riot Games will create a first-of-its-kind audio universe for the millions of Spotify and League of Legends fans across the globe. As the exclusive—and first ever—global audio service partner for League of Legends, we plan to create a world-class audio-streaming experience for our users, making discovering both music and podcasts easier than ever before.” 

Can’t wait to stream the music from the esport and game? Check out the Official League of Legends Playlist.