Tag: Esports

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.”

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:

 

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.

‘League of Legends’ Worlds 2021: Behind the Anticipation, Activations, and Anthem With Riot Game’s Carrie Dunn

September 29, 2021

Every fall, League of Legends fans from around the world come together for the year’s biggest moment in esports: Worlds. The month-long competition, starting October 5 and running through November 6, 2021, is a display of the very best competitors in the game—and it all begins with a major musical moment worthy of the tournament. 

This year, Spotify and Riot Games are bringing an all-new Worlds Anthem digital experience to fans along with music-inspired activations and elevated audio experiences throughout the tournament. The Worlds Anthem drop is League of Legends’ biggest music moment, and this year, the Anthem will be “Burn It All Down” by PVRIS.

The fan experience includes:

Worlds Anthem digital experience: Dive even deeper into this year’s Worlds Anthem with the stories around the featured pros, creative, and music. The digital experience lets fans explore the regional clubhouses featured in the 2021 Worlds Anthem, including in Shanghai, Seoul, and Berlin, and discover tracks curated by League of Legends pros such as ShowMaker and JackeyLove. Some site visitors will also be given an opportunity to generate their own personalized 2021 Worlds Spotify playlist based on the music they love as they navigate the clubhouses. The microsite can be accessed in all markets where Spotify is available across both desktop and mobile.

League of Legends Official Playlist: Curated by the professional League of Legends teams representing their regions at Worlds this year, this playlist highlights each team’s play style and the song that best matches them. It includes:

Exclusive weekly podcast: Hosted by Travis Gafford and Emily Rand, Rift Reaction is a Spotify-exclusive weekly podcast that covers the biggest storylines in the League of Legends competition every week, keeping fans up-to-date on all Worlds news this year. Tune in during the competition for special, of-the-moment episodes. The Official Playlist, Rift Reaction, and more can all be found in the League of Legends hub, available exclusively on Spotify. 

Behind Worlds each year is a stellar team of creative individuals who help craft each decision, including the creation of the Worlds Anthem music video—a story in and of itself. One such person is Carrie Dunn, Marketing and Creative Director, Riot Games. For the Record spoke with Carrie about the choices behind the song, sound, and video, as well as what Worlds means to her.

Another year, another Worlds, and another Worlds Anthem. What factored into the sound, lyrics, and story behind this year’s “Burn It All Down” by PVRIS?  

For Worlds 2021, we really grounded ourselves in this idea of “make/break.” It’s the dichotomy of Worlds that makes the competition so utterly compelling; for every stunning victory, there is a crushing loss. In order to make the future, you have to be willing to break from the past. We took that to heart, both in the stories we’re telling and in the way we chose to tell them. 

For the lyrics of the Worlds Anthem, we wanted to tell the story of someone who didn’t feel like they belonged in the stereotypical box of how a “hero” looks or acts or thinks—to examine how it feels when precedent and expectations become exclusionary or confining. And then follow our protagonist as they rise up against this society—she finds her strength and stops attempting to fit into old systems. Instead she chooses to “burn it all down” and create a better world. It’s a tough journey, not without bruises and sweat and tears, but in the end it’s exhilarating and triumphant and worth it.

The sound of the Worlds Anthem came from the heart of that story. It sonically embodies “breaking the past to make the future.” It starts with a foot planted firmly in the past; those contemplative piano melodies are intentionally crafted to evoke former Anthems. We wanted fans to think they knew where this song was going. Then, as we hit that chorus and our protagonist decides to “burn it all down,” we leave the past behind. We move into the explosive, energetic, modern chorus that can’t be contained. 

We’re heading into the second decade of Worlds. The greatest curse of success is a fear of innovation. But at LoL Esports, innovation has always been in our DNA. So this Anthem acts as a promise; we will always be willing to break the past to make the future.

Tell us a little more about the song, music video visuals, and how the artist was chosen.

As soon as the initial nugget of the concept of the song was formed, PVRIS was a constant reference on our team. She was our muse as we explored both lyrics and the sonic landscape. Vocally, we needed someone who could channel both emotional vulnerability and explosive power. She was the whole package. And it must have been meant to be, because when we reached out, she was wildly enthusiastic about the project. As soon as she entered the studio with our team, the energy was seamless. There was a genuine passion for the song and the story. It was a perfect partnership.

The music video visuals are the other, very important, side to this whole coin. Again, it all started with “make/break.” I looked at the landscape of LoL Esports globally, and I saw a sport on the brink. Our first decade was finished, and the second decade was waiting to be written. Some of our biggest names were retiring and a new generation, so hungry to make their mark, was rising. And I knew that was the visual story we needed to tell in the music video.

So we created the “Make/Break Society”—an underground society with secret clubhouses in regions around the world. The metaphorical manifestation of our sport’s very real rising generation—meant to show how they are constantly working to grind, to push, to test, to experiment, to evolve our sport into a new era. All so they can break the past and make their future.

What is the power of Worlds to bring gamers all over the globe together? Why is this so significant?

Worlds doesn’t just bring gamers all over the globe together. It’s a cultural moment that makes everyone realize that gaming is so much larger than a game. It breaks boundaries—living in expressions of sport, music, fashion, and entertainment. Worlds is this uncontrollable force that doesn’t fit in a single box; that is what makes it so damn exciting. On any given day, you never know what will happen next. 

And of course Worlds is the pinnacle of competition. These pros from all walks of life, with all kinds of personalities and stories, are brought together at the highest-stakes moment. You never know who will rise, or who will fall; who will make, or who will break. The only guarantee is that five icons are about to rise in real time before our eyes, cementing their place in history.

This year, Spotify and LoL have put together an all-new digital experience that dives even deeper into the new Worlds Anthem music video by expanding on the stories around the featured pros, creative, and music. What can fans look forward to? 

The world we created for the music video was too rich to convey in just a 3:20 film. We had an unprecedented number of pros in the film, these custom-designed regional clubhouses, and a deep story. It literally couldn’t all fit. So we partnered with Spotify to create a rich digital experience where fans could enter and explore that world.

In the Spotify digital experience, you can explore the LEC, LCK, and LPL clubhouses—diving into the hero pros, the key storylines, and all of the fun easter eggs. You’ll also be able to follow the creation process of our Anthem, with quotes and behind the scenes videos with PVRIS, our songwriter, and our composer. And of course there’s awesome sneak peeks of the artwork and process of designing the characters, the clubhouses, and the fight scenes.

What is your favorite part of the Worlds tournament? How should fans tune in?

Is it a cop-out to say my favorite part of Worlds is “whatever’s happening right now?” Worlds is so compelling because the format is constantly changing things up as the tournament progresses. It’s this quickly evolving story, each with something different to offer. What I will say is . . . do not miss finals. We have some amazing surprises planned.

Tune in to Worlds, live from Reykjavik, Iceland, at lolesports.com, and stream the League of Legends Official Spotify Playlist below.

Get a Sneak Peek Into the Songs Behind ‘FIFA 22’ From Steve Schnur, President of Music for EA Games

September 23, 2021

Music is a huge part of the esports experience—and that’s especially true when it comes to Electronic Arts (EA) Games’ FIFA series. The dynamic, state-of-the-art multiplayer game allows fans to play as their favorite footballers and football teams—and listen to great tracks at the same time. The series has even been credited with helping to elevate some artists and songs to more listeners. 

The next version of the game, FIFA 22, is set to debut October 1, 2021. So ahead of its eagerly anticipated launch, the team has put together not only an official FIFA 22 Soundtrack on Spotify, but an accompanying FIFA 22 VOLTA Soundtrack celebrating all the flair and style fans can bring to the pitch and to street football playgrounds all over the world. 

To celebrate the official soundtrack release—and get fans hyped up for the game debut in less than two short weeks—we spoke with Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive & President of Music, EA Games, about his team’s approach to music within the game and on the two official soundtracks. 

You’ve been in the music industry a long time. What’s your earliest video game music memory? Have music and video games always had such a strong connection for you? 

I’m an OG—original gamer—from the generation when a pocketful of quarters meant everything. Back then, the video arcade was as important to me as record stores, which I initially assumed was for very different reasons. Soon I began to realize that dropping the needle on my favorite Black Sabbath album or hearing that first quarter trigger the Pac-Man theme could quicken my pulse in very similar ways. All true gamers/music fans understand the connection instinctively.

You credit your team with being able to get ahold of artists prior to their breakouts and utilize their songs in your games. You have a notorious “no radio” stance. What are some of the tools you use to find new talent? 

If it’s on the radio, it’s too late. Our job is to find, secure, and deliver the best new songs, hottest new artists, and most exciting new music trends that will move the needle for the year to come. 

The EA Music team—which, by the way, is only six people—does it via a simple formula: great ears, gut instincts, and unmatched relationships with artists, managers, publishers, and producers all over the world. We listen to music together. We get passionate about it. We argue. We find new bands and songs that we love and then actually get to share it with millions of our friends via our soundtracks. 

And the day a new FIFA edition is released, we’re already at work on the next one. 

What’s the biggest misconception you’ve observed about the type of music sports fans and e-gamers will like? How did you debunk it?

Music and sports have always had a unique relationship, because they’re culturally connected. When we broke the soundtrack mold 20 years ago, we knew that sports game music needed to stop sounding like AC/DC or Queen and instead start reflecting the next generation. As athletes began to assert their individual identities on the court and the field, music needed to do the same. We believed that gamers would not only be open to new artists and music but also become fervent supporters of each annual soundtrack. We’re now two generations into not only being a global destination for new music discovery, but also as creators of new music cultures for millions of gamers and fans worldwide. And whether it’s Madden, NHL, or FIFA, we’ve helped change the way people hear and experience sports. 

What can fans look forward to with the new FIFA game and soundtrack release? Which featured artists will they recognize? Whom are you excited for fans to discover?

FIFA 22 delivers an unprecedented 122 songs representing 27 nations. The spirit of the 52-song menu soundtrack can be felt in the stands at the Etihad or the sands of Tulum, a genre-spanning festival of bold, uplifting rhythms featuring new music from international superstars like Swedish House Mafia, Polo & Pan, Glass Animals, Little Simz, girl in red, Jungle, and U.K. singer-songwriter Sam Fender. And just as anticipated by fans is this year’s showcase of newcomers, including NYC vocalist Casper Caan; Australian alt rockers Bloodmoon; Brazilian vocal phenom CAIO PRADO; London soul singer Hope Tala; unique Congolese collective KOKOKO!; French Jamaican singer-rapper Hendrix Harris; Israeli trip-hop band Garden City Movement; Ireland’s number one indie rockers, Inhaler; and South Africa’s “future ghetto punk” Moonchild Sanelly featuring U.K. duo Sad Night Dynamite.

The gritty underground vibe of the VOLTA FOOTBALL Soundtrack can be felt in scuttling trainers on packed dirt lots in neighborhoods from Lagos and São Paulo to Los Angeles and Rome. These 70 songs deliver a quintessential mix of global hip-hop, grime, electronic, and beyond, including a new record from Parisian producers DJ Snake and Malaa, U.K. drill rapper Headie One featuring afroswing duo Young T & Bugsey, buzzing Atlanta hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, and U.K. singer-songwriter John Newman with a remix of his number-one breakthrough hit, “Love Me Again,” from FIFA 14.

On Spotify, we have seen that listeners come to the platform to stream the music they hear in video games. How does EA leverage Spotify?

From the very beginning, we knew that we wanted our soundtracks to flourish on platforms outside the games themselves. Spotify’s enthusiastic support of our playlists—including premieres, exclusives, etc.—has been key to this. 

Originally, FIFA soundtracks reflected world culture. Then they began to influence culture. Thanks in large part to Spotify, FIFA soundtracks have now become culture. 

Ready to kick back with the official soundtrack? Head to the FIFA profile on Spotify or stream the playlist below. 

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.