A creative, interactive playlist targeted for the gaming community has been published by Spotify, marking an exciting new development for fans of both the music and gaming community. Statistics have shown that 8.6 million South Africans are expected to be part of the gaming sector by 2027. The South African gaming industry has always been enormous, and it is currently seeing an even greater upsurge in popularity among young people. There is a growing selection of games that are representative of South African history and culture.
Music plays an important role in creating the mood of video games. From setting the mood in epic battles to creating a calming atmosphere in exploration games, the right soundtrack can transform gameplay. Likewise, video games can be instrumental in the success of a musician’s career.
“Powered by Music” is an interactive playlist specifically designed for the gaming community. It empowers gamers by offering a collaborative playlist that blends the worlds of gaming and music in a unique and immersive way. Gamers will now be able to influence and customize their in-game music experience; adding their favorite tracks to the playlist; creating a collaborative and ever-evolving collection of music preferences that reflect their individual tastes. This playlist not only enhances the gaming experience but also provides a platform for emerging artists to reach a broader audience. By featuring their music on the playlist curated by and for gamers, musicians can connect with a passionate and engaged listener base.
In South-Africa, Gen Z’s make up 45% of gaming playlist streamers according to Spotify data and have over 1 million streams on gaming playlists in the past year. The top 5 cities with the most gaming playlist streams in South Africa are Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban and Centurion, proving that Gauteng makes up the majority of the gaming playlist streamers in the country.
Interestingly, the top 5 songs added to gaming playlists on Spotify in the past year are:
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Arcane, Imagine Dragons, JID, League of Legends |
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Against The Current, League of Legends |
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Eminem, Juice WRLD |
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Kordhell |
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Sleepy Hallow |
These are the top 5 artists added to gaming playlists:
As part of the planned activities to launch the “Powered by Music” playlist, an event that promises to redefine the gaming experience for gaming enthusiasts and casual players alike will be hosted at Melrose Arch on July 13 2024 at 1 pm. The event is expected to attract gamers and music lovers from across Johannesburg. There will be live DJ performances, and interactive gaming experiences at the event to mark a significant step in celebrating the fusion between gaming and music, demonstrating how music can elevate gaming to new heights.
The event also aims to highlight the interaction between gaming and music, thus strengthening the community. There will be dedicated spaces for gamers to connect, share experiences, and form new friendships. Gamers will have the opportunity to explore interactive music stations where they can play a game with their own game-inspired music playing.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, shared her excitement about the playlist:
“Music and gaming have always gone hand-in-hand, each amplifying the other to create unforgettable experiences. With the ‘Powered by Music‘ playlist, we’re giving gamers the power to shape their own soundscape, making their gaming sessions even more personal and engaging. This is an exciting step towards a deeper integration of music and gaming.”
Spotify is leveraging its extensive library and innovative technology to enhance the gaming environment through the “Powered by Music” playlist, representing a significant milestone in Spotify’s efforts to support and engage the gaming community. Gamers and music lovers are invited to contribute to the “Powered by Music” playlist and be part of this exciting fusion of gaming and music. To participate, users simply need to follow the playlist on Spotify, start adding their favorite tracks, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #PoweredbyMusic.
For more information and to start curating your gaming soundtrack, check out the Powered by Music playlist and enjoy, let me know if you have any questions or are interested in covering!
