There was a time when the only people that bands and recording artists had to worry about impressing were industry insiders, radio execs, DJs, and perhaps the odd high-profile music journalist.
The music industry landscape has changed significantly since then, as things like live streaming and social media have transformed the way that music is traded, shared, and ultimately listened to.
Playing a part in this new music ecology is the world of Esports and online gaming, which has blown up as an entertainment medium in its own right in recent years.
Here we detail the ways in which the music and gaming industries are intertwining so that top-level gaming streamers and Esports pros are now becoming some of the most important music tastemakers on the planet, many of whom are being courted by the best record labels in the business.
Online Streamer Playlists Deliver Downloads
Head online to any Twitch live stream, and more often than not the streamer who runs the channel will be blaring some sort of music, either while they writhe around in a hot tub, play a video game, or engage in a few rounds of Texas Hold ’em poker on the best poker sites. This is because most streamers recognize that simply playing a game in silence is not enough to capture the imagination of an audience, especially if the game in question is a pensive one like poker or chess. Music is also a great conversation starter in the chat section of the stream, as followers discuss which recording artists they like and even make their own music requests to the streamer. All of the best Esports teams, along with the best poker sites and apps and the biggest games developers, have a presence on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, meaning any playlist their sponsored gamers choose is bound to have thousands, if not millions, of ears tuning in. This means that being in the good books of such people can directly lead to huge record sales and online downloads.
Online Game Soundtracks Bring Longevity to Songs
Some video games become such a large part of the social zeitgeist that they have the power to keep a song or an entire soundtrack fresh in the minds of gamers for years to come. This can be invaluable when it comes to selling gig tickets down the line or relaunching a band with a nostalgic tour.
And it is particularly true of sports games, with the soundtracks for games like EA’s FIFA series and the NFL Madden games always being loaded with incredible music. It is not uncommon now for the comments sections of YouTube videos, Spotify playlists, and various music blogs to be jammed with listeners who say they only know a song due to its use as the theme tune for a popular video game back in the day.
In-Game Festivals and Gigs Now All the Rage
In the last few years, the trend of online festivals and gigs has really taken off, as top acts realize they can host major events all without the need to fly to a different country and set up tons of equipment. This has also given rise to many online games now featuring such gigs while gameplay is going on.
With the coming of the Metaverse and other such virtual gaming realms, it may soon be the case that gamers of all varieties will be treated to incredible online gigs and shows, all of which will cost extra to the gamer or be part of their overall subscription. Ultimately, this may be a more cost-effective way for gamers and anyone in general to catch their favorite acts live, as the cost of entry to in-person festivals and gigs continues to be prohibitive.
