iHeartMedia launches iHeartLand for concerts and gaming in Fortnite

On August 24, American mass media corporation iHeartMedia debuted its Metaverse space iHeartLand in the hit video game Fornite. iHeart described the Metaverse space as ‘a state-of-the-art, always-on entertainment space where music and gaming collide.’

iHeartMedia, which generated revenues of US$ 954 million in Q2 2022 (ended June 30), says that iHeartLand was developed by game developer Atlas Creative, a game developer using Fortnite’s creative mode and includes a main stage, multiple mini-games and and an iHeart ‘headquarters,’ which houses a recording studio and a replica of the tunnel entrance to iHeart’s headquarters in New York City.

Players will get to explore the Metaverse space, play games, and watch performances on the main stage, called State Farm Park, which will host  20 major events across the music and podcasting space including ‘unique artist-fan experiences’ that can be unlocked through gameplay.

The iHeartLand launch will kick off with a  two-part performance by  Grammy-nominated star Charlie Puth for his first metaverse concert on September 9 at 7 PM ET.

The performance will be followed by an album release party with new music to be performed by the artist for the first time in ahead of his upcoming album CHARLIE (to be released on October 7). Puth will also be hosting an interactive game ‘designed to test fan knowledge’ leading up to his big shows inside iHeartLand.

‘Our goal is to meet audiences where they are - delivering innovative, incredible programming to constantly challenge ourselves to take entertainment to the next level. iHeartLand will feature a full calendar of music and podcast performances at State Farm Park that give fans a chance to play and interact with shows and artists in awesome new ways,’ said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. 

‘From interactive performances and intimate backstories to immersive game play, native to the platform – this new world allows us to extend the reach of today’s biggest creators, artists and personalities in groundbreaking ways, and is a big next step for iHeartMedia in expanding our engagement with our users.’

Photo: iHeartMedia