Los Angeles-based metaverse game developer, Gamefam, in association with Roblox and Warner Music Group (WMG), is pioneering an immersive VR concert to showcase their revolutionary technologies for metaverse events. The innovative concert will debut across various platforms and devices, offering fans interactive and social role-playing experiences and the chance to virtually attend a concert performed by pop superstar Bebe Rexha.
What's New:
The collaboration is set to host the concert on Warner Music Group’s Roblox metaverse, Harmony Hills. Apart from conventional platforms, the concert is accessible on VR headsets, gaming consoles, and mobiles. The immersive concert aims to transcend traditional experiences by integrating interactive elements like social roleplaying and scavenger hunts.
Why It Matters:
This venture marks a significant step in the evolution of VR concerts. As the metaverse gains traction, immersive concerts provide artists a new avenue to connect with global audiences and enhance fan engagement. Additionally, these concerts offer fans a chance to experience music events that may otherwise be inaccessible due to geographical limitations.
Why You Should Care:
The ability to host large-scale concerts in the metaverse presents an enormous opportunity for brands to reach audiences at an international level. As artists and musicians interact with fans in these virtual spaces, the brands associated with them gain tremendous exposure. This could lead to new forms of partnerships and licensing agreements, where brands can integrate their products or services directly into the immersive virtual experiences. Moreover, as these metaverse concerts become more prevalent, it's likely we'll see increased demand for brand licensing in the digital realm, opening up novel revenue streams and marketing opportunities.
Credit: https://www.xrtoday.com/mixed-reality/gamefam-explores-roblox-concerts-for-next-level-experiences/ (Cureton)
Social Media Influencers May Face SAG-AFTRA Union Ban Over Strike Violations
Amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, social media influencers have been warned that partnering with studios and streamers during the strike may result in future exclusion from the actors' union. This has led several influencers to abandon promotions for major films and reject potential partnerships.
What's New:
SAG-AFTRA has cautioned influencers against engaging in work for studios or streaming services on strike, even if they are not currently guild members. Influencers have been warned that crossing the picket line would result in a permanent ban from the union. The guild has clarified that brand deals and posts contracted prior to the strike are permitted but warned influencers to refrain from promoting struck work until after the strike.
As a result of the warning, influencers across various platforms have been halting planned content, rejecting potential partnerships, or voicing their support for the strike. High-profile influencers including TikTok star Darcy Michael, Instagram's Courtney Quinn, and TikToker Straw Hat Goofy have taken steps to ensure they do not cross the picket line.
Why It Matters:
The current standoff between SAG-AFTRA and major Hollywood studios is one of the largest work stoppages in over 60 years. The union's firm stance against strikebreakers expands the strike's impact, influencing influencers who have considerable reach and sway over public sentiment. The strike's outcome may significantly reshape the industry's landscape, especially around contentious issues such as usage of actors' likenesses by AI and residual payments on streaming platforms.
Why You Should Care:
The potential ban from the actors' union can have far-reaching implications for influencers aspiring to transition to mainstream acting or writing. The strike and the guild's warning underscore the growing intersection between traditional media and the digital sphere. For consumers, the stand taken by influencers may influence perceptions of the strike and its objectives. It's also a crucial moment for the future of the burgeoning 'creator economy', projected to be worth $480 billion by 2027, as it navigates this complex and evolving terrain.
Credit: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/07/24/influencers-cut-content-in-support-of-actors-strike-how-sag-aftra-is-limiting-creators/?sh=4561825b2080 (Roeloffs)
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, Clears Up Speculation Over Travis Scott's Absence in Fortnite; Fans Awaits the Rapper's Return
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has finally commented on the prolonged absence of rapper Travis Scott from Fortnite, stating that Scott is "welcome" to return. This statement follows Scott's clearance of criminal charges tied to the tragic Astroworld concert incident. Despite this clearance and fan demand, both Scott and Epic Games have not shown interest in staging another Fortnite concert. In the meantime, Fortnite fans are enjoying a new crossover with the revived TV series Futurama.
What's New:
In 2020, Travis Scott held a highly successful concert in Fortnite, with an accompanying Icon Series skin release. However, the rapper has not returned for another performance since then, leading to speculations about his exclusion due to the Astroworld concert tragedy. Sweeney has now clarified that Scott has not been blacklisted from the game, even though no plans for his return have been made public. Meanwhile, Fortnite has unveiled a Futurama crossover event featuring skins of main characters and a unique, powerful weapon, Bender's Shiny Metal Ray Gun.
Why It Matters:
The issue has caught the attention of the Fortnite community due to the rapper's considerable fanbase and the massive success of his previous Fortnite concert. Sweeney's response is significant because it clarifies Epic Games' position on potentially controversial collaborations, shedding light on the company's approach to brand and celebrity partnerships, especially when tied to controversial figures. It also provides a glimpse into the ongoing negotiation process behind such collaborations, showing the complex balance between player demand, brand image, and potential controversies.
Why You Should Care:
This development highlights the potential risks and rewards of associating with celebrities in the digital space. Fortnite, with its huge global audience, is a powerful platform for brands and celebrities to reach out to fans. However, events like these underline the need for careful consideration of potential controversies when partnering with high-profile personalities. As the lines between entertainment, gaming, and real-world events continue to blur, understanding these dynamics will be increasingly important for brand and license managers.
Credit: https://www.thegamer.com/epic-ceo-addresses-travis-scott-fortnite-return/ (Robertson)
Authentic Brands Group Acquires Rockport, Expanding Its Footwear Portfolio
Authentic Brands Group (ABG), renowned for its numerous brand and retailer acquisitions, has added another iconic footwear brand, Rockport, to its growing portfolio. The sale transaction received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
What's New:
Rockport, a footwear label based in Newton, Massachusetts, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June and announced it would put itself up for sale. The move was intended to review and restructure the brand's assets for the benefit of all stakeholders, thereby creating a more solid foundation for future growth.
As of last month, Authentic had surfaced as the stalking horse bidder for Rockport. Though the terms of the bid remain undisclosed, a report by WWD indicated that Authentic demanded reimbursement of $1 million related to deal expenses if the transaction failed, along with a $1.6 million break-up fee.
Why It Matters:
This acquisition reunites Rockport with its former parent company Reebok, which ABG acquired in 2022. Reebok initially bought Rockport in 1986 before selling it in 2015. The reunion under ABG creates exciting opportunities for synergy and growth within the group's footwear portfolio.
Why You Should Care:
Jamie Salter, Authentic's CEO, has plans for Rockport to expand into other categories such as apparel, accessories, and travel, transforming the footwear label into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. Additionally, the partnership with Marc Fisher Footwear is set to leverage their mutual competencies, driving innovation in footwear design and strengthening their e-commerce operations. With more brand partners to be announced for Rockport, consumers can anticipate a broader product range and more buying options in the future.
Credit: https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Authentic-brands-group-acquires-rockport-out-of-bankruptcy,1540667.html (Braun)