Spotify launches interactive playlist for gamers

The launch of the Powered by Music playlist will be followed by a performance event at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, South Africa on 13 July. It will feature an immersive experience with live DJ performances, interactive gaming stations and dedicated spaces for gamers to connect and share experiences. The launch seeks to acknowledge the rapid growth of the booming South African gaming industry, with an estimated 8.6 million gamers expected by 2027.

The playlist allows gamers to influence and customise their in-game music experience by adding their favourite tracks and creating a collaborative collection of music preferences. Music plays a vital role in enhancing gameplay, and the playlist provides a platform for emerging artists to reach a broader audience.

“Music and gaming have always gone hand-in-hand, each amplifying the other to create unforgettable experiences,” Spotify head of music for sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu said “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.”

The launch is also designed to highlight the interaction between gaming and music, while strengthening the community. There will be dedicated spaces for gamers to connect, share experiences, and form new friendships. Additionally, gamers will have the opportunity to explore interactive music stations where they can play a game with their own game-inspired music playing.

According to Spotify data, Generation Z gamers in South Africa are driving the growth of gaming playlists, making up 45% of streamers in this category. In the past year alone, they have accumulated over one million streams on gaming playlists, demonstrating their significant influence on the gaming and music industries. The top five cities for gaming playlist streams in South Africa are Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Durban and Centurion, with Gauteng province leading the charge, further solidifying its reputation as a hub for gaming and music enthusiasts.

Listen the Powered by Music playlist here.