iHeartMedia today debuted iHeartLand, a state-of-the-art, always-on entertainment space where music and gaming collide. Built using Fortnite’s Creative toolset, iHeartLand combines compelling gameplay with a persistent cadence of entertaining events, programming and one-of-a-kind fan experiences. Fans can check out iHeartLand and the all-new State Farm Park now in Fortnite with more exciting metaverse integrations coming soon.
“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.”
iHeartLand is the first metaverse destination dedicated to bringing fans closer to today’s biggest stars through gameplay. The launch will kick off with a special two-part performance by GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and producer, Charlie Puth–the superstar’s first concert in the metaverse–on September 9 at 7 p.m. ET inside Fortnite at iHeartLand’s State Farm Park. This event will be followed by an album release party with new music performed for the first time in celebration of his upcoming album CHARLIE to be released on October 7. In addition to sharing information and new music from his upcoming album, Puth will be hosting an interactive game designed to test fan knowledge leading up to his big shows inside iHeartLand. This first-of-its-kind entertainment venue is an important evolution of fan experiences, combining major concerts, album releases, hit podcast events and interactive gaming in exciting new ways. Over the next year, State Farm Park in iHeartLand will host 20 major events across the music and podcasting space including unique artist-fan experiences that can be unlocked through gameplay.
“I’m so excited to enter the metaverse for the first time in partnership with iHeartRadio and check out all iHeartLand has to offer. It’s really important to me to connect with my fans in new ways and it’ll be a blast to all come together and have some fun,” said Puth. “I couldn’t be happier to share this with iHeart and the fans who have been part of some of the most memorable moments in my career. See you there!”
In true Fortnite fashion, iHeartLand will be dynamic, developing a story of its own; undergoing periodic changes and refreshes; and periodically introducing new minigames.
“What iHeartMedia and the team at Atlas Creative have created is a compelling look at a future of Fortnite where artists and brands can independently and authentically connect with fans in new and persistent ways at scale,” said Matthew Henick, VP, Metaverse Development for Epic Games. “We can’t wait for players to experience all of the incredibly ambitious content that iHeartLand has planned in the coming months.”
