iHeartMedia launches iHeartLand, a metaverse entertainment space “where concerts, podcasts, and gaming collide” in Fortnite.
iHeartMedia has debuted iHeartLand, a “state-of-the-art” metaverse entertainment space built with Fortnite’s Creative toolset that combines music and gaming. iHeartLand aims to blend compelling gameplay with a persistent flow of events and unique fan experiences. iHeartLand and State Farm Park are available to visit in Fortnite now, with more metaverse integrations on the way.
The iHeartLand launch kicks off with a two-part performance by Grammy-nominated star Charlie Puth for his first metaverse concert on September 9 at 7 PM ET. An album release party will follow the event for his upcoming album CHARLIE due on October 7. Puth will host an interactive game to test fan knowledge inside iHeartLand. State Farm Park in iHeartLand will host 20 major music and podcasting events over the next year with unique fan experiences to unlock through gameplay.
“Our goal is to meet audiences where they are — delivering innovative, incredible programming to constantly challenge ourselves to take entertainment to the next level,” says iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne. “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.”
Like Fortnite, iHeartLand will be a dynamic space, developing a story and undergoing periodic changes as it introduces new minigames.
“I’m so excited to enter the metaverse for the first time in partnership with iHeartRadio and check out all iHeartLand has to offer,” says Charlie Puth. “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. 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.”
“From interactive performances and intimate backstories to immersive gameplay, native to the platform — this new world allows us to extend the reach of today’s biggest creators, artists, and personalities in groundbreaking ways,” adds Byrne. “(iHeartLand) is a big next step for iHeartMedia in expanding our engagement with our users.”