NMPA STRIKES DEAL WITH ROBLOX

The National Music Publishers’ Association and the wildly popular gaming company Roblox today announced an agreement that settles any previous claims against Roblox and establishes a foundation for future partnerships with global publishers.

It also settles claims filed by NMPA members and offers an industry-wide opt-in open to all eligible NMPA publishers. The agreement further allows members to pursue their own licensing deals. Roblox has 48 million daily active users, second only to TikTok’s 50 million DAU.

“Roblox understands that music has the potential to play a more integral role on its platform," said NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “I appreciate Roblox’s willingness to work with us in pursuit of advancing the interests of publishers and songwriters and look forward to seeing how they expand virtual experiences through music. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Bee Swarm Simulator.”

“We strive to offer experiences that bring millions of fans together with the songwriters and artists they love,” said Roblox Vice President, Global Head of Music, Jon Vlassopulos. "Roblox currently enables labels and publishers to reach millions of fans at once in hypersocial, immersive environments like launch parties and virtual concerts. We're committed to partnering with the music industry as a whole to create an exciting new social era of the music business.”

With Roblox’s NMPA agreement and label deals with TikTok, Twitch and Triller, the biz appears to have monetized most of the major social apps. How might music be further "gamified" to expand its reach and revenue? We'll let you know after the next round of Super Power Fighting.