Spotify claims to be “entering the metaverse” by turning into the primary music streaming service to enter the platform with the discharge of “Spotify Island.”

“Roblox fans, pack your bags—Spotify is entering your world,” Spotify mentioned in a press launch printed on May 3. “Today, we are introducing Spotify Island, a paradise of sound where fans and artists from all over the world can hang out and explore a wonderland of sounds, quests, and exclusive merch.” In different phrases, it’s a spot so that you can purchase merch.

The island (which has been hovering around 7,800 active users on its launch day) is a lush and tropical digital panorama, the place Spotify says customers can meet their favourite artists, acquire factors to succeed in the highest of “The Charts,” and create their very own music utilizing beat stations scattered throughout the island, that are powered by the digital audio workstation Soundtrap.

Spotify Island is outwardly solely the centerpiece of a a lot bigger archipelago of themed experiences Spotify is seeking to launch all year long. From the primary island, customers will be capable to journey to different islands themed round totally different artists and genres. The first themed island, coming later within the spring, is the Ok-pop-themed “K-park,” the place gamers can have the prospect to hang around with Ok-pop acts like SUNMI and Stray Kids. Whatever meaning.

When requested to make clear what meaning, Spotify advised Gizmodo in an e-mail:

At Spotify, we really feel it’s so essential to create experiences for our customers that meet them wherever they’re and nonetheless they select to pay attention, and Spotify Island permits us to do exactly that. Spotify Island on Roblox marks Spotify’s first foray into the metaverse and we’re trying ahead to bringing much more thrilling experiences to the Island sooner or later.

The streaming firm claims to be dabbling within the metaverse, however the metaverse—the place customers can journey between limitless interoperable worlds whereas taking unique property with them—doesn’t even actually exist yet, and a few argue that it’s impossible.

Regardless, Roblox’s metaverse-branded platform has seen a rising music presence over the previous few years. Several artists like Lil Nas X, Ava Max, and Zara Larsson have held live shows, album launch events, and dance events. Roblox and different digital open-world video games like Fortnite appear to be at an inflection level for the music industry’s foray right into a digital actuality format. Those execs appear to really want to be a part of the metaverse, and Spotify is the newest to money in. But why? Why would anybody need any of this?

While customers on Spotify Island could make beats and (possibly, probably, most likely not) have interactions with their favourite artists, why wouldn’t they only take heed to music and watch live performance movies and stan on message boards as a substitute? Sigh, 7,800 energetic customers can’t be incorrect, I assume.