Eric Tan 🔜 Tokyo Game Show on LinkedIn: Why aren't more game publishers embracing live events? Riot Games just… (2024)

Cheers to Open PTO! 🙌

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Face-to-Face Always Beats a Zoom Call:Just wrapped up an incredible trip to Cologne, Germany, and I’m reflecting on the key takeaways as I make my way back to Asia. It’s not just about the events or the beautiful city; it’s about the people, the energy, and the ideas that we exchanged.First and foremost, nothing compares to in-person connections. In our digital age, Zoom calls have their place, but meeting friends and contacts face-to-face is irreplaceable. Whether I was catching up with old friends or meeting new ones from companies like Appcharge, Miniclip, Level Infinite, Legendary Entertainment, Tilting Point, Saltwater Games, ITV, Wooga, Yodo1 Games, Monstercat, Pixelmon, AppsFlyer, the real magic happened in those unplanned moments—when a shared laugh or a raised eyebrow communicated more than words ever could. It’s in these interactions where relationships are deepened and new ideas spark.Second, Gamescom’s scale and energy were unmatched. I’ve been to my share of conferences, but Gamescom took things to a whole new level. Walking through 11 massive halls filled with passionate fans, cosplayers, and industry pros, the atmosphere was electric. The enthusiasm and dedication of the gaming community are always inspiring, but experiencing it firsthand is a reminder of why we do what we do.Lastly, bridging the worlds of music and gaming has never felt more relevant. Discussions with partners about using music to combat market declines, refresh old content, and breathe new life into marketing strategies were intellectually stimulating. The synergy between these two industries offers endless possibilities, and I’m excited to see where our collaborations will lead.As I head to the Tokyo Game Show, I’m eager to continue these conversations and explore new opportunities.What’s your biggest takeaway from in-person events? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments—let’s discuss!

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The future of music streaming is Asia:In South Korea, while YouTube Music has climbed to the pole position, Melon (owned by Kakao Entertainment) and Genie(owned by KT, CJ ENM ENTERTAINMENT DIV. and LG Uplus) still commands 46.5% of the market , while Spotify and Apple Music is facing stiff competition from these local giants.Meanwhile, in Japan, the scene is different but equally dynamic. Major players like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and LINE Music dominate, with YouTube Music trailing behind—still growing but not yet a powerhouse. Japan’s market is set to see steady growth in paying subscribers, driven by an ongoing shift toward digital consumption.So, what does this all mean?Local platforms still rule in Asia. Despite the global reach of Spotify and Apple Music, platforms like Melon and LINE Music continue to dominate in their home markets, offering tailored experiences that resonate with local audiences.Rapid growth is on the horizon. In Korea, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for paying subscribers could hit 8-10% over the next few years, while Japan is expected to grow at 6-8%. The digital music revolution in Asia is far from over.Global giants need to adapt or lose out. If platforms like Spotify and Apple Music want to capture these markets, they’ll need to offer more than just a global playlist—they’ll need to localize and innovate.I’ll be diving into these trends and more at Tokyo Game Show next month. Want to talk about how you can stay ahead in this rapidly changing market? Let’s meet up. Drop me a message, and let’s make it happen.🎮 #TokyoGameShow #MusicStreaming #AsiaMarket #DigitalInnovation

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The Philippines is the next big music hub.Why? It’s a combination of digital growth, rising talent, and cultural reach that’s turning the country into a goldmine for record labels. Here’s the proof:Digital Dominance: With over 74 million internet users in the Philippines and a social media penetration rate of 80%, platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok are booming. This digital explosion has turned music streaming into a daily habit, making it a prime market for record labels looking to expand their reach.Rising Stars: The Philippines is producing world-class talent. SB19's "Gento" music video racked up over 10 million views on YouTube in just a few weeks. Meanwhile, Ben&Ben’s album was the most-streamed Filipino artist album on Spotify in 2023. Record labels are eyeing these rising stars, knowing their potential to break into global markets. Sony Music Entertainment Roslyn Reyes PinedaCultural Reach: With a diaspora of over 10 million Filipinos living abroad, the demand for Filipino music isn’t just local—it’s global. For example, in 2023, streams of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) on Spotify increased by 35% outside the Philippines, signaling the worldwide appeal of Filipino artists.The Philippines is no longer just a local market—it's a global player in the music industry.What’s your take on the future of Filipino music? Drop a question or share your thoughts in the comments!

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Music isn’t just sound; it’s the heartbeat of engagement:Think about the last time you were truly captivated by a game or a vTuber stream. Chances are, music played a big role in that experience. It’s not just background noise—it’s the secret sauce that pulls you in and keeps you hooked.At Riot Games, music is integral to the storytelling. Whether it’s the pulse-pounding beats of a “League of Legends” championship or the soulful melodies of the game’s anthems, music amplifies emotions, driving a deeper connection between players and the game world. The result? An immersive experience that’s hard to forget.But it’s not just games that benefit from this. In the vTuber industry, companies like COVER (Hololive), VShojo and Nijisanji use music to define their talents’ identities. Each song, each performance, becomes a signature—an audio logo that fans immediately recognize. This isn’t just branding; it’s how these companies rise above market saturation. When everyone’s vying for attention, a distinct musical identity can be the difference between blending in and standing out.And let’s not forget about community. Music has a unique ability to bring people together. Riot Games knows this and has mastered the art of creating music-driven events that foster social interaction. Meanwhile, vTubers leverage music performances to build a loyal, engaged fanbase—turning casual viewers into passionate advocates.Here’s why music is a game-changer:- It deepens emotional connections and creates unforgettable experiences.- It helps companies rise above saturation in their markets.- It fosters community and turns audiences into active participants.So, what’s your take? How have you seen music used effectively to engage audiences? Drop a comment with your thoughts!

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