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Play, to launch in 2019, will combine gaming-centred programming with music from big names in hip hop and EDM
By IQ on 15 Oct 2018
Electric Daisy Carnival promoter Insomniac will next year launch its first gaming and music festival, capitalising on the growing demand for esports and other video game-related live content.
Insomniac – which is behind 1,200 dance music-orientated festivals, concerts and events in eight countries – says Play Festival will “[bridge] the gap between music and gaming by intertwining the worlds of music, art, esports, virtual reality and cosplay, to create an unparallelled event for both casual and professional gamers, music enthusiasts and even non-gamers.”
“It’s an honour to partner with Insomniac on Play Festival,” says festival co-founder Paul Campbell (pictured), whose other ventures include Nû Management (Bonnie X Clyde, Calica, Nitti Gritti) and Miami venues Club Space and Baby Jane. “I had the inspiration for this event back in 2015 and wanted to create something that would combine my passions for music and gaming.
“There are so many similarities between the gaming and dance music communities”
“Since then, the gaming and esports industries have grown far beyond my wildest dreams. I knew Pasquale [Rotella, Insomniac CEO] and Insomniac were the perfect partners to team up with to bring this one-of-a-kind event to life.”
No further information, including a venue or dates, have yet been announced, although majority Live Nation-owned Insomniac promises “multiple gaming-inspired stages spread across the festival grounds”, “live performances from the biggest names in dance music and hip hop” and several gaming and arcade areas. There will also be laser tag, drone racing and mobile ‘gaming trucks’, as well as virtual-reality activations and interactive art.
“Paul is an entrepreneur with a strong vision, and his passion for this project is inspiring,” comments Rotella. “There are so many similarities between the gaming and dance music communities, from their inclusive nature to their passion for total creative immersion. Play Festival is an opportunity to connect these two colourful worlds and build an event that’s exciting [and] authentic, and inspires a new generation of fans.”
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