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Rockstar Games has invested in UK-based promoter and venue operator Broadwick Live.
The American gaming giant is behind video game franchises such as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead, Midnight Club, Max Payne and Manhunt.
According to Music Week, the investment “will enable Broadwick to further expand its portfolio of entertainment brands and venues”.
“We’re extremely happy to have Rockstar Games support us in our belief in the power of live and our objective to continually inspire, connect and create massive impact through music, culture and space,” says Broadwick Group CEO Simon Tracey. “We have big plans for the future and are excited about what this investment will help us to achieve going forward.”
“We believe the greatest impact comes from challenging the boundaries of traditional collaboration”
Broadwick Group MD Bradley Thompson adds: “We believe the greatest impact comes from challenging the boundaries of traditional collaboration; we do this through radical partnership across our business. The investment from Rockstar is yet another example of this and we could not be more pleased to have the backing of one of the most well-respected global entertainment brands as we move into our next stage of growth.”
Broadwick Live’s portfolio includes London venues Printworks (cap. 6,000) and Magazine (3,000), as well as Manchester’s Depot at Mayfield.
Earlier this year, Broadwick Live announced plans to open a new open-air events space in London located within Silvertown Quays, on the bank of the River Thames
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Renowned open-world crime game Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Online is opening a virtual nightclub that will host residencies from ‘a new wave of world-class DJs’.
The game’s developer Rockstar Games is following in the footsteps of online gaming platforms Roblox and Fornite, which have already developed virtual entertainment spaces and produced hugely successful in-game concerts.
GTA’s virtual entertainment space, dubbed The Music Locker, is being designed to look like a real music venue, located beneath The Diamond in-game casino and resort, while the acts will appear as their own custom avatars.
The Music Locker has already announced Detroit-based producer Moodymann, Berlin collective Keinemusik and UK underground star Palms Trax for residencies.
“The Music Locker’s impeccable sound system will be ready to deliver basslines directly to your midsection”
“If you’re ready to grab some drinks, find a partner and dance the night away, The Music Locker is the place to go, with stunning visuals and an impeccable sound system ready to deliver basslines directly to your midsection,” says Rockstar Games.
Though The Music Locker is GTA’s first foray into in-game concerts, the franchise has always secured high-profile artists for its in-game radio stations. Producer Flying Lotus was even given his own radio station (FlyLo FM) for 2013’s GTA V.
GTA Online is the online component of GTA V, released in 2013, which is reportedly the best-selling game ever to be released on Sony’s PlayStation 4, selling 130 million copies as of March 2020.
GTA’s reach could make The Music Locker a real contender in the world of in-game concerts, which has seen notable shows from Lil Nas X in Roblox; Travis Scott, Marshmello and J Balvin in Fortnite; Gorillaz and Beck in Animal Crossing and several festivals in Minecraft, as well as Korn in AdventureQuest and the Offspring in World of Tanks during 2019.
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