Riot Games, the gaming developer known for hit games like League of Legends, has announced that the K-pop group NewJeans will be performing the anthem for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship. The championship, also known as “Worlds,” is one of the most widely viewed e-Sports tournaments, with millions of viewers and a massive online presence. NewJeans, signed with the HYBE label, will release their track called “GODS” alongside a music video on October 3. The group’s meteoric rise in popularity made them a fitting choice for this cultural celebration, especially since the competition will be held in their home country of South Korea.
Riot Games has a history of collaborating with superstar artists, such as Imagine Dragons, Zedd, and Lil Nas X, to create anthems for the championship. NewJeans joins this lineup and brings their own unique style and vocals to the project. The group’s partnership with Riot Games is seen as a groundbreaking moment in their career, as they have already achieved significant success with a No.1 album on the Billboard 200 and impressive sales figures. The anthem and music video for the championship are expected to showcase NewJeans’ talents and League of Legends’ distinctive style, creating an empowering and memorable experience for fans.
This collaboration with NewJeans reinforces Riot Games’ commitment to integrating music and entertainment into their gaming experience. In the past, the company launched its own virtual K-pop girl group, K/DA, composed of singers Madison Beer and Jairan Burns, as well as I-dle members Miyeon and Soeyeon. K/DA’s first single, “Pop/Stars,” became a viral hit, and the group has amassed millions of streams and views across various platforms. Through partnerships like these, Riot Games is able to engage their community and create a more immersive and dynamic gaming experience.