Riot Games, the gaming developer known for popular games like League of Legends and Valorant, has announced that 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 in the world. NewJeans, signed to HYBE Entertainment, will release the track called “GODS” on October 3. The group debuted last summer and scored a No.1 album on the Billboard 200 in August this year.
The League of Legends World Championship anthem has become an iconic moment for the gaming community, with past performances by artists like Imagine Dragons, Zedd, and Lil Nas X. NewJeans’ collaboration with Riot Games is seen as a cultural celebration, especially since the championship will be held in their home country of South Korea. The anthem, written by Riot Games’ principal composer Sebastien Najand and Alex Seaver of Mako, is expected to convey both the intensity and victory that players experience during the tournament.
Riot Games has a history of collaborating with musicians and artists, including the launch of its K-pop girl group, K/DA, during the 2018 League of Legends World Championship. The group’s first single, “Pop/Stars,” has garnered millions of streams and views, solidifying the connection between gaming and music. The partnership with NewJeans further highlights the company’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its players and fans through the intersection of gaming and music.