Remember Napster?
The digital music pioneer Napster has been acquired by immersive technology company Infinite Reality in a $207 million deal. The acquisition marks a significant shift for Napster, which aims to move beyond traditional music streaming into an interactive, fan-driven platform.
Infinite Reality plans to transform Napster into a social music experience where artists can directly engage with and monetize their fan base. The company envisions 3D virtual spaces for concerts, social listening events, and community-driven interactions. Additional revenue opportunities will come from selling merchandise, digital content, and event tickets, while AI-driven personalization will enhance user engagement.
The integration of Napster with Infinite Reality’s entertainment assets, including the Drone Racing League and major esports organizations, is also on the horizon. This expansion aligns with Infinite Reality’s broader strategy of shifting digital entertainment from passive consumption to immersive, interactive experiences.
Napster CEO Jon Vlassopulos will continue to lead the company while taking on a larger role within Infinite Reality. Napster, originally launched in 1999 as a controversial peer-to-peer file-sharing service, has since evolved into a licensed streaming platform with 110 million tracks available in 34 countries.
Infinite Reality, which raised $3 billion in funding earlier this year, sees the Napster acquisition as a step toward redefining digital music in an increasingly interactive and immersive internet landscape.
Source: Variety