NMPA, Roblox Reach Publishing Agreement

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) and digital experience platform, Roblox, have reached an agreement that settles any previous claims against Roblox. This agreement also sets the foundation for future partnerships with global publishers for new creative and commercial opportunities on its platform.

The new agreement offers an industry-wide opt-in for all eligible NMPA publishers and opens a negotiation period for members to engage in new licensing deals with the Roblox global platform. It also expands Roblox’s existing relationships with major publishers to the entire global publishing industry to unlock new ways for music to be more meaningfully integrated into the global Roblox community and to find new ways for songwriters to monetize their songs and catalogues.

For songwriters, publishers, artists, and record labels, Roblox provides a creative way to engage and attract fans as well as drive new revenue streams through virtual launch parties and concerts, music in games, persistent music worlds, and virtual merchandise.

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite comments, “We are extremely pleased to have found a way forward with Roblox as it continues to offer a unique platform for musicians and songwriters in the metaverse. Roblox understands that music has the potential to play a more integral role on its platform. I appreciate Roblox’s willingness to work with us in pursuit of advancing the interests of publishers and songwriters and look forward to seeing how they expand virtual experiences through music.”

Roblox Vice President, Global Head of Music Jon Vlassopulos adds, “We are delighted to have come to terms with select NMPA members, building on our existing relationships with major publishers. We are pleased that the publishing industry sees the potential of Roblox to be a significant creative and commercial opportunity for its members. Music is a natural way for people to express themselves, be entertained, and connect with likeminded people. We strive to offer experiences that bring millions of fans together with the songwriters and artists they love. Roblox currently enables labels and publishers to reach millions of fans at once in hyper social, immersive environments such as launch parties and virtual concerts. Moving forward, we are committed to partnering with the music industry, as a whole, to create an exciting new social era of the music business which engages fans and artists in an unprecedented way in the metaverse.”