Esplanade remixes Baybeats for Roblox with 'Beatsverse'

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is bringing its flagship alternative music festival Baybeats into the metaverse with the launch of "Beatsverse", a Roblox experience designed to help audiences discover Singapore's independent music scene through gameplay.

Launching on 4 August, Beatsverse has been created to coincide with the 25th edition of Baybeats, which returns to Esplanade from 3 to 6 September. Developed by technology partner Metakey, the virtual world features music from more than 20 Singapore artists, including acts performing at this year's festival, and recreates the energy and community spirit of Baybeats through interactive experiences.

The initiative also extends the festival beyond Esplanade's physical venue. Visitors attending Baybeats in September can unlock exclusive in-game content through on-site activations, including limited-edition virtual rewards, leaderboard challenges and Baybeats merchandise.

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The project is supported by the National Arts Council (NAC) as part of its efforts to encourage new forms of arts engagement in virtual spaces. It was created with innovation counsel TBWA\Singapore and aligns with the objectives of Our SG Arts Plan (2023–2027).

Victor Ang, director of technology and innovation at the National Arts Council, said the project demonstrates how technology can expand access to the arts.

"Beatsverse highlights what becomes possible when we enable artists and arts organisations to explore technology in the arts. New opportunities and innovative experiences make festivals such as Baybeats more accessible when we engage different audiences together as a digitally confident sector built on a culture of experimentation and collaboration," he said.

Meanwhile, Lee Kit Pui, director of marketing at The Esplanade Co Ltd, said the platform aims to introduce Baybeats to younger audiences already spending time on Roblox.

"For 25 years, Baybeats has introduced generations of music lovers to Singapore's alternative music scene. With Beatsverse, we're bringing that spirit to a platform where many young people already spend their time," Lee said.

"Technology doesn't replace the live experience, but it can help to open the door to it. By complementing the festival with a digital experience, we hope to spark curiosity, help more people discover Singapore's vibrant music scene, and inspire them to experience Baybeats in person at Esplanade."

Melissa Daniels, chief innovation officer at OA Asia and TBWA\Group Singapore, added that the project explored how digital platforms can complement cultural experiences rather than replace them.

"The strongest learning is that digital platforms work best when they extend the character of an existing cultural experience, rather than simply replicate it. By bringing together arts, technology and creative partners, projects such as this can create new ways for audiences to discover artists, participate in culture and build a connection that continues beyond the digital experience," she said.

Within Beatsverse, players can participate in four core experiences. The Main Stage Event is a server-wide rhythm challenge that takes place every five minutes, with players working together to build a shared "Hype Meter" that transforms the virtual festival environment in real time.

Players can also take on rhythm-based challenges through Solo Play or Duo Play, while a Merchandise Station allows users to redeem digital collectibles, avatar customisation items and limited-edition user-generated content rewards. Competitive leaderboards will also rank top-performing players across the different game modes.

The full Baybeats 2026 line-up was unveiled on 3 August, with Beatsverse now available to players on Roblox.

The launch of Beatsverse comes as Esplanade continues to expand its digital ecosystem. Earlier in July, the national performing arts centre unveiled a redesigned Esplanade.com and a revamped Esplanade Offstage, bringing its performance listings and arts storytelling content together on a single platform.

The overhaul is aimed at making it easier for audiences to discover performances and engage with Esplanade through a more connected digital experience, with future plans including enhanced customer relationship capabilities, a unified audience data platform and more personalised content and communications.

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