In June 2020, many Twitch streamers were unhappily surprised with an influx of DMCA takedown requests for recorded clips and videos on their channels. Targeting music copyright issues, these streamers were asked to not use recorded music in their streams under threat of strikes against their accounts. As Twitch works on a three-strikes-you’re-out system, a lot of people were left scrambling to remove content that had been up for any length of time, including years-old clips. Twitch received backlash from the community over this, and there has still not been a good solution to allow streamers to play music as they stream.
Riot Games and their music subdivision, however, have been working to again allow creators access to the audio freedom they once enjoyed. On July 2, 2021, Riot Games Music released an instrumental album entitled Sessions: Vi. This 37 track album, which was made in correspondence with several musicians, is copyright free, free to use, and safe to stream. It is available on large streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube for anyone to enjoy.
Riot Games Music has previously seen success in their projects, specifically with virtual band K/DA. They promise more safe to stream work to be made available in the future, and a continuation of the Sessions series. On Sessions: Vi alone, they boast partnerships with artists like Chromonicci, Junior State, Laxcity, Tennyson, and many more, so there is plenty to look forward to from Riot Games Music in the future.