In 2025, WePlay Studios surpassed 50 production days and delivered some of its most ambitious projects to date. From opening a new venue in Inglewood to working on an 8-day live production project and producing cross-industry shows in gaming, sports, and music, the studio continued to expand its reach in the United States and worldwide, redefining modern entertainment.
WePlay Studios’ venue grand opening
At the beginning of 2025, WePlay Studios opened a brand-new production facility in Inglewood, California, with support from the City of Inglewood and Mayor James Butts Jr. The official launch took place on January 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone by celebrating 1500 or Nothin’ 20th anniversary.
Since 2024, WePlay Studios and 1500 or Nothin’ have been in a strategic partnership focused on creating new opportunities for music artists and talents. The opening night featured 45 local artists, along with music legends such as Xzibit, Mario, and Simba. Nearly 2,000 guests attended the event, with all ticket proceeds donated to Inglewood Rising, a nonprofit organization supporting those displaced by wildfires.
POSTNAB Production Open House and the future of the industry
Content production sits at the intersection of entertainment and high technology. The POSTNAB Production Open House became a powerful way to highlight this connection once again. From May 28 to 30, WePlay Studios hosted the conference at its brand-new venue in Inglewood.
The POSTNAB Production Open House brought together media professionals, fostering a hub where creative executives and enthusiasts discussed topics such as new virtual production techniques and the evolving challenges in broadcast environments. The event featured many of WePlay Studios’ longstanding technology and production partners. Companies such as Vizrt, Evertz, Global Objects, Leica Geosystems, Disguise, Illumination Dynamics, AJA, stYpe, and ARRI provided tools, workflows, and practical insights, giving an up-close look at the technology shaping the future of content creation and live production.
Award-winning year for Gamers and Guardians
Earning recognition often takes time, and this year, a project launched by August Interactive in partnership with WePlay Studios back in November 2024 reached a significant milestone. Gamers and Guardians, an esports competition dedicated to supporting veteran mental health through gaming, won at the 5th Annual Anthem Awards.
The project was also shortlisted for the ThinkLA 2025 Idea Awards in the Best Cause Marketing Campaign category. The Gamers and Guardians concept continues to grow and becomes a recurring initiative that brings together veterans, their families, and friends.
WePlay Studios’ 8-day production shift
DDG’s Dating Marathon on Twitch became WePlay Studios’ first large-scale attempt at a subathon-style show, running nonstop for eight days and blending elements of reality television with creator-driven entertainment.
To bring the concept to life, WePlay Studios transformed its venue into mansion-like settings, redesigning the entire space to match the show’s immersive format. The production featured a wide range of custom-built environments, including a Girls’ Dorm Room with 20 beds, DDG’s Master Bedroom with stream control, a lounge area and dining space, and a full-scale Game Show and Elimination Stage equipped with LED walls, a crane camera, and AR tracking technology. Additional spaces included a Virtual Production Stage used for challenges and the final concert, DDG’s Live Recording Studio for his upcoming album, and outdoor areas designed for community-style BBQ moments and even more challenges.
The marathon drew strong engagement, reaching a peak viewership of over 57,000 and around 25,000 concurrent viewers, and generating an estimated 3.5 million hours watched. The event also contributed to the growth of DDG’s community, finding 22,000 new subscribers.
Live from the Mothership II
DJ Snoopadelic, better known as Snoop Dogg, and DJ Green Lantern returned with Live From the Mothership II: Emergency Landing, a summer-vibe DJ mix and the long-awaited sequel to their 2018 mixtape classic. The performance was streamed live from WePlay Studios’ state-of-the-art arena, featuring 950 ft of LED screens with a 1.8-pixel pitch. Supported by cutting-edge technology from partners such as Vizrt, Disguise, and stYpe, the venue provided an immersive, high-production environment that elevated the show’s vibrant mix of soul, funk, and R&B.
Community-driven shows from gamers, for gamers
Beyond large-scale productions, WePlay Studios also actively supports community-driven projects such as VTuber productions and the OTK Games Expo. Since 2022, WePlay has been the production partner of the OTK Games Expo, contributing to enhancing the show’s entertainment value and broadcast quality.
Created by gamers for gamers, the OTK Games Expo is a go-to place to discover upcoming releases, explore newly launched titles, and find the next favorite game. To capture the spirit of the gaming community, the set is designed to feel more like a living room than a studio. The stage features comfortable sofas, plush armchairs, and cozy touches, such as soft lighting and seasonal decorations, depending on the time of year.
Carrying Ukrainian culture
As a company with Ukrainian roots, WePlay Studios continues to promote Ukrainian culture on the international stage. Throughout the year, the studio has hosted live performances by artists such as Tina Karol and Boombox, bringing Ukrainian music to global audiences. By celebrating national talents, the studio served as a platform for cultural expression, allowing artists to share their heritage, identity, and artistic voice with viewers worldwide.