Random Encounters is an American musical web series co-created by AJ Pinkerton and Peter Srinivasan. The series' first official short, "A Pikachu Song," premiered on YouTube on June 7, 2011. The series is currently partnered with Maker Studios' Game Station, though previously existed as part of IGN Entertainment's network. Each short consists of an original musical number (often performed by live-action actors in cosplay) recreating scenes or starring characters from a popular video game series (such as The Legend of Zelda or Pokemon). The series was first inspired in 2010 when the creators' Sonic the Hedgehog musical parody won the grand prize in an international video competition hosted by Sega. Since launching their YouTube series, AJ and Peter have taken their songs to various festivals and conventions to perform live.