The video game and music industries have been working together to blend two types of multimedia. So far, the successful venture has increased sales in both music and video game markets, and have launched the careers of many previously unheard-of bands.
According to www.net-gen.biz, the “Guitar Hero” series has garnered over $1 billion. The video game trilogy licenses songs from different generations, including artists like Slayer, Rage Against the Machine, Aerosmith and Weezer.
What the music industry is notably thankful for, though, is the fact that “Guitar Hero” also includes songs from previously unknown bands. Several artists have gained a jump start to success by having their music featured in the games.
The most notable success story would be the group DragonForce, whose song “Through the Fire and Flames,” was featured as the hardest song in the newest installment of “Guitar Hero.” Before this, many did not even know the band existed.
Avid-player Keith Bussanich ’10 said, “I didn’t hear of DragonForce before “Guitar Hero III,” but now I enjoy playing their difficult songs.”
On its popular gaming site, Gameworld Network reported that DragonForce’s sales have increased by 183 percent since the release of “Guitar Hero III” in late 2007.
With the rising sales of music video games, new competitors have considered the advantages of entering their work into the gaming industry.
“RockBand” was released before Christmas 2007 to challenge the “Guitar Hero” series. Similarly, the competitor “Rock Band” helped the careers of Indie bands, such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The New Pornographers.
Songs from “Guitar Hero III” and “RockBand” can be downloaded from relatively unknown artists like Mastodon and Extremoduro on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Downloadable tracks provide another option for these bands to help their sales.
These music video games do more than increase the sales of unknown bands. They connect the Internet generation to the classic rock age. With the help of these games, gamers are exposed to classic legend bands like The Police, Boston, and The Who.
Music video games have become a popular 21st century trend, but other video game genres have been helping music sales too.
Developer and publisher, Electronic Arts, include EA Trax in their “Madden,” “FIFA” and other sports series. EA Trax is an in-game soundtrack that features music from up-and-coming artists of all genres of music.
“Madden 2003” is noted for helping the reputation of Good Charlotte, and “FIFA 2003” helped sales for pop star Avril Lavigne.
After the release of “NBA Live,” rapper Fabulous went on to sell over two million albums, according to gamecareerguide.com.
The “Grand Theft Auto” series allows its player to drive in cars that have different radio stations with actual songs. Rockstar Games, the developer of “Grand Theft Auto,” has released soundtracks with music from the video games under Sony’s label. Included is a wide range of songs from Toto, Michael Jackson, and Run DMC.
Next time you’re at a “Guitar Hero” party, challenge yourself to DragonForce – you might just discover your new favorite band. Good luck with the game, though. I can’t even beat it on easy.
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