http://ezread.biz/2008/05/06/selling-songs-via-video-games/ An Industry Dialog Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:15:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 http://ezread.biz/2008/05/06/selling-songs-via-video-games/#comment-164 Peter Kohan Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:54:17 +0000 http://ezread.biz/?p=87#comment-164 I think the labels love "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero" even more than GTA. Why? Because, #1 - the songs purchased are used on a closed system. No file sharing or illegal downloading to get those tracks. #2 - If the game player REALLY loves those songs, then there is a higher likelihood the player will go out and further explore that artist's catalog and make another purchase (either as a single download [hopefully paid for via legal download service] or through an album purchase). That's (at least) two purchase decisions made by the game player playing those games. #3 - GH and RB are music-centric games. They place the game player in a world we used to know, one where being a rock star was cool, where learning the latest licks was cool, where instrumental solos were cool, and where there was no such thing as hop-hop! ;) In GTA, the role of music is sublimated, whereas in RB and GH it is primary. For an ailing industry which always seems to be feeling the wrath of music consumers - these games are a much-needed positive story on how music changes lives for the good. I think the labels love “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero” even more than GTA. Why? Because, #1 - the songs purchased are used on a closed system. No file sharing or illegal downloading to get those tracks. #2 - If the game player REALLY loves those songs, then there is a higher likelihood the player will go out and further explore that artist’s catalog and make another purchase (either as a single download [hopefully paid for via legal download service] or through an album purchase). That’s (at least) two purchase decisions made by the game player playing those games. #3 - GH and RB are music-centric games. They place the game player in a world we used to know, one where being a rock star was cool, where learning the latest licks was cool, where instrumental solos were cool, and where there was no such thing as hop-hop! In GTA, the role of music is sublimated, whereas in RB and GH it is primary. For an ailing industry which always seems to be feeling the wrath of music consumers - these games are a much-needed positive story on how music changes lives for the good.

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