The phenomenon that is Rock Band isn’t just good for gamers, and the games industry, but also for music lovers, and the music industry. It seems that just from being featured in the game, an artist can massively increase their popularity, and sales of their songs.

Directly, this comes from the extra tracks available for download on the Xbox Live and Playstation Network. Once people get sick of the 58 playable songs included on the game disc, they can then buy individual songs or packs of songs by certain artists.

The prices range from $0.99 to $2.99, which is unbelievably cheap for content which could increase the lifespan of the game by a massive amount.

In the eight weeks since the game was released in the USA for the Xbox 360 and PS3, virtual musicians have downloaded over 2.5 million songs over the respective consoles online services.

The game was developed by Harmonix, the same guys behind Guitar Hero I and II, and published by MTV Games. Van Toffler of MTV Networks explained the incredible success of the extra songs to USA Today:

“Hopefully it helps evolve music to not just a linear art form but a more interactive art form.”

“You look at a lot of 20-year-olds who are reticent to plop down $20 for a CD, yet they don’t mind paying $25 for a DVD or $50 for a video game. … We’re seeing the audience really embrace hearing new music for the first time or engaging with classic rock songs in a new way.”

“As opposed to us being the aggressor, a lot of the classic bands and the biggest bands in modern music history are approaching us now to be in the game.”

There is a further indirect advantage for bands to be featured in the game, either on the original disc, or as downloads, which has already been proven by Guitar Hero III. Back in November we looked at how bands who had been featured in the latest incarnation of the plastic guitar wielding game had seen digital sales of their albums and songs rocket in the aftermath.

Although there’s no data to back this up, I would suggest the same is true for artists on Rock Band. I know from experience how earning to play songs in the game suddenly makes you a fan of the band, and encourages you to seek out more of their work.

Its no wonder that bands are now virtually begging to be featured in these games, rather than moaning at the prospect.

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Entry was posted on Friday, January 18th, 2008 at 5:59 pm under Music.  Print This Post

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