Music Games: They Print Money

[Dr.Finger]

We all know that music-based games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero sell big numbers. But I was shocked to read just how much money they make. From GameDaily (http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/music-video-games-account-for-32-of-industry-growth-in-08/?biz=1). According to UBS analyst Ben Schachter, music games have been a "key driver" this year, with "sales of music-themed games responsible for 19% of overall industry software dollars in July (15% YTD) and 44% of y/y industry dollar growth during the month (32% of growth YTD)While there are a lot of other factors contributing to those numbers - GH with guitar costs 50% more than the average game, and the Rock Band bundle sells for almost triple the cost of a normal game - but any way you slice it, being nearly 20% of the industry is still very impressive. Especially when you realize that they don't include sales of downloadable music for those titles.

[protocol_image]

now if only harmonix would hire me!!!

[Mdot23]

Somebody make a plastic guitar animation with money coming out on every strum.

[Froggy]

What ever happenned to that game where you actually use a guitar? Is that still in dev? Honestly, I'd rather not get started un-learning the instrument.

[divinechaos]

I've spent more than $300 on Rock Band alone. And you know what? I don't regret it for one single second. It's the greatest music game ever made.

[Ink Asylum]

No wonder music companies want a bigger slice of the money pie.

[ElfShotTheFood]

What ever happenned to that game where you actually use a guitar? Is that still in dev? Honestly, I'd rather not get started un-learning the instrument.

Last I heard the game was still being developed and is supposed to be released by the end of the year.

[Pluvious]

I have a confession, I haven't played any 'music' game and don't plan on doing so anytime soon. Good for them, but no thanks. ;)

[protocol_image]

I have a confession, I haven't played any 'music' game and don't plan on doing so anytime soon. Good for them, but no thanks. ;)

you've never played Simon??

[ZMoe]

What most people fail to realize is the amount of money spent in shipping and shelf space. Shipping alone nearly quadruples in cost for GH because the box is so big. Publishers can ship say 10,000 units of a single game like Halo3 in regular packaging in a truck, but because GH's box is so much bigger, only 2500 units will fit in the same truck. This is just numbers, I don't know how many can actually fit in a truck, but you get the idea. And RB with the multiple instruments needs even more trucks because its packaging is even bigger than GH.

Then the shelf space... that isn't free. And with bigger packages, retailers have to charge for the extra space.

I'm not denying the music games bring big reported profits to their publishers, just reminding folks that a good chunk of that profit isn't actually "profit".

[Pluvious]

you've never played Simon??

Ya got me there.. :rolleyes:

[protocol_image]

Ya got me there.. :rolleyes:

hah.....sweet!

[pomeroy]

I have a confession, I haven't played any 'music' game and don't plan on doing so anytime soon. Good for them, but no thanks. ;)

Oh man, are you that dude who hates music? I remember him posting about hating it and comparing it to noise.

So weird...

[Pluvious]

No, no no. I don't hate music in any way. I just don't see the appeal of Rock Band and Guitar Hero..not to mention the extra cost it adds. But good for you guys who do.