Nowadays, despite all the latest technological possibilities, the youth only listens to music that is prominently present around them. That is to say, they are more likely to listen to what they hear on the radio and on television, instead of searching for less famous bands, that they could dig. They also won’t listen to older music, because it’s not hip or because they don’t like the image of the band.
When playing games like Guitar Hero, they are directly exposed to the music, without having any prejudices. In order to get to the next level, they have to practice a song several times. Due to this repetitive listening, they learn to appreciate that particular song. And when the twelve-year old will ask his father to buy a Kiss record, Daddy will be way to proud of his son listening to ‘real music’, to refuse buying him a CD.
Will games save the music industry? I don’t think so. Games make people buy music, but despite the increasing digital market, the global sales are still dropping dramatically. Every year record companies have to get rid of employees, because they can’t pay their wages anymore.
Games will probably not save the music industry, but they are a great marketing tool. Gamers spend hours on their favourite games and will be hearing those songs over and over again. This is providing artists an extended diffusion, which will lead to an increase of fame and sales of CDs and concert tickets.
