Music video games have been a shining light in the midst of dismal music industry sales, but recent figures are suggesting that this light may be starting to dim.
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Music video games have been a shining light in the midst of dismal music industry sales, but recent figures are suggesting that this light may be starting to dim. Released on October 26 of last year, Activision’s Guitar Hero World Tour has only sold 1.5 million domestic units to date, down 55 percent from sales figures for Activision’s previous release Guitar Hero III. In addition, MTV’s Rock Band 2 has sold less than a million units compared to the first “Rock Band,” which has sold over 4 million units.
Faced with this gloomy sales data, videogame industry analysts are pointing to several possible factors responsible for the slump. Guitar Hero World Tour is the fourth video game in the franchise in four years. In addition, Disney, Konami and Nintendo have all released music video games recently. Faced with a seemingly never-ending barrage of music video games releases, analysts point out that supply may have finally surpassed demand. In addition, with the instrument peripherals for each unit costing close to $200, consumers may be less willing to upgrade or purchase a new game, especially in these current economic times. 
Despite this news, Activision will release Guitar Hero Metallica in March. In addition, both Activision and MTV have plans for more games in their respective franchises. Activision plans to release at least one additional game next year, and MTV is currently slated to release a Rock Band spinoff based on The Beatles by next Christmas season.
