I believe in consumer-driven markets. I believe in free competition. But I also believe in closet space because I’m running out of it.
In the last few weeks we've learned that Harmonix and Konami are both jumping on the Rock Band-wagon by developing their own games that embody the full-band experience. When it comes to a shooter or an RPG, competition is nothing but healthy. Gamers are pleasured with having a wide array of games to choose from. Standard games are relatively cost-conscious and they all fit neatly on a shelf. But a platter of options for music simulation presents some unique problems.
Space
It was a stretch for me to fit Rock Band into our home. In the consumerist United States our closets are already full of junk. With every new peripheral the industry releases comes the task of finding a place for it to go. And this concern is from an American perspective that enjoys homes nearly twice the size as the rest of the world. If I buy another “band” game, one will have to go. I simply cannot fit another set of drums in my closet.
Cost
Not only do music simulation games claim additional square-footage, they cost more too. Gamers are already pressed with the rising cost of standard games, a weak American dollar, and a nickel-and-dime era with downloadable content. Based on the Guitar Hero III and Rock Band duel of last Christmas, most consumers will maybe splurge on one band game. High cost is simply a barrier to entry that many families will not cross. And I certainly don’t foresee developers sharing peripheral technology to lessen that barrier.
Lack of Differentiation
I’ll be presumptuous and say that I predict all three experiences for these games to be relatively the same. Playing guitar on Guitar Hero or Rock Band is roughly the same experience minus a few nuances, and I expect more of the same from the new entrants to the market. Sure, the cooperative modes will be better. Maybe we’ll be able to create more of our own music, but I’d be surprised to see any feature that honestly blows away the industry. I sincerely hope that I’m wrong.
The Right Choice
In my circle of gamers, I can generally trust that whatever hot new game comes out will be played. It may be rented or it may be purchased – but it will be played. I don’t have the same confidence with the band games to come. There will likely be a divide among friends based on which game was chosen. This is unfortunate for a game that thrives on the brilliance of sharing the rock experience among friends.
The iPod of Gaming?
Rock Band has done a fantastic job of releasing fresh tracks to the gaming community. Our household has spent many Microsoft Points buying our favorite songs week after week. If other gamers are as heavily invested, will the switch-over costs be too high to try something new? And are gamers even ready and demanding for these knock-off games given all the fresh content they’re still receiving from the existing titles?
Bottom Line
Is this what gamers want? I personally would prefer to see talented developers produce new intellectual property that is vivid and new rather than recycling someone else’s idea in an effort to take some market share. Benchmarking against the competition is institutionalized mediocrity and gamers deserve and want more. But I also respect a developer’s choice to see an idea, think they can do better, and take a shot at it. I'll welcome the product that can further revolutionize music simulation to the point where I throw away my Rock Band set and bid farewell to my spent Microsoft points.
Ultimately, money talks and this is the market’s invisible hand at work. I can’t imagine all of these developers succeeding in the “full band” genre of games in the long run. The addition of consumer choice will force gamers to make tougher choices. That is the essence of competition. May the best band win.
