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Game On
by David Kushner
October 2007 Issue
October 2007 Issue
The M.I.T. grads behind Guitar Hero are back with a new videogame—and a novel plan to sell music online.
Two former MIT grad students create a new platform for delivering music and community online. Read More
Molto Mario
Nintendo’s plumber in a red cap may be moving too fast for his own good. See All Video & Multimedia
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The success of a karaoke-inspired videogame that sold 4.6 million units and brought countless new gamers to a stagnant industry is reason enough for a boardroom jam session. But Harmonix founders Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, creators of Guitar Hero, are tuning up for their next release. Rock Band, out this fall, will let up to four people air-band their favorite tunes using toy instruments. It may also add a new layer to Harmonix’ business model. In addition to retailing the game itself, the company plans to eventually sell songs, iTunes-style, to players online. “We’re not a game publisher,” Rigopulos says. “We’re a music company.” Welcome to Steve Jobs’ jungle, dudes.
The success of a karaoke-inspired videogame that sold 4.6 million units and brought countless new gamers to a stagnant industry is reason enough for a boardroom jam session. But Harmonix founders Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, creators of Guitar Hero, are tuning up for their next release. Rock Band, out this fall, will let up to four people air-band their favorite tunes using toy instruments. It may also add a new layer to Harmonix’ business model. In addition to retailing the game itself, the company plans to eventually sell songs, iTunes-style, to players online. “We’re not a game publisher,” Rigopulos says. “We’re a music company.” Welcome to Steve Jobs’ jungle, dudes.
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