Electronic Arts
Of course, anybody who knows about the video game companies probably knows that Guitar Hero, in which players simulate playing guitar in well-known songs, racking up points for their accuracy, is actually an Activision
For example, as is made obvious by the title Rock Band, the game not only involves guitar but simulates a complete "band" with two guitars, a singer, and a drummer, therefore being a collaborative game. It will use online connectivity so "bandmates" from different geographic locations can get together to jam for points. (Note that Guitar Hero II allows collaborative playing, adding bass and rhythm guitar players to the lead guitar.) Furthermore, MTV has helped EA negotiate with the major music companies, so that the game will feature original songs. In Guitar Hero, most of the songs featured were covers or by lesser-known bands.
Apparently EMI and Warner
Rock Band is expected to release in time for the 2007 holiday season for Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's
Some gamers (and video game investors) have wished EA and Activision would get a bit more creative instead of relying on rehashes. That's a good point, and I can't say this isn't a good example of the dilemma -- after all, it's riskier to spend money to develop a creative new game idea that might not fly with gamers at all. However, it sounds like EA's Rock Band shows promise of improving upon its rival's Guitar Hero game play, and for that reason, it might be forgiven for being a new spin on an existing idea -- it sounds like it could be a real hit.
Electronic Arts, Nintendo, and Activision are Motley Fool Stock Advisor picks. Microsoft is a Motley Fool Inside Value selection. A free 30-day trial to either newsletter will be music to your portfolio.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned, but wonders if the air guitar will make a comeback. The Fool's disclosure policy is a streetwalking cheetah with a heart full of napalm.