Music Games: What's Next?

by Dan "Shoe" Hsu, BITMOB STAFF

Monday, November 30, 2009

If we knew the answer to that, we'd be making billions as game developers vs. a lot less than that doing what we're doing now. But a panel of industry experts -- including our very own Michael Donahoe -- will attempt to tackle this subject.

At the SF MusicTech Summit next Monday, Dec. 7 in San Francisco, CA, GameLife Editor Chris Kohler will be moderating a panel entitled "Music Games: Beyond Beatmatching" consisting of Donahoe, Heatwave Interactive (developers of music MMORPG Platinum Life) CEO Anthony Castoro, and others. They'll discuss the future of the rhythm genre (which we never heard called "beatmatching" until now) and possibly give someone in attendance some ideas on how to cash in on those unclaimed billions.

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Comments (3)

Daryl Bunao

November 30, 2009

I've been playin' music games since PaRappa, to Bust a Move, to DDR, to Amplitude, to Ouendan, to Guitar Hero, to Audiosurf, to DJmax Technika and is looking forward to play JuBeat and Hatsune Miku: Project Diva some day.

I can't see music games going beyond matching beats because if you take away the rhythmic aspect of the gameplay, how else are you going to judge musical-related skill in the game? The core gameplay of the genre is not broken, but there hasn't been any innovation on top to expand options the player can do in these games.

Erik Jordan Sugay

November 30, 2009

@ Daryl:

I see what you mean. Wii Music took out that aspect and was panned for it.

And oh hell yeah, Bust a Move! HIRO's stage music is so awesomely conceited.

Travis McReynolds

November 30, 2009

Bust a Move is among my favorite PS1 games. That soundtrack kicked ass... and now I've got my submission for next week's Community Jukebox.
Wish I could be at this event, but I'm stuck on the east coast for the remainder of the year.

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