While the Guitar Hero franchise has ensnared many a casual passerby with its infectious mix of rock tunes, Activision senior brand manager Ian McClellan believes that the publisher's next rhythm release, DJ Hero, will draw in people who have yet to become acquainted with musical protagonists. "With the kind of diversity DJ Hero offers, we expect it to appeal to people who may not have yet discovered the Hero franchise," he told MCV. "The key is that the music – which comprises of over 90 mashups that are unique to DJ Hero – is still very accessible."
Of course, they're only accessible through a large turntable peripheral, which doesn't seem to offer the same warm reception that a guitar and a Bon Jovi number might. The game's sales performance later this month should be a good indicator of how music lovers -- some of whom have yet to purchase a music game, McClellan believes -- respond to this Hero's cultural shift.
In other news: Nepalese GameStops have begun surveying all customers claiming to be unfamiliar with Guitar Hero games. Their responses are to be documented and shared in November's nationwide educational seminar, "How To Avoid an Avalanche."
Reader Comments (48)
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:49PM (Unverified) said
We have a real culture of thrift. The goal that I had in bringing a lot of the packaged goods folks into Activision about 10 years ago was to take all the fun out of making video games.”
I tried to instill into the company culture “skepticism, pessimism, and fear” of the global economic downturn, adding, “We are very good at keeping people focused on the deep depression.”
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I tried to instill into the company culture “skepticism, pessimism, and fear” of the global economic downturn, adding, “We are very good at keeping people focused on the deep depression.”
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:54PM (Unverified) said
Simply off-topic.
I'm sure the developer of DJ Hero didn't like those comments either. But by posting them every time there's a story on this game, you're punishing the dev, not the CEO of Activision, who has enough money that God asks him for loans.
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I'm sure the developer of DJ Hero didn't like those comments either. But by posting them every time there's a story on this game, you're punishing the dev, not the CEO of Activision, who has enough money that God asks him for loans.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:00PM (Unverified) said
So he's a Sith Lord. What's wrong with that, I ask?
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:55PM sigma8 said
Saw the demo unit at BestBuy. Looked dull. Of course, Guitar Hero probably looked dull in the beginning, too. Still, it seemed like all the player was doing was adding scratches and sounds to the music. It reminded me of those $50 keyboards you could buy that played the demo songs, and you could hit the sound effect buttons (tom toms, dog bark, cymbal, etc.) and make your own, lame-sounding groove.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:22PM CyberKnight said
Actually managed to play a round on the Best Buy demo unit, and that's about how it felt, too. Definitely felt "meh". If there's a target audience for this game, I'm apparently not it.
Their setup included a guitar, and the ability to play DJ and guitar head-to-head is a nice feature, though.
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Their setup included a guitar, and the ability to play DJ and guitar head-to-head is a nice feature, though.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:51PM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said
I still say this wont save the "hero" franchise....it wont do much to slow the decline in music games either...
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:21PM mrhammerstein said
by saving the "hero" franchise, should i assume you mean the franchise that is selling better than rockband?
both are dwindling, but last i saw, GH5 is doing better than Rockband 2.
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both are dwindling, but last i saw, GH5 is doing better than Rockband 2.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:35PM (Unverified) said
@ Mrhammerstein
Although I would say its hard to compare a game that came out last year, to one that came out last month (not to mention the RB franchise is dependent on DLC rather than a new retail copy).
The Hero series' problem never has been its sales though, its been the quality since Activision took over. GH5 is a step in the right direction though.
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Although I would say its hard to compare a game that came out last year, to one that came out last month (not to mention the RB franchise is dependent on DLC rather than a new retail copy).
The Hero series' problem never has been its sales though, its been the quality since Activision took over. GH5 is a step in the right direction though.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:57PM Chris DPSN AggieCEO XBLThe Aggi said
it may be selling millions but the fact remains its a rehash....and more people are seeing it as such and simply wont buy into it anymore....
as for it outsell RockBand....well I don't much care for the Beatles...so no I won't buy it....I'm not the only one either....maybe people will get it for there parents for Christmas
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as for it outsell RockBand....well I don't much care for the Beatles...so no I won't buy it....I'm not the only one either....maybe people will get it for there parents for Christmas
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:52PM (Unverified) said
"Of course, they're only accessible through a large turntable peripheral, which doesn't seem to offer the same warm reception that a guitar and a Bon Jovi number might."
From where? Several game journalists from other sites have reported that the final game is actually a lot of fun, and the turntable is quite original.
I don't like Activision any more than the next guy, but this game is trying to do something different (from other games, and other rhythm games)... and for that reason it seems the game should be treated innocent until proven guilty.
Another site said, at the highest difficulty level, you are actually pretty much doing what a DJ would do, that the sense of realism is much greater than plastic guitar.
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From where? Several game journalists from other sites have reported that the final game is actually a lot of fun, and the turntable is quite original.
I don't like Activision any more than the next guy, but this game is trying to do something different (from other games, and other rhythm games)... and for that reason it seems the game should be treated innocent until proven guilty.
Another site said, at the highest difficulty level, you are actually pretty much doing what a DJ would do, that the sense of realism is much greater than plastic guitar.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:06PM MorbidToaster said
Those 'do what a DJ is doing' comments are a joke. As a real DJ (and a buyer of DJ Hero, day one), I can honestly say that while alot of the actions are the same, most of the tough things the DJs that made these mixes had to do was left out.
I also find it laughable that the makers of the table obviously didn't know shit about DJing because if you were actually scratch DJing (crossfading and scratching), you use your dominant hand to CROSSFADE with. DJ Hero has you scratching with it.
Basically, if you want to add a teeny bit more realism to the game, lefty flip your controller.
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I also find it laughable that the makers of the table obviously didn't know shit about DJing because if you were actually scratch DJing (crossfading and scratching), you use your dominant hand to CROSSFADE with. DJ Hero has you scratching with it.
Basically, if you want to add a teeny bit more realism to the game, lefty flip your controller.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:11PM (Unverified) said
I'm glad I pre-ordered the game. Joystiq do seem to have a grudge against this game. Personally, I find it refreshing. I liked playing a a bunch of rythm game, even if I don't listen to either Rock or any of these mashup. I like exploring new style of music. I actually like the fact that we get a new peripherical. It takes a lot less room than any drumkit + guitar peripherical and it'll be a lot of fun.
I can't wait.
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I can't wait.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:12PM (Unverified) said
sure, it's not a DJ simulator. but as a guitar player who likes rhythm games, it doesn't bother me that there are only 5 buttons vs. 6 strings... on expert difficulty the gist is gotten.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:14PM (Unverified) said
Just like playing a GH or RB guitar is not like playing guitar, DJ Hero is not like scratching for real. However, in MY eyes, it'll be MUCH closer with DJ Hero than with the other ones before him.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:18PM (Unverified) said
Re: realism, that's what Giant Bomb said, anyway, in their podcast.
I agree with you about Joystiq having an attitude about this game. Just look at the headline of this post... putting 'diversity' in quotes. It's getting kinda tired, this thumbing the nose at another rhythm game, without coming out and admitting it.
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I agree with you about Joystiq having an attitude about this game. Just look at the headline of this post... putting 'diversity' in quotes. It's getting kinda tired, this thumbing the nose at another rhythm game, without coming out and admitting it.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:38PM TRTX said
The quotes around "diversity" is because it is lifted directly from statements made in the article. It's done so that the usage of the word can be attributed to the original speaker instead of appearing to be a construction of the article writer.
You'll also often see this in situations such as "President says resolution could be 'impossible'".
It's basic journalism.
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You'll also often see this in situations such as "President says resolution could be 'impossible'".
It's basic journalism.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:45PM (Unverified) said
T, I get what you're saying. it's just when you find pull-quotes that sound stupid, like Joystiq did with this headline... "key in attracting 'Hero' newcomers..." As per usual, they've found a way to act like they're just reporting the news while making snarky commentary at the same time. Which is also basic journalism, these days.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:59PM GewurztraminerX said
I don't see the big deal. The headline is perfectly summarizing the story stating that Activision views diversity as a key part of attracting newcomers.
The single quotes make it grammatically correct, not snarky.
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The single quotes make it grammatically correct, not snarky.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 4:15PM TRTX said
Wait...what?
How is "key in attracting 'Hero' newcomers" a snarky headline? 'Hero' is the game name, therefore it's single quoted. The alternative would be italicize it, but you typically don't see that in headline copy.
Are you just making stuff up now? The headline is 100% accurate. The makers of DJ Hero believe that the wide array of music in the soundtrack will attract new audiences.
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How is "key in attracting 'Hero' newcomers" a snarky headline? 'Hero' is the game name, therefore it's single quoted. The alternative would be italicize it, but you typically don't see that in headline copy.
Are you just making stuff up now? The headline is 100% accurate. The makers of DJ Hero believe that the wide array of music in the soundtrack will attract new audiences.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 4:33PM (Unverified) said
Hey, I accept that you see it as a neutral headline. That's cool.
I see some spin in there, from the way they've covered this game from the beginning. Putting the word hero in quotes isn't necessary, for starters. We all know what the Hero name stands for.
If you think this site is generally fair when reviewing 'Hero' related material, then you'll see the headline as per-usual. If you've seen lots of fun being had over the GH franchise, which is fair game, admittedly, then you'll maybe see it as I did.
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I see some spin in there, from the way they've covered this game from the beginning. Putting the word hero in quotes isn't necessary, for starters. We all know what the Hero name stands for.
If you think this site is generally fair when reviewing 'Hero' related material, then you'll see the headline as per-usual. If you've seen lots of fun being had over the GH franchise, which is fair game, admittedly, then you'll maybe see it as I did.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 2:57PM (Unverified) said
Well, I guess as long as it sells well it's good for Activision stockholders.
Still not buying it.
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Still not buying it.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:22PM connorhawke said
What are you living in a hole in the wall? You can't get away from those stupid commercials.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:25PM (Unverified) said
Looking forward to the game but this is just PR nonsense.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:29PM Giggman said
Why all of this sugar coating.
Basically he is trying to say that the majority of black people don't get down with the guitar hero franchise. Those games are catered to white rock and roll loving people (which evident by the DJ hero sucks and this is shit comments of old) with a little sprinkle of latino and black music.
So we put out some hip hop, r&b type game call it DJ Hero and bam we getting money on all fronts now. Then to top it off we add just about every significant white rapper or group or dj and throw in some Daft Punk (which I had never heard of until this was announced) on the majority of songs and we get some of the white demographic too.
Win. Win.
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Basically he is trying to say that the majority of black people don't get down with the guitar hero franchise. Those games are catered to white rock and roll loving people (which evident by the DJ hero sucks and this is shit comments of old) with a little sprinkle of latino and black music.
So we put out some hip hop, r&b type game call it DJ Hero and bam we getting money on all fronts now. Then to top it off we add just about every significant white rapper or group or dj and throw in some Daft Punk (which I had never heard of until this was announced) on the majority of songs and we get some of the white demographic too.
Win. Win.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:43PM (Unverified) said
Wow.. pure crap.
Hope you were sarcastic, really. I dont listen to either kind of music but will still have fun playing DJ Hero.
All I want was a new music style and a new peripherical that would be something else than a guitar.
I'm a canadian and white too. Seriously, you post stupid stuff.
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Hope you were sarcastic, really. I dont listen to either kind of music but will still have fun playing DJ Hero.
All I want was a new music style and a new peripherical that would be something else than a guitar.
I'm a canadian and white too. Seriously, you post stupid stuff.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:52PM Giggman said
So you knew that Guitar Hero was going to be a smashing success?
When I first heard about it I thought it was the dumbest idea I had ever heard of. A bunch of grown men playing with plastic toys. That just shows how much I know, not only is it a success I enjoy it myself.
This has two things going against it the type of music and the it's developed by Activision. These are the main reasons I want to see it succeed (plus I think it will be fun).
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When I first heard about it I thought it was the dumbest idea I had ever heard of. A bunch of grown men playing with plastic toys. That just shows how much I know, not only is it a success I enjoy it myself.
This has two things going against it the type of music and the it's developed by Activision. These are the main reasons I want to see it succeed (plus I think it will be fun).
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:58PM Giggman said
Thats what I feel like if you cut through the PR he was trying to say.
"With the kind of diversity DJ Hero offers, we expect it to appeal to people who may not have yet discovered the Hero franchise,"
Whats wrong with that? I know plenty of black people and I'm the only one who has "discovered the Hero franchise".....
Lol you people find racism in anything.
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"With the kind of diversity DJ Hero offers, we expect it to appeal to people who may not have yet discovered the Hero franchise,"
Whats wrong with that? I know plenty of black people and I'm the only one who has "discovered the Hero franchise".....
Lol you people find racism in anything.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 5:48PM ACLerok212 said
You know you could have just pointed out the differences in the genres and how the games cater differently to each and been fine. You didn't have to play the racial card. It's unnecessary and completely cheapens your point with ignorance.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 6:23PM rowd149 said
THE CONCLUSION JUMPING IN THIS THREAD IS EPIC.
You guys need to chill, GiggMan is right. "Diversity" has, at least recently, been a euphemism for, "People who aren't white will like/are included in this too."
And you can't deny that, by the very nature of Guitar Hero being a rock-based game, that the demographic it would appeal to the most would be Caucasians. I'm black, but I've grown up in mixed neighborhoods my entire life, and I STILL find myself scratching my head whenever someone pops in GH or Rock Band. But looking through this track list, I IMMEDIATELY see artists I grew up listening to: Chuck Brown, Cameo, Rick James.
I'm not saying this was made specifically to appeal to black people (or that people who don't like the game are racist, where the fuck did you get that idea from?!), but it definitely feels like a grab for the black demographic that didn't grow up listening to Journey and Black Sabbath.
Full disclosure, btw: I decided I'd try this game when I heard Daft Punk was gonna be on it. I've risked getting fired by playing "One More Time" on repeat during work.
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You guys need to chill, GiggMan is right. "Diversity" has, at least recently, been a euphemism for, "People who aren't white will like/are included in this too."
And you can't deny that, by the very nature of Guitar Hero being a rock-based game, that the demographic it would appeal to the most would be Caucasians. I'm black, but I've grown up in mixed neighborhoods my entire life, and I STILL find myself scratching my head whenever someone pops in GH or Rock Band. But looking through this track list, I IMMEDIATELY see artists I grew up listening to: Chuck Brown, Cameo, Rick James.
I'm not saying this was made specifically to appeal to black people (or that people who don't like the game are racist, where the fuck did you get that idea from?!), but it definitely feels like a grab for the black demographic that didn't grow up listening to Journey and Black Sabbath.
Full disclosure, btw: I decided I'd try this game when I heard Daft Punk was gonna be on it. I've risked getting fired by playing "One More Time" on repeat during work.
Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:48PM (Unverified) said
Great for you! Bahhing like the rest of Bobby's sheep.
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:49PM (Unverified) said
Your bahhing just like the rest of Bobby's sheeple, great for you!
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Posted: Oct 14th 2009 3:44PM Nate Addison said
Im plugging this for the sake of the people that just dont know...Harmonix has a podcast...its great...try it or dont...that is all...
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Posted: Oct 15th 2009 12:25AM DiscoJer said
According to the MCV article, they hope to be big in Europe, but the track list for the game seems to be mostly American pop music and hip-hop. Do they like that sort of music there? Yes, but it's a smaller part of the music they like.
And I think it's pretty weak on dance music from the 70s and 80s, too, when DJing first really started.
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And I think it's pretty weak on dance music from the 70s and 80s, too, when DJing first really started.
Posted: Oct 26th 2009 1:39PM (Unverified) said
I think it's gonna be a great game. It'll be a refreshing change from Guitar Hero and Rockband for those of us who don't quite like "rocking out" and would rather just chill and enjoy music in a unique and possibly fun method. Those of us who used to enjoy Beatmania in the arcades can really relate to this.
I think the big problem here is that people are trying to generalize this in the way they generalized Guitar Hero by pulling the "not actually playing an instrument" card. If you see this as a nifty and slightly intuitive rhythm game, I think you're seeing it the way it was meant to be seen. I think it has a lot of potential.
Guess I'll find out when I go pick this up tomorrow. [:
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I think the big problem here is that people are trying to generalize this in the way they generalized Guitar Hero by pulling the "not actually playing an instrument" card. If you see this as a nifty and slightly intuitive rhythm game, I think you're seeing it the way it was meant to be seen. I think it has a lot of potential.
Guess I'll find out when I go pick this up tomorrow. [:
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