Analysts Fear Recession Will Kill the Video Star

November sales dip aside, titles remain popular with gamers
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 13, 2008 7:00 PM CST
Analysts Fear Recession Will Kill the Video Star
This photo released by Activision shows a scene from ”Guitar Hero World Tour” which adds drums, vocals and a music-creation tool to the classic rhythm game.   (AP Photo/Activision)

With many Americans singing the recession blues this holiday season, they may not be willing to shell out $200 to groove to Guitar Hero or Rock Band. Some analysts say the dueling, popular video game franchises are beginning to peak, MarketWatch reports. “The music game genre is getting a little long in the tooth,” one analyst said.

Last month, Guitar Hero sold 1.9 million units, down 19% from last November, and Rock Band saw increased demand only because of previously tight supply. Other analysts interpret the data differently, pointing out that Hero's sales are up 16% for the year. The game's latest incarnation will likely sell 3 million units over the holidays: "It's still very profitable," one analyst said.
(More Guitar Hero stories.)

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