You've most likely heard of one of the titles listed above that are made by Harmonix, and no, this isn't a review, but what I think of them in general. Some people (namely jackasses) are always saying things like "OMG IT'S NOT REAL INSTRUMENTS YOU GUYS ARE WASTING YOUR TIME" and just being jackasses in general. You know what's really stupid about that, though? Just one thing about it that really sticks out? Everything.Video games were made to just be used for fun, not really supposed to teach you anything, except for maybe one of those CD ROM games you had back when you were four.
Pictured above: A rabbit vomiting currency through a megaphone, while a.. Whatever the hell that is plays the cello for no reason. Made on acid, or deeper meaning?Made on acid.
Not every kid has a taste for music past whatever's playing on the radio, and even sometimes they're not even really into it, it's just a passing thing. So if a video game comes around that exposes them to music, who's going to argue with that? Oh, that's right, just like I said, jackasses.
Yes, they're perfectly aware it's a fake plastic instrument. Are you aware of the fun they're having? Probably not, since you're being a jerk about it. Kids aren't as stupid as you think past a certain age. No kid over 8 is going to seriously think it's like a real guitar. Think of Guitar Hero and friends as a gateway to musicianship, the games expose them to what it's like to be a rock star, and then they'll want to replicate that in real life when they see what the life is like, or maybe even gain a deeper appreciation for music either by being exposed to music they love, or by playing it, and gaining a feel for the concept of actually playing music.
Besides, who are people to point a finger at the Harmonix family when every video game is essentially fake? Are you really being a mass murderer in GTA? Are you really being a soldier in COD? No. You'll say you're essentially living a fantasy, but so are these kids. You don't know what they go through on a daily basis, and if Johnny can escape his parents constantly yelling at eachother by pretending he's James Hetfield for a few minutes, you'd be a monster to stomp on that.
Hate on the games all you want, but I know one thing: These games are going to make kids gain an ear for sound, a feel for rhythm, and further expose them to the concept of creating and playing music. Act like they're retards all you want for now, but in ten years, after the games have their full reign on a generation, or even maybe in the next few years, we're going to see so many people pick up instruments after being inspired by this game, and possibly even creating music we'll love. If a game can make you pursue a dream in your life, either for 15 minutes a night before bed, or a whole career, I think that's absolutely amazing, and I'd love to hear what these kids will be making in a few years.
Yes, they're perfectly aware it's a fake plastic instrument. Are you aware of the fun they're having? Probably not, since you're being a jerk about it. Kids aren't as stupid as you think past a certain age. No kid over 8 is going to seriously think it's like a real guitar. Think of Guitar Hero and friends as a gateway to musicianship, the games expose them to what it's like to be a rock star, and then they'll want to replicate that in real life when they see what the life is like, or maybe even gain a deeper appreciation for music either by being exposed to music they love, or by playing it, and gaining a feel for the concept of actually playing music.
Besides, who are people to point a finger at the Harmonix family when every video game is essentially fake? Are you really being a mass murderer in GTA? Are you really being a soldier in COD? No. You'll say you're essentially living a fantasy, but so are these kids. You don't know what they go through on a daily basis, and if Johnny can escape his parents constantly yelling at eachother by pretending he's James Hetfield for a few minutes, you'd be a monster to stomp on that.
Hate on the games all you want, but I know one thing: These games are going to make kids gain an ear for sound, a feel for rhythm, and further expose them to the concept of creating and playing music. Act like they're retards all you want for now, but in ten years, after the games have their full reign on a generation, or even maybe in the next few years, we're going to see so many people pick up instruments after being inspired by this game, and possibly even creating music we'll love. If a game can make you pursue a dream in your life, either for 15 minutes a night before bed, or a whole career, I think that's absolutely amazing, and I'd love to hear what these kids will be making in a few years.
