Jam Legend: Massive Multiplayer

The Guitar Hero game -- well, is more like phenomenon.

But how do you take it to another level? Well, as we all know, social and massive multi-player are two of the most popular aspects of -- pretty much anything these days.

Jam Legend has a sort of triple combination of features that may be a category killer. The central object of the game is the same, but these three components add another dimension of play:

1. The range of music isn't preset or limited, it is essentially enormous. Artists can promote their songs through the Jam Legend site, while consumers get free access to them for game play.

2. Massive multi player competition adds a richer dimension to mastery of songs. You accumulate points by accurately performing new songs. You are scored based upon your accuracy compared to that of previous players.

3. Real time or turn based duels. You can invite someone to a play off, and compare skilz, or enter the showdown area and watch and play with a group.

Here's how they describe themselves on their site:

JamLegend enables features never before available in games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Enjoy a potentially unlimited song list through a new platform allowing artists to promote their music in an engaging way. JamLegend features massive online multiplayer for real-time showdowns between thousands of players, as well as turn based competition for dueling with a friend. Robust social features, leaderboards, real-time notifications, and social network integration round out the features list. Best of all, it's free.

Here's a promo vid:


JamLegend Trailer from JamLegend on Vimeo.

Guitar Hero is not my kind of thing, but Jam Legend is pretty darned appealing. The thing that always surprised me about the success of Guitar Hero is how it could possibly hold much staying power as an activity. As a party game, OK, but in single player???

With Jam Legend, the experience is constantly changing because of the breadth of music available and the multiplayer element.

The following screens give you a sense of some of the site:







And what a way to generate musical trial without actually giving away the store to listeners. Here the music is situational -- part of an activity. And in seconds you can buy the song you are playing, right on the site.

Someone else who really enjoys Guitar Hero or Rock band is a better judge of gameplay -- though I did find it fun. But as a music marketing tool, they don't get much better than this!

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to write.