Beatles: Rock Band videogame gets launch parties
PHYSICAL: Best Buy, Blockbuster locations plan release events, contests
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 9/1/2009
SEPT. 1 | PHYSICAL: Retailers will ring in high-profile Sept. 9 videogame release The Beatles: Rock Band with in-store launch parties and contests.
The Beatles: Rock Band will be released on Sept. 9.
Best Buy will host festivities at its stores in 10 major markets, including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 9. The bashes will feature Beatles memorabilia giveaways of such items as exclusive T-shirts featuring the band. Additionally, people can enter to win a trip to London for a tour of such historic Beatles sites as EMI’s Abbey Road production studio, A Hard Day’s Night and Help! film locations and the band’s roof-top recording spot. One winner will be plucked from each participating store, which can be found at the Best Buy Web site.
Best Buy Beatles party-goers also can score complimentary membership to the chain’s Reward Zone Premier Silver program to gain future access to special entertainment events.
“With their timeless music, The Beatles have long been a favorite of Best Buy customers,” said Gary Arnold, senior entertainment officer for Best Buy. “The Beatles: Rock Band and The Beatles’ remastered studio albums are two of the most highly anticipated entertainment releases of the year, and we’re thrilled to celebrate with the fans and provide our customers a unique experience they can’t get anywhere else.”
It also appears that certain Blockbuster locations are presenting Beatles: Rock Band bashes. On the night of Sept. 8, locations in Florida, Illinois and California are expected to host performances of live Beatles cover bands and give away prizes, according to blog BeatlesNews.
Retailers are wise to pump up the release of The Beatles: Rock Band. Through much of 2009, videogame software sales have been off significantly from their record 2008 pace. Some stores and analysts have blamed a lack of marquee game title releases.
