Analysts Fear Recession Will Kill the Video Star

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.)