It was bound to happen sooner or later. It's a commonly accepted phenomenon that Guitar Hero and games like it have a habit of inspiring gamers to take up the real thing.

I've been known to pluck unconvincingly on my brother's guitar after successfully conquering "Cliffs of Dover" on Expert so I know this trend firsthand. I'm sure you people who've tried the game have similar experiences.

It seems the music instrument distribution industry has finally caught wind to this and is using it to its advantage. Active Music Distribution and Activision Blizzard entered an agreement that will see Guitar Her sold in musical instrument stores across the UK. Took them long enough. I've had teenagers suggest this idea to me.

The obvious benefit for the music stores is that they can net those who are either too intimidated or apathetic to bother learning a conventional instrument and weening them on the videogame version first. In theory, this will get them interested to try the real thing... that's when the sell you their regular stock.

Activision Blizzard's Lee Worsely mentions in his statement concerning the partnership agreement:

By offering incentives with purchases of Guitar Hero, such as a free lesson or a discount on their first instrument purchase, stores can keep these customers. At the same time they can appeal to existing customers willing to make this purchase for themselves or their family.

Bottom line - more customers, strong retention value, profit.

Guitar Hero: World Tour (Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, and Wii) is coming out on November 14 in the UK so be sure to check your local game retail stores OR local musical instrument stores on that day. Rock on, guys.

/horns

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• No more rocking out to Mario and Zelda on Guitar Hero: World Tour
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