Video Game To Promote NZ Music

Government-sponsored funding agency NZ On Air launched a video game to promote New Zealand music.

It teamed with Auckland games developer InGame with an investment of NZ$287,000 ($221,610).

While listening to 28 streamed tracks by local acts including Tiki Taane, I Am Giant, Street Chant or Princess Chelsea, players can “manage” the acts to global superstardom.

Players will choose where to tour, which producer to work on their next record, how to best market them and manage scandals.

NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson said the game engaged new audiences and promoted music discovery.

Multi-platinum urban singer Taane, who provided input to the game’s development, said, “I never thought I’d become a character in a video game so for me it’s a real buzz. It’s a new way to explore homegrown music.”

The game is available at IndieMusicManager.com.