MUMBAI: Tuning into a website or television show is a thing of the past. Music based games like Tap Tap are not new to the app world but a gaming app from an Indian music channel takes rhythm to an all new level, allowing you to leave behind your blues. Viacom 18 and Vh1 are set to launch their music app following the contest they are conducting, Game of Tunes.
Vh1’s contest, Game of Tunes, allows audiences to be a part of the app-making process by submitting their original tracks on their website http://www.vh1.in/gameoftunes. First of its kind in India, the game provides India’s emerging DJs in the electronic music genre a chance to showcase their music production and arranging skills via the game, which will use music submitted by the public to bring the game to life. The game will run on the rhythm of the music played in the background.
“The music is central to the game and the game is based on the music. It is not going to be another Tap Tap Revolution, or a racing game. The music is the game,” says Rajneel Kumar – VP & Business Head-Digital Media, Viacom18.
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This platform aims to bring out fresh talent in the country and give them a chance to showcase their work. The gaming app being developed would attract a lot of audience across the world and the music would play a very crucial role in bringing the game alive. “We really look forward to collaborating with some of the most talented musicians in India on this innovative project. The contest will run for 14 days,” commented Kumar.
Through this venture, Vh1 hopes see an expanding fan base, a feat not yet achieved by them despite recently revamping their website, and the limited user base of their Face Book application Vh1 Pulse which is collaboration with Hungama.com. Being an English music channel, the company now wishes to generate a buzz amongst overseas audiences as well, with the help of the app. The app will be available to all owners of Android, Windows and Apple devices.
“Once the contest is over, we get in touch with the people and take the material from them. Then we shortlist what music goes with the project. To begin with, we need eight tracks for the eight different levels. We plan to launch the app with 8 levels and post that for the next update, we may select some more but right now we only need eight,” emphasised Kumar.
Vh1 is looking at launching the game by end of January and it took 60 days to make to make the game. The initial User Interface is done internally and they are looking to partner with global developers but the contract is pending. “We have a small in-house gaming team. We are constantly looking at new ideas in the gaming spaces which we can create. So you can say the idea if home grown at Viacom,” said Kumar.
A game in this genre has not been done. Talking about the musicians who would participate he said, “The musicians would be Indian but the music will be from the EDM genre which is extremely popular worldwide. We believe that there are a lot of talented people in India who create original EDM. So we are completely pegging it on that. Since we are launching the app globally, the game gets a much bigger platform we are expecting it to do well. It is a casual game which isn’t difficult to play so I really do not see any reason why it won’t be a success. On the way is the Vh1 app which is expected to launch early December. We have been working on this app for about six months now. That has been made in house.”
