Music genre sees sharp decline

Year-to-date in the music game genre has experienced a sharp decline, Edge magazine has reported.

According to recent NPD figures, sales in the music category are down by 46% compared to this time last year, but it still remains the third bestselling genre.

Analyst Anita Frazier has attributed the discrepancy to lower prices on music titles. Although overall sales remain high, the profit earned from such games has rapidly decreased.

It was also noted that - aside from Guitar Hero: Metallica and Smash Hits - few significant music titles have been released during the first half of 2009. With Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band recently launching, and DJ Hero on the way, the music genre is expected to make a recovery.

Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band both debuted last week. DJ Hero will be available from October 27.