words by bill bodkin | photos by joe zorzi…
We all know video games and music go hand-in-hand. How much more have we enjoyed a Tony Hawk or Grand Theft Auto games because of the soundtrack?
However, the people at Max Cruise, have taken this to a whole other level with their latest venture, GameChanger World. What they’ve done is literally create video games starring popular bands that are downloadable to your smart phone or tablet. But it doesn’t end there — these games aren’t just a way to kill time, they are a way to stay connected with the bands.
“We’ve always known that connecting artists to their audience means a better experience for both and GameChanger World not only allows bands to entertain and engage, but it also provides an alternative way to reach and ultimately connect with fans.”
These words come from John D’Esposito, John D to many, the founder of GameChanger World and the man who brought The Bamboozle Fest to the Garden State and has resurrected the Skate & Surf Festival for 2013.
And that’s exactly what the GameChanger Launch Party at Freehold, New Jersey’s, Encore Events Center at iPlay America, on Saturday February 2nd was all about — connecting musicians with their fans.
Members of Senses Fail and Bayside walked amongst the throngs of fans, shaking hands, talking music and most importantly, gaming with their fans — usually to disastrous results for the artists. Buddy Nielsen of Senses Fail commented us that he got smoked one more than once playing Call of Duty. But being the good sports they were, the bands had a great time, despite getting ‘fragged’ by fans.
However, it wasn’t about the Madden, Halo, Tekken and COD tournaments that drew the crowds. It was the unveiling of GameChanger World’s games, which on this day included Senses Fail’s Grind Core and T. Mills’ Trailin’ Travis. These games will be available in the coming months for iPhone, Android and Tablets.
The event also featured a free performance by the red hot rapper T. Mills who will be releasing his debut on Columbia Records this year. The rapper had an insane amount of ladies there to support him and rap every word of his lyrics. For such a young dude, T. Mills has a veteran stage presence and a charisma that has people eating out of the palm of his tattooed hands.
GameChanger World has a lot of big, big plans for the future — all of which will benefit the concert-goer and music fan interact and have more of a personal experience with the artists who are flocking to become part of The GameChanger World.
