Unlocking the Potential of Video Game Concerts for Game Studios

The current era is often referred to as the golden age of video game concerts, with numerous fans attending events like Final Fantasy's Distant Worlds, Final Symphony, and the Genshin Concert Tour. Many video game companies are now hosting and uploading full-length concerts online for global fans. Although the history of game concerts dates back to 1987 with Dragon Quest composer Koichi Sugiyama's Family Classic Concert in Japan, their popularity in the West began to grow in 2003 with Thomas Böcker's Symphonic Game Music Concert in Germany. Producing a video game concert requires expertise in various areas, including licensing, production, booking, marketing, orchestration, health and safety, merchandising, and financing. Choosing the right IP and theme for the concert is crucial, as is selecting the songs to feature. Data such as Spotify streams and YouTube plays can help curate a setlist, but it's also important to consider fan favorites and memorable deep cuts. Licensing contracts for video game concerts differ from standard deals due to unique compensation methods and IP usage. Arranging and orchestrating the music is a critical and time-consuming process that may require hiring external partners. Deciding on the number of dates and venues is also essential, taking into account factors like availability, budget, and orchestra fees. Venue fees can vary significantly depending on the production scale, and it's vital to gauge the popularity of the IP and choose the right venue size. Ensuring the concert is profitable while keeping ticket prices fair is also crucial. Adding a video element to the production can enhance the experience but increases costs. Budgeting for marketing, advertising, and insurance is also necessary. Partnering with a specialist production partner or licensing deal can help alleviate some responsibilities and generate revenue. Additional revenue streams can be created through merchandise sales, concert recordings, and licensing fees. Surveying fans after the concert can provide valuable insights into their preferences and help plan future events. Making the concert feel special for attendees can be achieved through guest appearances, in-jokes, and narrative elements. Ultimately, video game concerts offer a unique opportunity to generate positive sentiment around a game franchise and provide a celebration platform for fans.