Is there really that much confusion about Video Games Live and competing concerts like Play? Here’s what Tommy Tallarico the creator of Video Games Live has to say, “We are finding that there seems to be some market confusion going in regards to the different video game concerts out there and what they offer. Some concerts are even claiming on the front page of their websites to be the ‘FIRST AND ONLY’.” Read on to see what he has to say about his competition and the ticket prices. (Hint: more whining about why VGL is the eternal champion of the video game concert series)
Everything below is not from our desk, but the good PR people from the Video Games Live concert.
Success, of course, breeds competition. With other concert producers trying to create VGL-like concerts, Tallarico and Wall are more focused than ever on their original vision. “We want entire families to be able to come to the show, and we make sure that even if you don’t play video games, you’ll have a great time,” says Tallarico, who hosts the concerts personally. “We’ve tried to keep the ticket prices low and the entertainment value high so that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Indeed, VGL’s ticket prices are significantly lower than other game music concerts. A quick comparison of ticket prices in upcoming shows in Toronto reveals that VGL’s concert is an amazing value at about one-third the cost of other events in the same area, with VGL ticket prices raging from $39 to $59 CDN while the competition’s tickets start at $65 and go to a staggering $155 CDN.
When asked about emerging rival concert tours, Tallarico says that they welcome the other concert events. “I think it’s great that people are really excited to hear video game music,” he says. “Each of the other concerts has their own angle, whether it is music from only one game or a concert focused on reaching a more high-brow audience that doesn’t mind paying high prices for tickets. Video Games Live is a completely unique experience than anything else out there for a lot of different reasons and it’s important to make sure that people don’t get confused about what each has to offer.”
Tallarico goes on to explain some of the details surrounding the VGL events, which help to differentiate it from other concerts. “As part of the VGL experience we have a lot of free pre- and post-show activities, including costume contests, previews of upcoming games, game competitions and meet and greets with game designers and composers. Other game concerts are charging up to $155+ to meet composers after the show. We definitely don’t subscribe to that mentality. How is that helping to further our industry? We want as many people as possible to come to our shows and experience what the video game industry has to offer, especially families. Last year at the Hollywood Bowl ticket prices started at $1.”
As far as the concert itself is concerned, VGL is the only concert that features constant and synchronized gameplay footage on big screens, synchronized lighting, special effects, classic gaming segments, and on-stage interactive segments where selected audience members play games while the orchestra accompanies them live. Other events and prize give-aways also take place during the show including a $2,500 laptop each and every performance.
