Virtual reality or just plan reality?

In order to add an extra element of realism, RedOctane has decided to place real music products in their new game, Guitar Hero II. These will include Boss Effectors, DW Drums, Eden Bass Amplication, EMG, Epiphone, Ernie Ball Strings, Gibson Guitar, Guitar Center, Hofner, Kramer, Krank, Line 6, Mesa Boogie, MusicMan Basses, Orange, Randall Amplifiers, Roland, Vans and the Vans Warped Tour, VHT, and Zildjian.

According to Dutsy Welch the head publisher of RedOctane, these placements allow players to be "immersed into the rock star culture, utilizing the authentic tools of musicians worldwide including an extensive array of amps, strings, pedals, cymbals, music stores and venues."

This is a perfect example of how product placement benefits both parties involved. The brands will increase their awareness as gamers conquer level after level on these virtual instruments. Guitar Hero II is able to use real products to make the game seem more of a reality as apposed to the virtual reality that it is.