Premium DJ Hero SKU to unite gaming and music retail

At its investor briefing today, Activision further detailed its collaboration with superstar musicians Jay-Z and Eminem on DJ Hero- and revealed that a premium SKU featuring their music will also be available at retail.

Last week it emerged that the two were to serve as consultants to developer FreeStyle Games on the new game, which comes with a turntable peripheral, providing exclusive tracks and input.

"They, like us see this category as just exploring," Guitar Hero division CEO Dan Rosensweig told the attendees of the firm’s briefing.

But he also revealed that as well as the turntable and game bundle expected to arrive later this year, a premium SKU featuring exclusive music, gameplay – and bundled albums.

"This is the first time these artists will be involved in a game," he added. "Obviously their music is in the game – but there is exclusive music and gameplay in there too."

It’s the first time albums will be distributed with a game at video game retail, pointed out Rosensweig, describing it as a "fantastic opportunity" for the music industry.