Blondie Man Studies Music Games

06 Feb 2009 at 11:17:27 by Andy Alderson

Blondie drummer Clem Burke is teaming up with researchers from the Universities of Chichester and Gloucester to study the potential physical and psychological benefits of playing drum-based music games.

The study is part of the Clem Burke Drumming Project (CBDP) which aims to apply scientific principles to drumming in an effort to increase the "enjoyment, health and well-being" of drummers everywhere.

Looking at drumming-based rhythm action games like Guitar Hero World Tour, Burke and his team will examine the effects of the games on a number of medical and social issues.

"We are particularly interested in examining the effects of playing Guitar Hero World Tour on child and adult obesity, autism, stroke patients, disengaged communities, and health and mental well-being in the workplace," said the University of Chichester's Dr Marcus Smith.

"We are also very excited about investigating the potential benefits of introducing interactive video games into the workplace. Offices around the UK could be transformed into ‘rock venues’, resulting in stress release and fun for the staff, and increased productivity for the business. We are also intrigued to monitor the number of individuals who progress from playing interactive drums kit controllers to full kits similar to those played by Clem."

"We hope this collaboration will show the benefits of drumming, either on Guitar Hero World Tour’s drum kit controller or a full kit or, and prove a physiological route between the two," said Activision's brand manager Ian McClellan.

"We fully expect some of the next generation of drummers to have graduated from Guitar Hero World Tour – and hope this research project encourages more videogamers to progress to the real instruments."

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