Brissie rockers DZ Deathrays have released a new mobile game that was created from scratch by their drummer Simon Ridley during lockdown.
DZ Deathrays are launching the retro-pixel action game, titled Dive Bar Superstars, next Friday 29 October, with the game following the journey of a DZ fan trying to become a rockstar.
The crossover between the music and gaming worlds is certainly not a new phenomenon. The past two decades have seen musical artists collaborate with gaming companies with music syncs to avatar skins to live streamed performances in virtual worlds.
DZ Deathrays have previously had tracks feature in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and NHL 22. However, they’ve gone one step further than most by creating and building their own game from scratch. They told us about their most iconic Tony Hawk tracks last year.
What you need to know
- DZ Deathrays’ drummer Simon Ridley has coded his own mobile game
- Called Dive Bar Superstars, it follows a fan’s journey to become a rockstar
- Players unlock tracks from DZ Deathrays’ musical catalogue as they progress
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Dive Bar Superstars sees the player enter DZ’s world through the band’s eyes, to get a glimpse of what it takes to work your way up from house parties to the main stage. The game also comes with a twist, players won’t just be able to earn upgrades and unlocks, they’ll be unlocking tracks from DZ Deathrays’ musical catalogue to hype up their digital crowds.
“I think ultimately we’re always just looking for new and fun ways for us to bring our music to people,” Ridley says.
“The game gives us the opportunity to share a simplified perspective of what it sometimes feels like trying to ‘make it’ in a band. For example: saving up to blow all your money on pyro for a gig is one of the greatest joys of being in a rock band so it’s cool to be able to share that feeling a little with our fans.”
To celebrate the release of Dive Bar Superstars, DZ Deathrays have announced a livestreamed launch party on Friday 29 October on Twitch, where they will go up against fellow musician Jamie Timony (These New South Whales/MOSSY).
For more info keep an eye on: https://linktr.ee/dzdeathrays. They’re also playing live in Melbourne on Friday April 8, at 170 Russell.
