via MARKETPLACE MORNING REPORT, AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA
JENNIFER COLLINS | 2 DECEMBER 2009

Bill Radke: Does the name REO Speedwagon ring much of a bell? If so, you may be at — or approaching — middle age. Well, the band is still together, and it’s trying to stay relevant — thus its new video game coming out today. Here’s Marketplace’s Jennifer Collins.

Jennifer Collins: REO Speedwagon has teamed up with a video game producer. The goal is to keep sales alive.The band’s new game leads players on a kind of treasure hunt. Naturally, there’ll be reminders of REO’s music and members.Tom Standage covers emerging technologies for the Economist: …And this is a sort of game that’s particularly popular among older, particularly female players. And that’s clearly the demographic that they’re aiming for as a band that was best known in the 70’s and the 80’s.

The New York Times reports the band is using the game to promote its Christmas album and tap alternate sources of revenue. But before you bring your ship into the store, keep in mind the game is available only online.

I’m Jennifer Collins for Marketplace.