MTV enjoys doubled downloads with 'Rock Band'

MTV, a part of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA), revealed to Billboard Thursday that the digital stores for the popular video game Rock Band saw the number of downloadable songs ("levels") more than double in the last two months. The more than 6 million downloads easily beats the 2.5 million that were purchased between the release of the game in November and when MTV last reported download figures in January.

In an effort to streamline the purchasing process, MTV will also be releasing a new software update to the game this week. The new update allows players to purchase downloadable songs from within the game itself, versus exiting the game and using the platform marketplaces. According to Billboard, "the new Rock Band Music Store feature instead allows gamers to browse, preview and purchase tracks through an interface included in the game" and "will be available as a free download later this week."

Rock Band has enjoyed quick success in the last four months, and with the large sales figures and new changes, the video game indicates a new market the music industry should be able to tap into. The online community within the game can only help spur greater sales as well, with players hoping to connect with new songs that can be added to the store and the game. Another doubled increase may be too much to look toward in the next period, but more growth is certainly bound to happen.