June 18th, 1999
Konami GM Division, Japan
Konami Music Simulation
The Excitement is Endless
Since first appearing in arcades throughout Japan in December 1997, "beatmania" revolutionised the coin-op industry. Music simulation. An industry first. No violence, no steering wheel, but instead a keyboard and turntable where players can simulate being a DJ by mixing their own music.
The original "beatmania"'s popularity expolded and was quickly followed by "2nd MIX" and "3rd MIX" versions during 1998. "complete MIX" culminates all three versions together as a first anniversary tribute. This is the best of the best. Three different names lend themselves to this musical masterpiece around the world. "beatmania" across Asia (excluding South Korea), Europe and Oceania; "hiphopmania" in North and South America and "beatstage" in South Korea. But no matter what the name, the enjoyment and excitement remains the same.
Konami endeavoured to create a new game category. One which didn't showcase violence. This turned out to be music simulation, a phenomenon which swept Japan in the likes not seen since the Photo Sticker Machine craze.
But Konami didn't stop with its DJ simulator "beatmania". It followed with another music simulation game "Pop'n Music", aswell as dancing simulation with "Dance Dance Revolution", guitar playing simulation with "Guitar Freaks" and drum playing simulation with "Drum Mania". Konami's music simulation games are marketed under the "BEMANI" brand name (derived from BEatMANIa and pronounced "bee-money").
The main reasons for its huge success in Japan was the break away from the one-on-one experience. Being able to enjoy the game just by watching and listening helped create an enjoyable atmosphere which made players line up to be part of the fun. It turned gamers into performers.
Konami's "BEMANI" lineup is destined to become the new wave of coin-op entertainment across the globe. In addition to its commitment of further developing its musical lineup, Konami will continue to pursue the creation of the next game experience in the years to come.
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