| The Biz | |
|---|---|
In-game screenshot |
|
| Developer(s) | Virgin Games[1] |
| Publisher(s) | Virgin Games[1] |
| Designer(s) | Chris Sievey[2] |
| Platform(s) | ZX Spectrum |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Strategy[1]/Simulation[3][4] |
| Mode(s) | Single-player[2] |
The Biz is a ZX Spectrum management simulation/strategy computer game from 1984 where the player got to manage his own rock band.[3] The price of the game as of its release date was ₤6.95 (₤16.65 in today's money).[5]
Players set up their rock band with gigs, make them rehearse new songs, and hire a recording studio for producing new albums.[3] The player starts out with no talent or money and an agent must be hired in order to better co-ordinate the band.[3] The stage presence of the band and the fanbase are improved with every gig performed.[3] School dances and YMCAs are the first places that accept the player's newly-formed band.[3] Real television stations are included: a band from either Swansea or Cardiff would perform on S4C while a local band from Coventry would get promoted on Central Television.[3] Players can sometimes record a session with John Peel; whose broadcasting influence opened up new bands to people between the ages of 20 and 60 years of age.[3]
Mundane stuff (insurance, standard musical instruments, and transportation expenses) are all tabulated against the player's savings in the game.[3] The game also contains an anti-drug message for bands who decide to experiment in their usages.[3]
The game only contains telephone beeps and no actual music.[5] Despite the crazed sense of humor, the game is very difficult to play.[5] Solicitors can help players ward off con artists by charging the player by the second for their services[5] - as opposed to by the hour in reality. Younger players may not appreciate the relatively slow pace and the meager level of rewards that awaits them near the beginning.[5] There are no graphics to speak of and the game is text-based.[5]