When you talk to the folks at Neversoft, they like to emphasize that Guitar Hero is all about giving you the true rock star experience without the hassle of having to actually make a real band and work your way up from basements and garages to arena rock shows. In short, it’s all about instant gratification, and gamers love that.

Now, the company is trying to make your experience even more realistic, by signing licensing deals with a ton of equipment sponsors and music venues. Activision Blizzard has proudly announced that the upcoming title will feature gear from AMPEG, Audio-Technica, Marshall, Vox and Zildjian, as well as authentic venues such as Amoeba Music and Live Nation’s House of Blues Sunset Strip among many, many more.

One manufacturer you won’t be finding on this game is Gibson, given their falling out with Activision over Guitar Hero III, so you’ll just have to make do with the boatloads of other companies that are getting involved. The whole announcement raises an interesting question: do deals such as these enhance the game and increase the realism, or is it just yet another slick in-game advertising campaign?