"The demand for Guitar Hero is so strong, we have needed to find a partner who can ensure a steady flow of stock nationwide – even when that stock will be limited at first," says Dave Noble, business development manager, RedOctane. "The UK is extremely important to us, and Gem has shown time and again it is perfectly positioned to manage supply through launch and beyond. We're making them as fast as we can – but they're selling out even faster."

Guitar Hero, developed by veteran music video game creator Harmonix, combines the best of rhythm game action with classic American music. The game puts you at center stage of your very own rock band, featuring unique characters, a selection of Gibson electric guitars to play and concert venues that grow in size as your music career progress. The title includes over 30 licensed rock songs including tracks originally made famous by such artists as Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, Boston, Sum 41, Audioslave, White Zombie, Franz Ferdinand, and The Ramones.

"This is a key account for Gem," adds Dean Van-Velsen, marketing director, Gem Distribution Ltd. "Games like Guitar Hero come along very, very rarely – and we're delighted to have been confirmed as the distributor for the UK."

Guitar Hero will be published in the UK on April 7th 2006, and throughout Europe a few weeks later, priced £49.99.