Video games have the power to immerse the player in a bountiful world of fictional wonder, but sometimes the real world manages to seep through. Many choose to use video games as a means of escaping reality, so it can be both exciting and jarring to witness the presence of a real-life musician hidden within a game's world.
Nowadays, the presence of a musician in a video game is far less shocking than it was decades ago as countless A-listers have already lent their likeness to the media. Though several games have utilized a musician's inclusion as a selling point, some musician cameos serve to benefit a game's overall story and style.
10 David Bowie - The Nomad Soul
Set in a world where the sun no longer shines, The Nomad Soul documents the story of a struggling world during a crisis. With nothing but a dome separating the world of Phaenon from extinction, rules have been set in place to protect humanity while also confining it.
David Bowie played a strong role in the creation of this game, both scoring and producing it. He lends his likeness to Boz, a pirate who sets the game's story in motion. Though he only has a minor role, his presence alone is what served to spark the uprising.
9 Avenged Sevenfold - Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2
Though the main game is void of celebrity cameos, there is a hidden easter egg lying in wait upon the game's completion. Set during the Angolan Civil War, fans were subtly told to expect nothing lighthearted, but the game's climax allows for a much-needed moment of comedy.
Once the Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 credits have rolled, the player will be gifted an unusual scene wherein Avenged Sevenfold perform their hit song Carry On with Frank Woods and Raul Menendez providing musical backup.
8 Ozzy Osbourne - Brutal Legend
With Jack Black lending his iconic charm and personality to the main character of Eddie Riggs, many forget a certain shopkeeper's role in the game's overall story. Portrayed by Ozzy Osbourne, the Guardian of Metal is typically visited by Eddie whenever he requires an upgrade.
Though he is only given a minor role, his presence alone served to highlight how comical a musician's video game cameo can be. Presenting the Prince of Darkness himself as a humble cashier is nothing short of hilarious.
7 Avril Lavigne - The Sims: Superstar
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The Sims is renowned for its seemingly limitless events and activities. Superstar attempted to completely revitalize its concept by incorporating real-life celebrities, with Avril Lavigne being one of the most popular.
Confined to the role of a non-playable character, Lavigne's presence is iconic nonetheless. Upon encountering her, the player will be given the chance to interact with her. They may even get her to sign an autograph if they play their cards right.
6 Hayley Williams - Guitar Hero World Tour
As one of the greatest pop-punk performers in the music industry, Hayley Williams' presence in Guitar Hero World Tour was one of the primary reasons why fans of Paramore purchased the game.
Upon successfully singing Paramore's Misery Business in the vocal career mode, the player is given the chance to perform as their favorite pop-punk singer for the remainder of the game. As an accomplished player of stringed instruments, Williams can also be utilized as a guitarist and as a bassist.
5 Iggy Pop - Lego Rock Band
Few games permit the player a chance to play as their favorite celebrity, but even fewer games allow one to do so with a Lego alter ego. Lego Rock Band gave its players something they never thought they needed with its inclusion of an Iggy Pop mini figurine as a playable character.
Iggy Pop is renowned for his ludicrous behavior and rebellious nature. He is an unpredictable spirit, so lending his likeness to a Lego video game character should not be as surprising as it is. Though he is a fantastic performer, there is something incredible about his plastic toy's rendition of Passenger.
4 James Hetfield - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD
James Hetfield is a passionate skateboarder when he is not performing with Metallica, so passionate in fact that he got his own feature in Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD. Absent from the main game, Hetfield's skateboarding counterpart can be downloaded as a part of the Revert DLC.
Though Robert Trujillo, the bassist of Metallica, is also present in the game, Hetfield's presence is arguably more noteworthy. The band also lends their song All Nightmare Long to the game's already impressive soundtrack.
3 Michael Jackson - Ready To Rumble Round 2
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Seemingly nothing more than a typical boxing game, Ready to Rumble Round 2 housed two unique celebrity cameos. As secret characters, these celebrities could only be unlocked after completing certain challenges.
Though Shaquille O'Neal's inclusion in the game suited the premise, Michael Jackson's role bewildered all those who witnessed it. His singing abilities were difficult to outperform, but his skills in the virtual boxing ring prove that he was much more than just a gifted musician.
2 Travis Scott - Fortnite
Travis Scott's depiction in Fortnite marked the beginning of a new chapter in video game history. Though his likeness is currently confined to wearable skins, his introduction to the franchise saw him performing a small concert for his fans.
Scott debuted his song THE SCOTTS during this concert, meaning that only fans of Fortnite were able to hear it first. He performed a selection of his songs after this debut, but unlike in his real-life concerts, Travis' exaggerated size made players feel like a collection of minuscule ants.
1 Phil Collins - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories
Phil Collins' role in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is arguably one of the most iconic musician cameos in gaming history. Upon arriving in Vice City, the player must protect Phil from the Forellis, a family to whom Phil's manager owes a large sum of money.
Due to performing at the Hyman Memorial Stadium, Victor Vance must ensure that no harm comes to him by preventing multiple assassination attempts during Phil's performance of his hit song In The Air Tonight. If the player opts to return to the stadium after these events, they will be rewarded with an uninterrupted rendition of Phil's performance.