Rockstar Energy Drink and Rockstar Games are two popular brands that share a common name, but are they related in any way? Many people might wonder if there is a connection between the energy drink company and the video game publisher, especially since both of them target young and active consumers. However, the truth is that Rockstar Energy Drink and Rockstar Games have nothing to do with each other, except for a coincidence in their naming.
Rockstar Energy Drink: A Brief History
Rockstar Energy Drink was founded in 2001 by Russ Weiner, the son of right-wing radio host Michael Savage. Weiner wanted to create an energy drink that was different from the market leader, Red Bull, by offering a larger can size and a variety of flavors. He also claimed that his drink was scientifically formulated to speed up the recovery time of those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles, from athletes to rock stars. According to Wikipedia, Rockstar Energy Drink has a 10% market share of the global energy drink market as of 2020, and is available in more than 20 flavors and in more than 30 countries. In 2020, PepsiCo acquired Rockstar Energy Drink for $3.85 billion.
Rockstar Games: A Brief History
Rockstar Games is a video game publisher that was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. It is best known for the Grand Theft Auto series, which has sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Other well-known releases include Bully, L.A. Noire, and the Red Dead, Manhunt, Max Payne and Midnight Club series. According to Wikipedia, Rockstar Games has offices in New York City, London, Leeds, Edinburgh, Toronto, San Diego, Boston and India. It has also collaborated with various independent studios to develop and publish games under its label.
Why Do They Have the Same Name?
There is no clear answer to why Rockstar Energy Drink and Rockstar Games have the same name, but it is likely that both of them chose it because it conveys a sense of excitement, adventure, and rebelliousness. The name Rockstar also appeals to the target audience of both brands, who are mostly young males who enjoy action-packed entertainment and lifestyle products. However, there is no evidence that either brand copied or influenced the other in their naming decision. In fact, both brands have faced legal disputes over their name from other parties who claimed to have prior rights to it.
For example, in 2002, Rockstar Energy Drink sued Rock Star Inc., a Canadian company that sells mineral water and coffee products under the same name. The lawsuit was settled out of court in 20034. In 2006, Rockstar Games sued Rock Star Entertainment Inc., a Florida company that provides adult entertainment services under the same name. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2007. In 2011, Rockstar Games sued Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations Inc., a security firm that claimed trademark infringement over the use of its name and logo in the game Red Dead Redemption. The lawsuit was settled in 2012.
Conclusion
Rockstar Energy Drink and Rockstar Games are two separate and unrelated brands that happen to share a common name. They have different origins, products, markets, and owners. They have also faced different legal challenges over their name from other entities. Therefore, there is no connection between them, except for a coincidence in their naming.
