USA Today: Harmonix announces Rock Band for Xbox 360, PS3
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Apr 2nd 2007 at 5:46AM }
Bidding farewell to the solo gig and the lone Guitar Hero, Harmonix has revealed its next game to be a monstrous multiplayer musical mash-up. USA Today reports that Rock Band will simultaneously support four peripherals -- two guitars (one bass, one lead), a drum kit and a microphone. You'd expect things to get cramped with all those blaring devices and gyrating gamers, but we assure you, the world's wide stage is more than accommodating. Arriving on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 just in time for the holidays, Rock Band will allow you to jam with friends both in person and online. "You could have one guitarist in Germany and another one in Texas, a drummer in New York and a singer from somewhere else, and they can play together online," says EA's unshaken David DeMartini.
The article notes that while EA is publishing the game, creative and financial support is provided by new Harmonix owner, MTV. As a result, the game's licensed tunes are expected to come from the original artists. "We'll be covering a great breadth, from metal to classic rock to Southern rock to everything in between," assures Harmonix co-founder, Alex Rigopulos. Once the game arrives, it is likely that more songs will be made available for purchase and download online.
With Guitar Hero II arriving on the Xbox 360 tomorrow (6 April in Europe) and Rock Band slated for the end of the year, how long until exhausted gamer bodies hit the flo?
[Update: The official press release reveals the list of music labels contributing master recordings: EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group's Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment.]
See also: Guitar Hero Effects Pedal confirmed in 360 instructions
[Thanks, FranX]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ill trooper @ Apr 2nd 2007 5:59AM
ROCK THE F**K OUT
Wayne @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:13AM
April fools?
Who's gonna have room for a full band setup in their living room, and how much would that cost.
As much fun as this would be, I find it very difficult to believe.
Ace @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:19AM
Came from USA today, on the 2nd.
Its completely legit.
And completely awesome.
And I'm sure it will be live only.
Intellectualdiot @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:21AM
This is ridiculous. Now I HAVE to get a next generation console. I was doing such a good job of riding the PS2 and DS into the sunset. Thanks for depriving me of necessary amenities, Harmonix. I guess I'll call T-Mobile and let them know that we have a rock-related emergency here.
On another note, I vaguely recall reading of a removed feature of Guitar Hero I which essentially allowed a player to solo over a pre-existing track; the obvious difficulties of confining the scales and concomitant scalar progressions necessary to construct a compelling solo were cited as reasons for its omission from the final project. (I seem to recall Marcus Henderson saying this in passing in some interview... nebulous I know ha.)
Nevertheless, I found the idea to be intriguing and I can't help but wonder if something like this could find its way back into the fold. It would be a shame for the software to go to pronounced lengths to emulate the feel of being in a band without allowing for the pre-requisite jam sessions that this entails. I wouldn't be adverse to the instruments being a bit more complex in function then we've seen in the past either.
Either way, I can't wait for additional details on this title.
LordPaul @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:40AM
"two guitars (one base, one lead)"
"Bass" - & if one's a bass the other will most likely be lead/rhythm.
Paul - picky rocker ;)
It's getting to the point where I'm thinking - WHY?
If you want a band & have mates that you want to jam with - get a bloody band together & play in a garage (or bedroom) like people seem to have managed to do pretty well up till now to do!
Hannibal @ Apr 2nd 2007 7:16AM
@5:
I play bass, and while I have one friend who is awesome at electric guitar and another that is awesome at drums and we all hang out a lot, the fact is that it's a bitch getting us all together at once to play in the same place. This game gives me a boner.
Zuko @ Apr 2nd 2007 7:26AM
If MTV has anything to do with Rock Band, that means we can expect Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and All American Rejects. If that is true, some GH fans will be furious, but I will certainly like it ;).
This is if all of this is true, and not a late April Fools joke.
Jake @ Apr 2nd 2007 7:48AM
I don't get it. Harmonix is owned by MTV and they are making a music based game. MTV has nothing to do with music. Shouldn't it be some kind of reality/pornography game if MTV is making it?
elmer @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:08AM
Or they could wait 6 months, and make a version that works and doesn't cost an arm and a leg on Wii. And don't forget, by not ignoring Wii, as they and every 3rd party tries their hardest to do, they might see >30% extra sales.
How long can third parties sustain this level of ignorance? I get the graphic/CPU differential, but come on, music games? What's next, puzzle games on everything but Wii? Point and click games on PSP, PS2, 360 and PS3 but not Wii or DS? The tide is turning, but when will the very last 3rd party grow a brain?
Justin McElroy @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:16AM
So, am I going to have four fake guitars littering my living room now? I'm going to look like a rock and roll Michael Jackson.
Jack of No Trades @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:26AM
For people with no musical talent....buy this.
Playing a real musical instrument is so much more productive and rewarding than this. Don't waste your money.
Seroth @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:39AM
"Or they could wait 6 months, and make a version that works and doesn't cost an arm and a leg on Wii."
As much as I'd love to see this on the Wii, it doesn't seem likely since online play doesn't seem to be one of Nintendo's priorities....
Zoob @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:43AM
NO! No,no,no,no,no,no,no,no,no!
This is absolutely terrible news. Terrible, terrible terrible!
I'm a huge guitar hero fan, and this is exactly the wrong direction for this game to go in. I understand that this is the next logical step to "improve" guitar hero, but I see no reason to gut the series like this. The current formula works fantastically. Guitar Hero functions fantastically as a single player game, and needs to continue doing so. I understand the appeal of a big online full band experience, but if I'm not able to go down to my basement and shred some single player guitar for a few hours, then we have a problem.
And yes, they're most likely going to include a single player mode, but that is clearly not the focus of the game. With all of these parts being spread around, guitar is going to get itself stretched too thin, and will no longer be the focus.
I want direct sequels! Follow DDR's lead!
Oh, and also, no Wii support? Seriously, this is just getting ridiculous. There is absolutely no reason for this game to not appear on Wii, especially after it was explicitly stated that the series will appear on "all significant systems" this year. Now we're just going to get some shitty port of GH2.
Finn @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:56AM
Wait drums.... WHY THE FUCK ISN"T THIS ON THE WII
I don't care what Nintendo feels about online, it's possible on their system and there will be games that feature it.... and THIS should be one of them. Imagine if you could even play online crossplatform as well. 360-guitar voice, PS3 Bass, Wii drum
If they don't make this a wii game, their making a big mistake no matter how bad nintendo handles their online right now
Brett @ Apr 2nd 2007 8:59AM
On the contrary, I think that this is the EXACT direction that this series needs to go. I've been waiting for this for a long time, but I've been waiting on it more from a classical standpoint.
I like Guitar Hero, and I think that this is an excellent step in the right direction. To make the game a more social experience. I am just afraid of the peripherals costing too much, and likewise not enough. I hope they include some quality peripherals, but I hope they give us options:
$249 - Drum, Bass, Lead, Microphone
$69 - Microphone
$79 - Bass Guitar and Lead Guitar (sold separately)
$99 - Drums
I hope that they spend some money to make some quality peripherals. Give us a 6th fret button on the guitars. Have the drum include a kick + snare drum pedal. Have the microphone in the game wireless.
Like I said, I'm really waiting on the classical set with each peripheral mimicking a real instrument (with the full # of buttons/levers/strings) and costing $199 per instrument. I think that this would be an excellent learning tool for people who want to learn a real instrument and learn to play with people learning as well (which is the best way to learn)!
Oh well my pipe dreams live on, for now I will buy my cheap instrument knock-offs with modern punk rock.
Ludwig Kietzmann @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:01AM
The Guitar Hero franchise is separate from Rock Band -- Neversoft is working on direct Guitar Hero sequels while Harmonix cranks out this one.
bounchfx @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:25AM
FUCK YEAH!
It better be good though.
I mean that in terms of music selection, which of course is an opinionated thing.. to a certain degree...
but also in terms of the drum peripheral, I've been wanting drummania SO BAD but only got to play it a couple times in the arcades and loved it, but since MTV had a lockdown on drum games in USA konami couldn't bring it out.
now since harmonix are with mtv they can, but the drum kit better be well made a fun to use.
and you KNOW they have experience with guitar/bass/voice thanks to guitar hero and kareoke rev.
now I just wanna see some pics and more info
as if you can do a solo mode? (just voice, just bass/guitar, or just drums) and have comp back it up? (this is pretty much guaranteed for any single player use, though it would raise the life of the game greatly having many different instrumental parts to play, but would they cut the song list to sub 50 songs because of it?
so many questions and curiosities, only time will tell.
oh, and I wonder if theres inter-console play between 360 and ps3?
rock on, harmonix.
bounchfx @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:38AM
" For people with no musical talent....buy this.
Playing a real musical instrument is so much more productive and rewarding than this. Don't waste your money"
this continues to be the stupidest arguement ever.
there is no reason you cannot play both.
I play guitar, then I get tired of it and start playing guitar hero, then later in the day I feel like making my own shit so I go back to real guitar.
see?
it's not that difficult of an idea to grasp. Guitar hero is different than a real guitar, it startles me how few people realize this.
Why play madden when you can go outside and throw a ball to yourself? durrrrr
AirIntake @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:37AM
@elmer
You made your choice of console with it's 'innovative' controls, now, you have to accept the games that come out for the system.
I just think games like this and Guitar Hero show that if you really NEED an 'innovative' control scheme, people are willing to pay for it on a per game basis if the game is good enough.
2 questions though:
1- Can I use the Guitar Hero guitar in this game?
2- Just how the hell would the game judge how good someone was singing? And what if you sang it awesome but not exactly the same as what the game intended?
ThatFuzzyBastard @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:41AM
Oh cool---now Harmonix can make another game as good as Amplitude! I always thought Amplitude was way better than GH because you got to play all the instruments, so I'm thrilled to see this. It sounds like it might not have the remix-as-you-play aspect of Amplitude, which is sad, but it's a good start.
And yes, no Wii support is ridiculous.
Denbowski @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:54AM
Next up: EA Presents Rock Band Agent 08
ill trooper @ Apr 2nd 2007 10:07AM
"And yes, no Wii support is ridiculous."
True, the Wii seems like a logical choice for a game with drumming... but the Wii is making little effort to be ONLINE, one of the features touted here... Even the PS3 has made more of an effort to be online, and it gets torn a new ass everytime it's online gets mentioned. The Wii must have a special 'late pass' written by Princess Peach herself!
Justin U @ Apr 2nd 2007 10:38AM
The Guitar Hero controller better work for this...
This is one of the coolest things that could EVER hit the scene. Seriously, this will probably be more fun that Halo, and more competitive than any other game out there. Just imagine the after song talk...
"Dude, you totally missed that chord..."
"I know man, but you're drum solo made up for it. Good job."
eugaet @ Apr 2nd 2007 11:02AM
No mention of the Wii? Definitely weak sauce. So will this make me buy a PS3 or 360? Uh...no.
GoonieGooGoo @ Apr 2nd 2007 12:01PM
ROCK BAND Player on XBOX LIVE - "Everyone ready....LET'S ROCK!!!!" (Gameplay Ensues)
ROCK BAND Player on Playstation Network - "Ummm...hello....where are my friends?? Why do my games not use this friend's list I created?? What....I need to create a HOME for them to meet me in?? Why does my bluetooth headset keep dropping out and re-synching?? Hellooo...Sony?? Why does my FOLDING@HOME have more multiplayer functionality than my games??" (Slow downloading of SONY Property or watching of BLU-RAY movie ensues due to frustration with PS3 as an actual game system.......JUST LIKE SONY PLANNED)
Zoob @ Apr 2nd 2007 12:38PM
Alright. I was a little confused, but I think I understand now.
Rock Band is not at all affiliated with the guitar hero franchise at all. Guitar Hero is now being handled by activision and neversoft, whereas Rock Band is being made by harmonix and MTV.
Guitar Hero III will appear as planned, same formula with new features and music.
Rock Band is a completely different franchise by a completely different company.
Now I'm happy. This game sounds like a lot of fun. If I happen to have a 360 by the time it comes out, I may get it for drumming purposes.
AzaMcWazza @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:12PM
If this is true, then I have one question..
WHERE THE HELL IS THE WII VERSION!!1!!1!1!!!!ElEVENTY1
Jake @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:49PM
Question: How do we keep kids from doing more of their favorite activities and encourage them to play more games?
Answer: Make the art of music dumbed down to as few buttons as possible and spin that bitch out on the newest console available!
Honestly, you're going to pay for the game, two guitar controllers, and a drum setup for your pals to get together and watch flying dots on the screen? Don't get me wrong, I play guitar and own both Guitar Heroes but it seems like this is another reason for people not to be creative or garner talent.
Didn't make the football team because you never practice? Play Madden! Too hot to shoot hoops at the park? Play NBA Street! Don't want to put time into learning how to control six strings and a pick? Play Guitar Hero!
Next up: Remedies for not having a girlfriend(dating sims) or a life(World of Warcraft.)
jfls @ Apr 2nd 2007 5:01PM
@14:
A drum simulator using the Wii controllers would actually suck quite a bit of ass. Anything beyond the most shallow of drumming technique relies quite heavily on the interaction between the drumstick and the drum head. Removing the striking surface would actually make many patterns more difficult if not impossible. Similarly, the grip of the drumstick is very important and you often use individual fingers. This would not be possible while holding a large rectangular piece of white plastic.
@27:
I play both drums and guitar, and I also play music simulation games. In order to play a real instrument, you have to invest a significant portion of your life in order to become good. A music sim, on the other hand, you can just pick up and go. Many people are not interested in spending years learning to play guitar, but they can get a taste of what it's like by playing games like Guitar Freaks or Guitar Hero.
I doubt these games are preventing anyone from learning to play. Anyone with real creative urges will not be satisfied by music-on-rails and will move on to the real thing. Everyone else, well, they probably weren't going to do it anyway.
riCKY @ Apr 2nd 2007 10:39PM
I can't believe that nobody's mentioned the fact that this will allow online multiplayer, whereas GH2 on the 360 will not. What gives? Before anybody starts about how hard it is to sync up, that doesn't mean we can't have different modes, i.e. base/lead guitar.
Feeniks @ Apr 3rd 2007 7:33AM
I've heard rumors that the Guitar Hero II guitar for 360 won't work for this.
randy rhodes @ Apr 3rd 2007 12:45PM
why not go spend your money on a cheap guitar or kit, and learn to actually play the instrument. Stop trying to be a rockstar when your instrument is made with a button and learn to read notation and become a REAL musician. Gamers are pathetic as they have no intention of joining reality...everything is done through a button...i would hate to see how you all get laid!!
evan @ Apr 5th 2007 9:40AM
guitar hero 360 will never be beaten and this sounds gay get a real band together!
Txnsrfrdude @ Apr 3rd 2007 5:35PM
As much as I would like to see this on the wii Nintendos online does suck. Can I play with this cool kid from halfway around the world? No. I can only play with my friends because the stupid friend code will get in the way. Also with the drumming who says the have to use the wiimote and the nunchuk? Why couldnt they make Wiidrumsticks or a wiitar? It makes more sense than evrything has to be with the wii contorls. P.S Wiitar sounds sweet they should definintely trademark that.
Kerin Elisabeth @ Apr 3rd 2007 6:30PM
Why waste your time playing in an online band when you can rock the fxck out with, wait, get this --
REAL PEOPLE!!??!?!?!
Ohhhmygod. Play real instruments?! OH JESUS.
I know, I know. So hard for people to do these days. If you have the TIME and the MONEY to play and buy this game, do yourself a favor and pick up a real instrument. The kinds that make sounds without having to be plugged into an expensive game console.
CanisLupus @ Apr 3rd 2007 7:23PM
WOW. OK i agree with the fact that this kinda demeans REAL musicians, considering I am one. I play guitar, drums, and all that crap. I really hate how posers can say that they RAWK because anyone could do that Guitar Hero thing in like maybe not even an hour. I also kinda think it looks kinda cool to be able to have a magical make believe rock band, but you do miss out on a lot of things like writing songs way late at night with your friends and going to gigs and feeling nervous but knowing that your the sh**!! I hope people dont forget that creating musical fusion is way better than moving plastic pieces around... i still might get it tho... shhh...
WII!!
piehholdensuite @ Apr 3rd 2007 7:51PM
@ karenelizabeth.
A few people have already made a really relevant point. It takes years of toughing it and lots of dedication to lear jack when it comes to guitars basses or drums, not to mention a certain amount of natural inclination, an ear thats fairly deft and a certain amount of rhythm. Whilst I cant dance any better than carlton from the fresh prince I have mastered the art of tone and rock, and by the way, a decent guitar or bass and a sweet amp cost far more than any console, as does any good drum kit. Dont forget the constant maintenance, strings picks, setups, amp service, pedals etc. This game will in the long run for all too many be cheaper and more satisfying, albeit less addictive than guitar is for the few like me.
AMAZIN' @ Apr 3rd 2007 11:48PM
Yo guys this game is gonna be sweet. i went to pick up GUITAR HERO II today and they asked if i wanted to preorder this (of course i did). The drum set will be $80.00 the mic will be $39.00 and the game is $60.00 you can use your guitars from Guitar hero II. So im pumped i preorderd game and drum set!
pazzman @ Apr 3rd 2007 9:53PM
This game seems like it could be a great idea. A scale could be easily made with 8 key buttons and some bending of notes. Rhythem instruments can be done with less. There could even be some bending that uses the weighted controller technology like the Wii. The one thing I wonder about is if it coule feel like you were playing in a live environment with a connection over the internet. But the thing that WOULD be amazing is that one person can upload music onto the console and share it with others to play with at other times. Regardless, I definately am more interested in this game then any videogame I've heard about in the last decade.
mp
Brandon @ Apr 4th 2007 2:26AM
GAH! why is there no keyboard! that would be like the easiest one to make! stupid mtv not caring about pianists!
paul liedel @ Apr 23rd 2007 3:03PM
for all of you people out there who think guitar hero and rock band are for losers who dont want to invest time into learning to play a real instrument, you just don't understand. Not all people have the time to sit there for years learning how to play as good as you can in guitar hero in just a few minutes. so now that i've said that it's back to my real life of exes and hell...
nick @ May 30th 2007 9:48PM
first of all this game sounds fucking amazing!! i have been wateing for a drum game to come out for a long time... and now when i finaly found out that a drum game is comeing out but also being to play the guitar along side the drums it was just a huge bonus...but what i dont get is how the hell are they going to get singing into the game...are you actualy going to need to be a good singer to win the game or what...cuz i am definantly not a good singer
the whole point of guitar hero was to be able to make cool music and not have to have be able to play the guitar...now with singing involved you actualy have to know how to sing to win the game?? but dont get me wrong..im not just some lazy guy who sits around all day and plays guitare hero and video games...i play lots of sports and love the out doors but just never had a ear for music but i have always wanted to play the guitar or some instrament and when guitar hero and guitar hero 2 it was awsome cuz i could finally make some kick ass music but now that you actualy are going to have to sing to beat the game, the game sounds like it is going to be no fun for people with no ear for music or singing skills.
ps. all you guys tell in people to stop playing guitar hero and start playing real instraments think of the people that ae 100% musicly challenged like me!
Josh @ Jun 7th 2007 11:37AM
A few details about game:
The difference between Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3 is RB is by Harmonix and GH3 is by Red Octane. The companies collaborated on GH 1 & 2 with Harmonix making the game and Red Octane making the controller. This means Red Octane has to make a new engine for GH3 from scratch. Thus, despite the name, Rock Band will likely be more closely related to GH 1 & 2 than GH3 will be.
Also, regarding Wii, Harmonix never said that they wouldn't release Rock Band for Wii. All they said was that they will release Rock Band for Xbox360 and PS3 this fall. All this means is that Wii is likely to take longer to develop. The issue there probably has to do with peripherals. The interface for Wii is very different than the others, and it will probably take extra time to build and test guitar and drum controllers. After all, the other systems had a leg up since there are already working guitar controllers for PS and XBox.
Phantom Bassist @ Jun 17th 2007 10:17AM
I play bass in a band and Guitar Hero I has actually helped me with keeping time, strumming, and changing notes. I love Guitar Hero and I can't wait for Rock Band to come out. My whole family plays Guitar Heroand Karaoke Revolution and so does my boyfriend's family.