Joystiq

Rock Band adds a dash of Red Hot Chili Peppers on August 30

David Hinkle — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST

Your Rock Band catalog lacking in spice? Come Tuesday, August 30, a total of eight new Red Hot Chili Peppers songs will be available for download, spanning the group's more recent albums -- including the band's upcoming I'm With You. If you're looking for older Chili Peppers tunes, then you can just download some of the band's classic offerings, already available.

Hit the jump for the full track list.

Continue reading Rock Band adds a dash of Red Hot Chili Peppers on August 30

Rock Band adds a dash of Red Hot Chili Peppers on August 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band hits 3,000 tracks, Harmonix giving away 3,000 songs

David Hinkle — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:45:00 EST

With the release of some Yes! tracks this week, the Rock Band song catalog has reached a milestone of 3,000 songs. To celebrate this accomplishment, Harmonix is hooking up 30 Americans (sorry, international rockers) with 100 songs of their choosing each on either Xbox 360 or PS3. The mathemagicians out there have probably already figured this out but ... that's 3,000 songs total. Get it?

There are a few different ways to enter, (sorry anti-social folks): Twitter, Facebook or the Rock Band forums. Sorry, there is no option to sit at home with the lights off, shades drawn, until an envelope magically shows up on your nightstand.

The full list of rules can be found on the Source link below. If you're thinking about entering, act fast -- the entry period closes at 11:59pm ET on Thursday, July 28.

Rock Band hits 3,000 tracks, Harmonix giving away 3,000 songs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pac-Man Fever infects Rock Band Network today

David Hinkle — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:30:00 EST

As was promised so many, many moons ago, it's time to take your pre-emptive dose of Dayquil and prepare for full-on Pac-Man Fever. Four of the album's eight tracks are available on the Rock Band Network today, allowing all to achieve a level of public embarrassment previously unseen on this Earth for only $2 -- unless your estimated value of $2 exceeds everyone's, of course.

Additionally, another Super Meat Boy track is currently available: dB Soundworks' "Betus Blues (Retro Remix)." Hit the jump for the full list of today's additions.

Continue reading Pac-Man Fever infects Rock Band Network today

Pac-Man Fever infects Rock Band Network today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bed Intruder Song 'coming soon' to Rock Band Network

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST

Rock Band Network production ~~company~~ -- er, "dude" -- Kario Charts will test the staying power of last summer's Bed Intruder meme when he releases "Bed Intruder Song" on the service in the coming days. Kario has uploaded a video preview of the Rock Band build on YouTube (sing along after the break), confirming on the Rock Band Forums that he "signed" the song's creator, The Gregory Brothers, to a contract back in December (he also has the rights to create an RBN version of the group's "Double Rainbow" ditty).

The untimely delay of "Bed Intruder Song" on RBN is due in part to the integration of Rock Band 3 Pro Keys charting, and Kario continues to make tweaks to the track based on feedback in the forums. RBN members will be able to playtest the song at the end of the week, when Kario plans to upload it for the first time.

Kario has also teased RBN releases of other viral virtuosos' works, including Ronald Jenkees' "Throwing Fire" ("Guitar Sound" is already available) and a collection of guitarist Erik Mongrain's songs, featuring "AirTap!"

Continue reading Bed Intruder Song 'coming soon' to Rock Band Network

Bed Intruder Song 'coming soon' to Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three Super Meat Boy tracks coming to Rock Band Network

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST

The indefatigable Danny Baranowsky -- soundtrack composer for both Canabalt and Super Meat Boy, among others -- confirmed to us this morning that three tracks from Super Meat Boy are headed to the Rock Band Network. "The Battle of Lil' Slugger" and "Can o' Salt" will be released as remixed, extended versions, while "Betus Blues" is getting a retro remix for the RBN release.

"I wanted to have some stuff in there for the people who delight in 100-percenting expert Dragonforce," Baranowsky told us of the remixes. From what we heard this morning of the extended, retro-ized "Betus Blues," we expect those folks to be handily challenged (as well as thoroughly entertained). No release date or price has been applied to the tracks yet, but the pack's author has them pegged as arriving "soon" -- it also labels them as coming to RBN 2.0, so we'd expect the tracks to arrive some time after February 15.

Three Super Meat Boy tracks coming to Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network 2.0 hits the stage in February

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST

Posting on its Rock Band Network creators site, Harmonix has stated that version 2.0 of the do-it-yourself Rock Band track creation system will roll out on February 15. RockBandAide has all the details -- it seems that all songs currently in-process for RBN must be completed by February 14, when version 1.0 will go into the great beyond.

All RBN content following the new system's activation will require a copy of Rock Band 3, sitting in your disc tray. The standard Rock Band Weekly tracks have been incompatible with any prior version of the game since RB3 launched in October.

Rock Band Network 2.0 hits the stage in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week

JC Fletcher — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST

All Rock Band Network tracks are available for purchase through the Xbox 360 Rock Band games, and Harmonix periodically dumps some popular tracks from the DIY authoring service onto the PS3 and Wii games as DLC. Next week's set of RBN songs (after the break), however, will be the last to make the trip over to Wii.

"With the smaller online install base, limited demand for releases so far and the significant amount of work it takes for our producers and audio team to convert and process these additional tracks," Harmonix's Aaron Trites explained in the weekly DLC announcement, "we're no longer able to continue submitting RBN content to the Wii." That's not the end for all downloadable music on Wii, however: "regular Wii DLC, and RBN releases for the 360 and PS3 will continue uninterrupted."

Continue reading Wii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week

Wii Rock Band Network releases to stop next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fallout 3 tribute song now available on Rock Band Network

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST

There's a lot of overlap between folks who love Fallout 3 and folks who love Rock Band. Here's some news that caters to the inner portion of that particular Venn Diagram: Nerd-rock duo Kirby Krackle's Fallout tribute song "Vault 101" is now available on the Xbox Live Rock Band Network Store.

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Fallout 3 tribute song now available on Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pac-Man Fever driving Rock Band Network crazy in 2011

JC Fletcher — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST

Next year, you'll finally be able to live out your childhood dream of being Buckner and/or Garcia, singing your heart out about arcade games with which you're casually acquainted. The 1982 novelty album Pac-Man Fever is coming to Rock Band.

According to IGN, the full Pac-Man Fever album will be available as Rock Band Network DLC for the Xbox 360 version of Rock Band 3 in early 2011 and will of course include such essentials as "Pac-Man Fever," "Do the Donkey Kong" and even "Froggy's Lament." Aren't you thrilled about the chance to sing these lyrics, like "Jump over all the barrels and let out a little scream / Duck underneath the pie, 'cause it's a coconut cream," out loud? With people around?

Pac-Man Fever driving Rock Band Network crazy in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network Affiliates now making sweet, sweet music together

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:55:00 EST

Yesterday, Harmonix and MTV Games launched an initiative called the Rock Band Network Affiliates Program, the goal of which is to further involve bands, music distributors and promoters in the rhythm title's track creation community. In return, prolific Rock Band Network creators will have more opportunities to collaborate with all sorts of elements within the music industry, which might increase the number of tracks that ultimately end up on the platform.

In short, it's kind of a win-win for companies and creators. And for us players, too. A win-win-win. Still, couldn't they have come up with a better, more rocking name for the program? We're imagining David Lee Roth shrilly screaming "are you ready for some affiliaaaaaaates," and it's making us very confused.

Rock Band Network Affiliates now making sweet, sweet music together originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two 'Lost' tracks coming soon to Rock Band Network

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:35:00 EST

Harmonix knows that you and your crew of Losties will be looking for something to do on Tuesday nights now that there's no more Lost to watch, and has stepped in to help. Now you'll be able to turn those watch parties into Rock Band parties, as you play along to two songs featured in the show.

G4 reports that, in the near future, the Rock Band Network will play host to both "You All Everybody," the hit song from Charlie Pace's band Drive Shaft, and "Dharma Lady," by '70s band and frequent hidden reference Geronimo Jackson. The Rock Band Network status means it'll be released on Xbox 360 first, and then possibly brought to Wii and PS3 later.

It's probably a bad idea to use this music to try to introduce someone to the show. These songs are hilarious as in-jokes, but on their own, they're ... well, still hilarious, but not in a good way.

[Image: Lostpedia]

Two 'Lost' tracks coming soon to Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Rock Band Network tracks coming to PSN tomorrow

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST

The first songs from the Rock Band Network to be available on PS3 will be released tomorrow, April 22, 2010. The five selected songs are "some of the most popular tracks" from the full selection:

Individual Tracks (with expected prices based on Xbox 360 RBN pricing)

Flogging Molly - "Drunken Lullabies" (Live) ($1)
Jonathan Coulton - "Code Monkey" ($2)
The Shins - "Australia" ($2)
The Slip - "Even Rats" ($2)
Steve Vai - "For the Love of God" (Live) ($2)

Harmonix explained that, due to the way submissions work on PSN, the company is "currently capped at 5 songs per week." The developer explains that despite "practical realities that aren't in [its] immediate control," it is trying to bring out as much music as possible.

[Thanks, Benji B]

First Rock Band Network tracks coming to PSN tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Left 4 Dead 2's 'The Passing' rolls into town next week

JC Fletcher — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:55:00 EST

All right, so the Left 4 Dead/Left 4 Dead 2 crossover DLC "The Passing" passed March by. Valve just announced it'll be available for download next week! We're sure the content will still be fresh, and the zombies still putrid, in April! Valve promised to update the official blog next week with more details.

Additionally, in the spirit of crossover ... ing ... ness ... the Left 4 Dead blog announced that two songs by the fictional Midnight Riders band have been added to the Rock Band Network. For just one dollar each, you can play "Midnight Ride" and "One Bad Man!" It would be appropriate to gather three friends to play the songs with.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Left 4 Dead 2's 'The Passing' rolls into town next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Weekly: Serj Tankian, Smash Mouth, The Used

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST

Serj Tankian or The Used should probably be our focus for next week's Rock Band DLC -- however, we can't get Smash Mouth's "All Star," also available next week, out of our heads. That song is the musical equivalent of one of those brain beetles from Wrath of Khan. Get it out, get it out, get it out! Ahhhhhh!

Check out the full release list after the break.

Continue reading Rock Band Weekly: Serj Tankian, Smash Mouth, The Used

Rock Band Weekly: Serj Tankian, Smash Mouth, The Used originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joystiq Podcast theme 'Gravity' now on Rock Band Network

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:37:00 EST

Announced as a Rock Band Network release during PAX East, the Joystiq Podcast opening theme, "Gravity (Don't Let Me Go)," is now available for the Xbox 360 version of the Rock Band platform for 80 ($1). As with all RBN releases, the playable song can be demoed before purchase. The RBN version of the track, an update of the show theme, was authored for the game by Rock Band-alums The Main Drag and will also appear on Jon Black's upcoming EP The Beginning (Up From The Ground Vol. 1), available April 27.

Joystiq Podcast host Justin McElroy wants fans of the show and of music to download the track immediately, saying, "If you're not using your fingers to play 'Gravity (Don't Let Me Go)' on Rock Band, just cut them off and choke yourself with them."

RBN currently hosts around 210 songs, which are listed here. Now go drop "Gravity" onto your console.

Joystiq Podcast theme 'Gravity' now on Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More 'Splosion Man songs coming to Rock Band Network

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST

We wish we possessed the kind of thought processes required to make the mental association between the release of the Rock Band Network and the catchy, quirky ditties from 'Splosion Man. The game's theme is already up on the RBN Store, but that's not the extent of the musical 'Splodiness -- in an interview with SavyGamer, Twisted Pixel CEO Mike Wilford revealed two other tracks from the game would soon hit the Network: "The 'Splode Beneath My 'Splosion" and "Donuts Song."

No time frame has been given for the songs' release, but that hasn't stopped our excitement for the vocal part of "T'SBM'S" from growing to catastrophic, earth-quaking levels.

More 'Splosion Man songs coming to Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network sales analyzed, top 20 songs calculated

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST

We haven't gotten much of an indication of how successful Harmonix's recently launched Rock Band Network platform has been during its first few weeks in operation. I mean, we'd consider the Rock Band-ification of The Slip's timeless Guitar Hero classic "Even Rats" to be a huge success, but we're pretty sure they measure it in dollars and cents. RockBandAide recently did a bit of calculation and educated guesswork to come with the amount of cash the RBN has brought in so far -- according to the site, Harmonix has grossed over $107,000 in sales from user-generated tracks alone.

RockBandAide also estimate that regular DLC has brought in roughly $161,000 in revenue on the 360 since the Network went live -- a slightly larger sum, though the profit margin on Network tracks is supposedly much higher than that of regular DLC. The site also compiled the top 20 purchased RBN songs thus far, which we've posted after the jump. Keep in mind -- these numbers aren't official, but they're the best we've got to go on thus far.

[Thanks Tommy!]

Continue reading Rock Band Network sales analyzed, top 20 songs calculated

Rock Band Network sales analyzed, top 20 songs calculated originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC: Harmonix on the ups and downs of creating the Rock Band Network

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST

Eleven days ago, Harmonix delivered on a concept many of us had fantasized about since the very first time we ever played Rock Band: It democratized the track-making process. For the first time in the franchise's history, any schmo off the street with a bit of MIDI engineering experience and a song in their heart could put that song on the Rock Band Store for the world to see (and hopefully purchase).

At GDC, Harmonix senior sound designer Caleb Epps and Rock Band Network producer Matthew Nordhouse sat down to speak about the challenges that came with opening up the game to user-generated content, and how its dedicated community has organically evolved the song-sharing process.

Continue reading GDC: Harmonix on the ups and downs of creating the Rock Band Network

GDC: Harmonix on the ups and downs of creating the Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network live on Xbox 360, 105 songs available

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST

The Rock Band Network has gone live on Xbox 360 with a catalog of 105 songs. With over 4,000 registered authors and peer reviewers participating in the program, we're guessing a lot more tracks are in the pipe; and Harmonix and MTV Games have teased that tracks from from Flight of the Conchords, The Smashing Pumpkins, Twin Atlantic, All That Remains, Clutch, Prong, The Gaslight Anthem and hundreds of other artists are on the way. Song prices currently range from 80 to 160 ($1 and $2)*.

A nice new feature of the Rock Band Music Store offshoot is that players will be able to download RBN samples to demo tracks before they buy. Songs will debut exclusively on Xbox 360 for 30 days, after which "a selection of standout tracks" will become available on PS3 and Wii.

*Artists who submit songs receive a 30-percent royalty of the RBN retail price (excluding tax) for every track purchased.

Update: List of RBN launch tracks after the break.

Gallery: Rock Band Network

Continue reading Rock Band Network live on Xbox 360, 105 songs available

Rock Band Network live on Xbox 360, 105 songs available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swag Sunday: The DICE bag o' swag [update]

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Update: This contest has been closed and the winner will be contacted shortly via commenter-based email, so keep your eyes on the inbox!

Believe us, dear reader -- there's nothing we'd like more than to have brought you with us to Las Vegas for this year's DICE, but you must understand that the airfare was simply too much to bear. We've got the next best thing though (outside of our weeklong coverage, of course): the full bag of swag handed over to us upon entry!

In practice, this means a Modern Warfare 2 throat communicator, a Street Fighter IV fightpad, a seasonally appropriate Rock Band Network hoodie, a Rayman Raving Rabbids-themed Wiimote charger and ... some other stuff! All you have to do is tell us below in the comments what you thought was the most interesting story to come out of DICE 2010. 24 hours starts now!

Leave a comment what you thought was the most interesting story to come out of DICE 2010.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, in part because of our feelings on The Quiet Revolution).
Limit 1 entry per person per day.
This entry period ends at 6:01PM ET on Monday, February 22.
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive one Modern Warfare 2 throat communicator (ARV $29.99), one Street Fighter IV fightpad (ARV $39.99), one Rock Band Network hoodie (ARV $10), and one Rayman Raving Rabbids-themed Wiimote charger (ARV $29.99).
For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.

Swag Sunday: The DICE bag o' swag [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rhythm game devs: genre hasn't peaked, user-generated content is key

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST

[Image credit: Jaymiek]

In the latest issue of Edge Magazine, Harmonix head Alex Rigopulos and Neversoft project director Brian Bright both speak out regarding the current state of rhythm-music gaming. As you might imagine, neither developer thinks that the genre is flatlining. In fact, Rigopulos even believes that "future music games will exceed the sales success of the last generation."

Surprisingly, though, while each heads up their own approach to the genre, the two seem to be in near-direct agreement on the next step for their franchises. "User-generated content will be absolutely critical to the ongoing success of the genre, I think," Rigopulos says. Bright echoes his statement, saying, "I think user-created content is key to the evolution ... if you can't create or edit licensed music due to copyright laws, then you're limited to pretending to play someone else's music."

That said, each developer differs in their definition of exactly what that "user-created content" will be. In the case of Rigopulos, he believes the Rock Band Network and its potentially "huge community of power-users -- skilled music creators" will be his company's next "defining moment." Bright is less sure of a plan, simply stating, "I think the key is to create music, but make it compelling to create, so the game is in the creation."

Rhythm game devs: genre hasn't peaked, user-generated content is key originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network open beta begins tonight [update]

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST

If you've been tinkering around with the Rock Band Network song programming tools, turning your heartfelt ballads into batches of multicolored gems, you'll be able to place your work in front of an audience for the first time today. Harmonix is launching an open beta of the platform at some point this evening, which will allow musicians with an XNA Creators Club membership to publish their songs, and peer-review the work their fellow artists have contributed.

Of course, we won't be able to download the songs until the platform officially goes live -- which Harmonix recently informed Destructoid wouldn't be until "we accrue a good base of content, though we're already really excited by what we have in the pipeline." If you were curious about what that pipeline currently looks like, we suggest checking out this Harmonix forum post, which compiles all the bands who've shown interest in Rock Band-ing their ditties.

Update: Okay, the beta is actually live now! Let the rocking commence.

Rock Band Network open beta begins tonight [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band 2 patched on PS3 to make way for Rock Band Network

JC Fletcher — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Harmonix continues to show that it cares about Rock Band 2 fans with more than just weekly DLC. The developer has announced a patch for the PS3 version of the game that adds support for the upcoming Rock Band Network Store -- the interface for selling songs added to Rock Band by fans, musicians and record labels through the new Rock Band Network. If you were lamenting your current inability to purchase songs made by some dude, now you can take heart!

The update also adds the "much more robust handling of chord hammer-ons and pull-offs" found in The Beatles: Rock Band, support for SingStar wireless microphones, support for velocity sensitivity with Ion Drum Rocker drums, and the ability to sort songs in Quickplay by the number of stars you've earned on each song.

The update will be available this Thursday.

Rock Band 2 patched on PS3 to make way for Rock Band Network originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network rolls out fully in early 2010

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:15:00 EST

Harmonix's Rock Band Network is still working out the kinks and will launch in "early 2010." In a statement to Kotaku, the developer explained that it's working on getting the public beta tools out "before the end of the year," with the store front to launch sometime at the beginning of next year.

Musicians with ample time and high computer proficiency can begin preparing their tracks now with the creator tools, but the open beta will grant access to the private website where all the RBN community stuff will occur. If you're a musician or programmer (or ... procisian?), let us know what you think about the tools in comments.

Gallery: Rock Band Network

Rock Band Network rolls out fully in early 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Overheard@PAX: Harmonix talks Nickel-smack

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

Harmonix's Caleb Epps: So, you guys probably heard about Nickelback saying negative stuff about music games ...

Crowd: (Boo!)

Epps: I just want to extend an olive branch to Nickelback, and say that if they want to put their music into the Rock Band Network ...

Crowd: (Emphatic boo!)

Epps: Well, guys, it's peer-reviewed, so you can just vote them way down.

Crowd: (Emphatic cheer!)

Overheard@PAX: Harmonix talks Nickel-smack originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAX 2009: JoCo adapts 'The Future Soon' at Rock Band Network panel

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST

We've heard about the Rock Band Network's near-boundless technical capabilities. We've seen the technology in action at Harmonix HQ. What we haven't seen is a popular musical artist adapting one of his songs through Reaper, Ember and the Rock Band Network peer-review process for our enjoyment. We got one such opportunity at the PAX Rock Band Network panel, when nerdfolk songsmith Jonathan Coulton (with the help of a few Harmonix devs) converted "The Future Soon" from mere song to Rock Band DLC.

The steps looked reminiscent of previous previews we've seen of the RBN technology. The track was broken up into its core parts (drums, bass, vocals, etc.) in Reaper -- a process that took Harmonix two days, due to Coulton's implementation of 19 freaking chords in a single song. After that, they imported it to Magma, where Coulton's album art was added, the track's genre and pricing information was chosen ("The Future Soon" was set to sell for 240), a 30-second preview window was designated, and the song's difficulty levels were added.

The song was transferred to Rock Band 2's Audition Mode (which will be tucked away in the Extras menu with the game's next patch for Xbox 360), then played by adoring JoCo fans. We've got a shakycam video of this playthrough -- as well as the original version of the song, which was played by Coulton during the panel -- after the jump.

Continue reading PAX 2009: JoCo adapts 'The Future Soon' at Rock Band Network panel

PAX 2009: JoCo adapts 'The Future Soon' at Rock Band Network panel originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network Store to offer free song demos

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:34:00 EST

Even if you're not willing to spend 20-40 hours creating an original Rock Band song, the upcoming addition of the Rock Band Network to Rock Band 2 will prove to be a worthwhile experience for all fans of the franchise. A new patch will add the Rock Band Network Store to Rock Band 2 this November, and will grant PS3 and Xbox 360 owners access to a whole new catalog of music that goes well beyond the scope of official Rock Band Weekly releases.

To prepare for what could be an overwhelming amount of new content, the new store will offer an even more comprehensive sorting method. Options available in the front menu will grant easy access to the "Top 10," "Harmonix's Picks," "Random," and "Browse." Players will be able to browse music by artist (alphabetically), or by an expansive amount of sub-genres, as eclectic as speed metal and rockabilly.

None of the songs on the Rock Band Network will be free, ranging from $1 to $3 in price (set by the artist). However, players are encouraged to try out these user-provided songs through free demos. Every song on the Rock Band Network will offer a free demo lasting one minute or 35 percent of the song's length, whichever is shorter. The songs download to the system hard drive and can be played from the Quick Play menu as any other track. The song will abruptly end when the demo is over, and players will be given an option to quit, purchase the song, or delete it from the hard drive. Purchasing the song will grant immediate access to the full track; there's no need to re-download the entire song.

We love being able to try free demos, and we're certain that Rock Band Network will prove to be a new way for people to discover music. However, why keep this feature exclusive to user-created songs? We pressed Harmonix to confirm the expansion of a demo option into licensed DLC releases, but for now, there are no plans to transplant the demo experience into the full Rock Band Store. Boo.

Gallery: Rock Band Network

Rock Band Network Store to offer free song demos originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Rock Band Network (Creation)

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:01:00 EST

Within seconds, it's clear that Rock Band Network isn't for amateurs. The tools being offered by Harmonix are fully-featured, professional programs that are meant for artists serious about getting their content into Rock Band and, yes, making money. With Harmonix admitting that first-time users will take 20-40 hours to finish a single song "all the way," it's clear that this isn't meant for the average gamers that have a bit of spare time on their hands.

There are four main steps in getting a song onto the upcoming Rock Band Network Store. The most important (and most time-consuming) part of the process is creating the note tracks. Harmonix has partnered with Reaper to create a Rock Band-specific plug-in that allows music producers to start creating Rock Band tracks. Caleb Epps demonstrated the program to us, noting, "what you see is what we use at Harmonix."

For anyone that's produced MIDI music, the interface should be incredibly familiar. What makes the Rock Band version of Reaper special is how everything is already clearly laid out and labeled: each color of each instrument has its own specific track. Producers simply add notes to each of the tracks, and a separate playback window will show how it will look like in-game. It's a time-consuming process made even more complicated by the fact that new tracks must be created for every difficulty: you won't be able to upload an Expert-only song, for example.

Gallery: Rock Band Network

Continue reading Impressions: Rock Band Network (Creation)

Impressions: Rock Band Network (Creation) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band Network Store coming to PS3, Wii players out of luck

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:00:00 EST

Aspiring artists that want to publish their songs in the Rock Band Network will have to stick with Xbox 360. The tools, which were developed through Microsoft's XNA program, can't be ported over to Sony's machine. However, PS3 owners will still be able to access a large number of user-uploaded songs through the Rock Band Network Store, which will be patched into Rock Band 2 late this year; most likely in mid-November.

Not every song from the Rock Band Network will be available for PS3 owners. The option to bring a song over to the PS3 version of the Store will be offered at Harmonix's discretion, and even then it will be entirely "opt in." Artists will have to do some paperwork to properly port their songs onto the PlayStation Network, a process Harmonix believes no one will refuse. "It's more revenue, right?"

Essentially, PS3 owners will have access to the "greatest hits" of the Rock Band Network, while members of the Xbox 360 Creator's Club will be able to play and review every song that passes through the servers. Wii owners, on the other hand, are completely out of luck. "We would love to get it running on the Wii," Harmonix told us. However, the studio doesn't have the ability to patch games on Nintendo's platform. Until Harmonix discovers a workaround, Wii owners can only purchase additional songs officially distributed through Rock Band Weekly.

Gallery: Rock Band Network

Rock Band Network Store coming to PS3, Wii players out of luck originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rock Band DLC to hit 1000 tracks by holiday with help of Queen, Nirvana & Elton John

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:20:00 EST

Aside from announcing the first three Beatles albums to be released as DLC for upcoming tear-jerker The Beatles: Rock Band, MTV Games and Harmonix today revealed intentions to bring the Rock Band DLC count to 1,000 songs by this holiday. At the current rate Harmonix is releasing songs for the franchise -- without factoring in the Rock Band Network -- that's roughly 500 songs per year.

Additionally, the companies have revealed a number of the artists that will be contributing to the holiday goal, including Queen, Nirvana, Tom Petty, Elton John, Iggy Pop, The White Stripes, Pantera, Talking Heads, Korn, and The Raconteurs, as well as the ever elusive "and more." You can always find out what new tracks are coming to Rock Band as DLC (and what's on the way) by using our Rock Band Weekly feature.

Gallery: Rock Band 2

Rock Band DLC to hit 1000 tracks by holiday with help of Queen, Nirvana & Elton John originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sub Pop announces support for Rock Band Network starting this fall

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST

Riding on the coattails of last Friday's Rock Band Network reveal, indie label Sub Pop is the first record company to officially pledge its support for the new DLC initiative. Rolling Stone spoke with Sub Pop A&R exec Tony Kiewel, who said, "This conceivably could be the opening of the floodgates." Sub Pop intends to convert its "entire catalog" -- which includes Sonic Youth, early Nirvana, and The Postal Service -- to playable tracks.

Additionally, Kiewel notes that future artists' releases on his label will automatically get the Rock Band treatment. "This'll be another format alongside vinyl and CD." The only difference between buying the newest Shins album from the Rock Band Network versus at the record store? The disdainful look from the Paramore t-shirt-clad cashier on your way out of the record store.

Sub Pop announces support for Rock Band Network starting this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTV reveals Rock Band Network, track upload program for artists

David Hinkle — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:06:00 EST

MTV is looking to add a pretty substantial feature to its Rock Band game, one that could have saved us all from the horrors of Coyote Ugly. See, if the movie's lead had just used Rock Band to get her stuff noticed, she wouldn't have had to dance on a bar, grow as a person and find her Romeo. She could've cut so many corners!

But, we digress. Later this year, MTV and Harmonix will launch the Rock Band Network, a utility that allows bands and acts to upload their stuff for the game. Rock Band Network is currently in closed beta, but have no fear. We could be seeing more on this as early as August, when it's planned to go into open beta. Initially, the Rock Band Network will only be available on the Xbox 360, though it's the goal to roll it out to the PS3 and Wii as soon as possible (what, no PSP love?).

The process itself sounds simple enough: When submitting music, talent have two different options. They can either submit their music to "a community of Harmonix-trained freelance game developers" who will handle implementing the music into the game, or "hire trained developers or school their existing employees to do the work in-house." This means that, for the first time, the acts will be able to control the note charts on their songs. Do you think Dragonforce ever wanted their song to be the most difficult thing ever?

Rock Band Network won't just help the little guy either, as Harmonix explains even with its bolstered staff, post-MTV acquisition, it can only add 10 new songs a day to the Rock Band store. This new system will help all music get into the game faster, and give Harmonix some relief from the burden. There's also another game to consider, which we're sure Harmonix is hard at work on right this very second.

[Via Billboard]

MTV reveals Rock Band Network, track upload program for artists originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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