Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Paul McCartney working on music for video game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/#comments Paul McCartney, legendary recording artist of the band Wings, is apparently working on music for a video game -- and, no, it doesn't appear to be Beatles Rock Band 2. In an interview with Germany's Die Zeit, McCartney was asked if he'd consider writing music for a video game. He responded that he's already working on it.

McCartney said he finds the video game market fascinating and was excited by the opportunity to work on a game project. He noted that growing up, he only had radio and records, but now music is everywhere. He feels that by writing music for a game that it may be the first time his music will be heard by the next generation.

There's also the business of music. McCartney said, "A new computer game is selling these days so much better than a new CD. And you reach a different audience." Might we suggest Paul of Duty, a music shooter. It worked out well for Aerosmith.

JoystiqPaul McCartney working on music for video game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicpaul-mccartneythe-beatleswingsTue, 31 Jan 2012 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV admits higher sales of Beatles: Rock Band were expected in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/mtv-admits-higher-sales-of-beatles-rock-band-were-expected/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/mtv-admits-higher-sales-of-beatles-rock-band-were-expected/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/mtv-admits-higher-sales-of-beatles-rock-band-were-expected/#comments The Beatles: Rock Band may have been a critical success, but it never achieved the levels of commercial success MTV had hoped for in Europe. MTV general manager Scott Guthrie told MCV that a combination of the bad economy and competition contributed to the game's undesirable performance.

"We got caught in a few things that happened last year. It was a tough economy; there was a lot of competitive products out there, and I think Beatles probably had softer sales than it would have if some of those things weren't in play," he said. "Overall we were pleased with the sales. I think that we underestimated the competition and they took mind share away from us." This shouldn't be an issue for MTV's next game, Green Day: Rock Band, the company hopes.

The competition Guthrie talks about is Guitar Hero 5, which did gangbusters in Europe. But while Guitar Hero 5 was busy selfishly generating cash for Activision, The Beatles: Rock Band managed to generate a lot of cash for charity, so that has to help MTV get through those cold nights. Right?

JoystiqMTV admits higher sales of Beatles: Rock Band were expected in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmtvmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandscott-guthriethe-beatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-BandWiiXbox-360Fri, 21 May 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band value bundle for 360 just $51 on Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/the-beatles-rock-band-value-bundle-for-360-just-51-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/the-beatles-rock-band-value-bundle-for-360-just-51-on-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/the-beatles-rock-band-value-bundle-for-360-just-51-on-amazon/#comments Back when The Beatles: Rock Band's Special Value Bundle was first announced, we had some reservations about how much of a "special value" it really was. However, a recent Amazon discount has made its description irrefutable: For just $51.08 (shipping included), you can grab the 360 version of the bundle, which includes a copy of the game and a set of instruments from the original Rock Band. If you can deal with the calamitous clicking and clacking of the series' original drum kit, that's one heck of a deal.

There's no telling how long this discount will be offered, or how many copies of the bundle are still available, so prospective mop-toppers should act swiftly.

[Via CheapCollegeGamer]

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band value bundle for 360 just $51 on Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondealharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesrhythmrock-bandsalespecial-value-bundlethe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandXbox-360Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega64 pokes fun at The Beatles: Rock Band with a little help from a friend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/mega64-pokes-fun-at-the-beatles-rock-band-with-a-little-help-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/mega64-pokes-fun-at-the-beatles-rock-band-with-a-little-help-fr/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/mega64-pokes-fun-at-the-beatles-rock-band-with-a-little-help-fr/#comments Mega64 gets back to its roots in the troupe's latest video, enlisting the aid of John and Jane Q. Public to create another minute and a half of comedy based on The Beatles: Rock Band. You're probably asking yourself how the trio can recreate the full British pop quartet. To answer that, we offer this: through the aid of a surprise guest, of course!

Head past the break to see who. We're pretty sure you'll never guess who it is.

[Thanks, Brock]

Continue reading Mega64 pokes fun at The Beatles: Rock Band with a little help from a friend

JoystiqMega64 pokes fun at The Beatles: Rock Band with a little help from a friend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyeaElectronic-Artsharmonixmega64Microsoftmtv-gamesmusicNintendorhythmrock-bandthe-beatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-BandWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band DLC 'All You Need is Love' coming to PS3, Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-all-you-need-is-love-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-all-you-need-is-love-coming-to-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-all-you-need-is-love-coming-to-ps3/#comments The Beatles: Rock Band single "All You Need is Love" will bounce on trampolines over to Wii and PS3 on February 16 and March 4, respectively. The song was initially released exclusively on Xbox 360, with proceeds from purchases going to Doctors Without Borders. The track raised approximately $218,000 for the international relief agency before the promotion ended on January 31.

All you need to download the track and start singing along is $2, or 200 Wii Points.

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band: Abbey Road DLC

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band DLC 'All You Need is Love' coming to PS3, Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-you-need-is-lovebeatlesdlcharmonixmtv-gamesNintendothe-beatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-BandWiiThu, 11 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band raises $217,780 for charity (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/the-beatles-rock-band-raises-217-780-for-charity-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/the-beatles-rock-band-raises-217-780-for-charity-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/the-beatles-rock-band-raises-217-780-for-charity-so-far/#comments When you guys aren't setting franchise records downloading a track for The Beatles: Rock Band, you're helping to save lives .... well, actually, we guess you were kinda doing them both at the same time. My, what wonderful multitaskers you all are!

Microsoft has revealed that the Xbox-exclusive track "All You Need Is Love" managed to procure $217,780 to date for the Doctors Without Borders charity, an international humanitarian outfit that specializes in assisting those in need in impoverished and war-torn countries. That figure comes from both the DLC and the custom Xbox 360 auctioned off for $17,400.

Oh, and if you didn't know all that about the charity stuff and just wanted to download a Beatles song, then there it is: you're making the world a better place, one harmony and hot guitar solo at a time. All proceeds from "All You Need Is Love" will go to Doctors Without Borders up until January 31.

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band raises $217,780 for charity (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitydoctors-without-borderseaElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesrock-bandthe-beatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-Bandthe-beatles-rock-band-dlcXbox-360xbox-liveThu, 28 Jan 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Beatles: Rock Band's 'Sgt. Pepper's' DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/video-beatles-rock-bands-sgt-peppers-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/video-beatles-rock-bands-sgt-peppers-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/video-beatles-rock-bands-sgt-peppers-dlc/#commentsThe Beatles: Rock Band will get a hot DLC injection tomorrow when Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band releases as downloadable content. In preparation for the arrival of these new tracks, MTV has passed along the above trailer which offers a brief sample of new tracks in the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club album mixed together with some found on the disc. In the end, the video saves us all precious time we would've had to use sampling tracks on YouTube and, inevitably, watching Pomplamoose videos.

JoystiqVideo: Beatles: Rock Band's 'Sgt. Pepper's' DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmusicNintendorhythmsgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-bandthe-beatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-Bandthe-beatles-rock-band-dlcWiiXbox-360Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Beatles: Rock Band 'Sgt. Pepper's' DLC debuts Nov. 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/the-beatles-rock-band-sgt-peppers-dlc-debuts-nov-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/the-beatles-rock-band-sgt-peppers-dlc-debuts-nov-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/13/the-beatles-rock-band-sgt-peppers-dlc-debuts-nov-17/#comments
In a move no doubt inspired by the Movember Movement, Harmonix and MTV Games have revealed that the second DLC album for The Beatles: Rock Band, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, will release the week of November 17. Tracks from the British sensation's eighth studio album, as featured in the DLC release, include:
  • "Fixing A Hole"
  • "She's Leaving Home"
  • "Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite!"
  • "Within You Without You"
  • "When I'm Sixty-Four"
  • "Lovely Rita"
  • "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)"
  • "A Day In The Life."
Xbox 360 and Wii owners can purchase the DLC on Tuesday, November 17. The tracks will be available as a complete Track Pack for 1080 ($13.50) or 160 ($2.00) individually on Xbox 360; and 200 Wii Points ($2.00) per track on Wii. PlayStation 3 players get a few extra days to grow out their glorious mustaches when the pack lands on PSN on Thursday, November 19 for $13.49 (or $1.99 per track).

As previously revealed, Beatles fans can look forward to next month when 1965's Rubber Soul will become available as the game's third full-album DLC.

JoystiqBeatles: Rock Band 'Sgt. Pepper's' DLC debuts Nov. 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaElectronic-Artsfull-albumsharmonixMicrosoftmoustachemovembermtv-gamesNintendorelease-daterock-bandsgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix employees harmonize during a cappella Paramore song performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/harmonix-employees-harmonize-during-a-capella-paramore-song-perf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/harmonix-employees-harmonize-during-a-capella-paramore-song-perf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/harmonix-employees-harmonize-during-a-capella-paramore-song-perf/#comments Since only a fraction of Joystiq is headquartered out of Boston, MA we unfortunately aren't eligible to be honored with "Top Places to Work" awards like Beatles: Rock Band developers Harmonix, nonetheless host a company-wide singing contest. If we could though, we'd like to think our singing chops would at least match the five gentlemen (four from audio and one engineer) found singing Paramore's "That's What You Get" after the break.

Winning first "among mid-size companies" and third overall in The Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" survey, the 320 employee-strong music/rhythm-game studio was praised for its studio-wide a cappella singing competition. "I would do a lot to stay here," says senior writer Helen McWilliams. "It's really hard to imagine going from this company to any other company." That whole "making successful games" thing probably doesn't hurt either.

(Thanks, DarkArchon)

Continue reading Harmonix employees harmonize during a cappella Paramore song performance

JoystiqHarmonix employees harmonize during a cappella Paramore song performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-capellaacapellaboston-globeharmonixharmonix-music-systemshelen-mcwilliamsmtv-gamesparamorerock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandtop-places-to-workMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dhani Harrison: Rock Band 3 will make you better at actual rocking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/dhani-harrison-rock-band-3-will-make-you-better-at-actual-rocki/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/dhani-harrison-rock-band-3-will-make-you-better-at-actual-rocki/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/07/dhani-harrison-rock-band-3-will-make-you-better-at-actual-rocki/#comments In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune, Dhani Harrison, The Beatles: Rock Band contributor (and son of the late, great George Harrison), spoke about his involvement in future iterations of the popular rhythm franchise. "I'm working on Rock Band 3 and making the controllers more real so people can actually learn how to play music while playing the game," Harrison explained toward the end of the interview. "Give me a couple years, it's going to happen."

We wish Harrison and the entire Harmonix crew the best of luck in this endeavor, if only so they can finally stymie the infinitely deplorable "why don't you learn how to play a real instrument" contingency. Man, we hate those guys.

JoystiqDhani Harrison: Rock Band 3 will make you better at actual rocking originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dhani-harrisonharmonixrhythmrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-3the-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandthenewno2Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Viacom: The Beatles: Rock Band sales strong, overall RB growth slow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/viacom-the-beatles-rock-band-sales-strong-overall-rb-growth-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/viacom-the-beatles-rock-band-sales-strong-overall-rb-growth-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/viacom-the-beatles-rock-band-sales-strong-overall-rb-growth-s/#comments
Even though John, Paul, George and Ringo have been rocking the disc tray of your favorite console with The Beatles: Rock Band, its expectation-exceeding sales haven't helped boost overall Rock Band sales. Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman told USA Today the "economics of our Rock Band franchise are improving, though not as quickly as we'd like." There's still hope that Rock Band could at least break even or show a small profit, though Viacom CFO Tom Dooley said that will depend entirely on the franchise's performance this holiday season.

Despite tanking sales, the music genre still remains one of the best in the industry and The Beatles: Rock Band shows us that the right approach could still determine financial success in the space. Its September debut was very fortuitous and it even managed to best Guitar Hero 5 in the US -- which not only came with a free game, but is also one of the most recognizable brands to the mainstream.

Source - USA Today
Source - Viacom earnings report

JoystiqViacom: The Beatles: Rock Band sales strong, overall RB growth slow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmtvmtv-gamesmusicNintendorhythmrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandviacomWiiXbox-360Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Here comes the trailer for Abbey Road from The Beatles: Rock Band (do do do)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/here-comes-the-trailer-for-abbey-road-from-the-beatles-rock-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/here-comes-the-trailer-for-abbey-road-from-the-beatles-rock-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/here-comes-the-trailer-for-abbey-road-from-the-beatles-rock-ban/#commentsFor those of you ready to Carry That Weight and swing Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Harmonix and MTV Games released the full "Abbey Road" album download today for The Beatles: Rock Band. Rather than simply release the songs, the DLC comes with new animations for the four British gents and, in some cases, new "dreamscapes" (the pseudo-psychedelic animations tripping our your friends while you play songs).

The trailer above offers a medley sampling of the whole album, should you not be acquainted with it. But then, we must ask, what planet are you from where "Abbey Road" is an unfamiliar album?

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band: Abbey Road DLC

JoystiqHere comes the trailer for Abbey Road from The Beatles: Rock Band (do do do) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbey-roaddlceaea-partnerselectronic-artsharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandscreenshotsthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandtrailerWiiXbox-360Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band 'Abbey Road' album DLC detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/the-beatles-rock-band-abbey-road-album-dlc-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/the-beatles-rock-band-abbey-road-album-dlc-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/19/the-beatles-rock-band-abbey-road-album-dlc-details/#comments The Beatles: Rock Band will have the entire Abbey Road album available for download this Tuesday on Xbox 360 and Wii, followed by PS3 on Thursday. The full album won't be lonely for long, as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band will arrive in November, with Rubber Soul walking onto the scene in December.

The full Abbey Road DLC setlist and pricing details can be found after the break.

Continue reading The Beatles: Rock Band 'Abbey Road' album DLC detailed

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band 'Abbey Road' album DLC detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbey-roadharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-BandWiiXbox-360Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix taking 'wait and see' approach with The Beatles DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/harmonix-taking-wait-and-see-approach-with-the-beatles-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/harmonix-taking-wait-and-see-approach-with-the-beatles-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/harmonix-taking-wait-and-see-approach-with-the-beatles-dlc/#comments You're undoubtedly familiar with our Rock Band Weekly feature. Harmonix has been able to produce weekly DLC for the Rock Band franchise across nearly every platform it graces, so it came as a surprise when we discovered the studio's hesitant attitude towards The Beatles. While three albums are already in the works as DLC, Harmonix representative John Drake told The BBPS that future releases are entirely dependent on sales of the initial batch of DLC. His explanation? "It costs thousands of dollars" to produce the DLC.

"It's not like Rock Band where we wait for the masters to come in and just author them ... its like, send people to Abbey Road, use the original tape, separate them out," Drake detailed. In addition to the audio work that must be done, Harmonix has also promised to include original dreamscapes for future downloadable content as well.

It seems likely Harmonix will find the sales necessary to produce more DLC, considering the retail success of the game so far. "If they sell well, we'll have a lot more content," Drake promises.

JoystiqHarmonix taking 'wait and see' approach with The Beatles DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcharmonixjohn-drakeMicrosoftNintendothe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision: Guitar Hero beat Beatles because it's 'fun as hell']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/activision-guitar-hero-beat-beatles-because-its-fun-as-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/activision-guitar-hero-beat-beatles-because-its-fun-as-hell/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/07/activision-guitar-hero-beat-beatles-because-its-fun-as-hell/#comments We were just as perplexed as anyone when Guitar Hero 5 trounced The Beatles: Rock Band in the UK -- where we hear the Fab Four is fairly popular still. Thankfully, Activision's Guitar Hero business CEO, Rock 'n' Roll Dan Rosensweig, is there to explain it all. "The number one thing about Guitar Hero is that it's fun as hell -- it's focused on the guitar, and the variety and value proposition -- and the reviews are spectacular. So I guess we're the only ones not surprised."

Rosensweig went on to tell GamesIndustry.biz that "internally we always talked about the Fab Five - Guitar Hero 5 - was going to beat the Fab Four." So, we've also discovered Activision's real secret weapon that keeps it ahead of the competition: Hilarious wordplay.

JoystiqActivision: Guitar Hero beat Beatles because it's 'fun as hell' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionDan-RosensweigeaElectronic-Artsguitar-heroguitar-hero-5MicrosoftNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA confirms The Beatles: Rock Band SingStar mic pack for UK, other territories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/ea-confirms-the-beatles-rock-band-singstar-mic-pack-for-uk-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/ea-confirms-the-beatles-rock-band-singstar-mic-pack-for-uk-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/ea-confirms-the-beatles-rock-band-singstar-mic-pack-for-uk-oth/#comments
The Beatles: Rock Band SingStar bundle has arrived at UK retailers for £49.99 ($81.87). Only after being half-announced by MTV Games, showing up on an Australian retailer website, and then vaguely detailed in a press release from today, are we able to bring you this news. Is it coming to other territories? That's a good question!

We asked EA, who gave us a laundry list of launch dates for various European and African countries (listed after the break). Unfortunately, we were told that the exclusion of North America from the list means that the publisher currently has no intention of bringing the microphone bundle Stateside. Sorry, aspiring North American crooners!

Continue reading EA confirms The Beatles: Rock Band SingStar mic pack for UK, other territories

JoystiqEA confirms The Beatles: Rock Band SingStar mic pack for UK, other territories originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleseaea-partnersElectronic-Artsharmonixmtv-gamesretailrock-bandsing-starthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-beatles-rock-band-sing-starukTue, 22 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA['All You Need is Love' becomes fastest-selling Rock Band song]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/all-you-need-is-love-becomes-fastest-selling-rock-band-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/all-you-need-is-love-becomes-fastest-selling-rock-band-song/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/18/all-you-need-is-love-becomes-fastest-selling-rock-band-song/#comments
Microsoft has announced that "All You Need is Love," the first downloadable song for The Beatles: Rock Band, became the fastest-selling tune in the franchise's history within the first two days of availability. We'd like to believe that the Xbox-exclusive track was entirely propelled by the spirit of philanthropy, with proceeds from sales ("tens of thousands of dollars," Microsoft says) benefiting Doctors Without Borders, but its success probably comes from the fact that it's "All You Need is Love." By The Beatles.

A limited edition Beatles-themed Xbox 360, bearing artwork from the game's introduction video, was also sold by Microsoft during an online charity auction. After ten days, the system took off for $17,300.

If you've yet to expand the legendary band's in-game lineup or hope to gain entry in the on-going Beatles sweepstakes, keep in mind that revenue from "All You Need is Love" is still going to charity. All you need is 160.

Joystiq'All You Need is Love' becomes fastest-selling Rock Band song originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-you-need-is-loveauctiondlcMicrosoftthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-beatles-rock-band-dlcXbox-360Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nick Mason: We'd consider Pink Floyd Rock Band or Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/nick-mason-wed-consider-pink-floyd-rock-band-or-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/nick-mason-wed-consider-pink-floyd-rock-band-or-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/nick-mason-wed-consider-pink-floyd-rock-band-or-guitar-hero/#comments
Despite how some musicians feel about music 'n' rhythm games, Pink Floyd drummer (and part-time T-Zero agent) Nick Mason isn't entirely ruling it out for his band. With The Beatles: Rock Band having just released, the BBC asked him if we could be seeing a Pink Floyd Rock Band or Guitar Hero game, to which he replied, "I think we'd consider it."

While he isn't a big supporter of the genre (he thinks it deters kids from learning real instruments, just like other celebs do), he did add, "Everyone's looking at new ways of selling the music because the business of selling records has almost disappeared." Especially those vinyl ones, which (gasp!) weren't even interactive.

JoystiqNick Mason: We'd consider Pink Floyd Rock Band or Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioneaelectronic-artsguitar-heroharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicNintendopink-floydrhythmrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Stage Kit compatibility not being patched into The Beatles: Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/rock-band-stage-kit-compatibility-not-being-patched-into-the-bea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/rock-band-stage-kit-compatibility-not-being-patched-into-the-bea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/rock-band-stage-kit-compatibility-not-being-patched-into-the-bea/#comments
Owners of the Rock Band Stage Kit must accept that the device will not be compatible with The Beatles: Rock Band. Harmonix has confirmed to Joystiq that there are "no plans to patch it for The Beatles: Rock Band." As to whether the device will be compatible with future editions of Rock Band, a company rep stated, "We haven't announced any future titles at this time."

There's been some back and forth on the Rock Band forums about whether the smoke machine and disco ball-ish device -- originally $100 (but cheaper now) -- would be patched into The Beatles game. We hope this settles it -- not that you have a choice, apparently.

[Thanks, Jeremy F]

JoystiqRock Band Stage Kit compatibility not being patched into The Beatles: Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixmtv-gamesrock-bandrock-band-stage-kitthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandFri, 11 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band DLC to include original dreamscapes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-to-include-original-dreamscapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-to-include-original-dreamscapes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-to-include-original-dreamscapes/#comments If you plow halfway through The Beatles: Rock Band today, you'll notice that all the songs taking place in a studio setting (as opposed to The Ed Sullivan Show or Shea Stadium, for example) feature really lovely animations, which Harmonix calls "dreamscapes," inspired by the song they accompany. The developer tells us that the DLC albums arriving in the coming months will receive similar treatment.

"DLC songs which don't end up in historical venues will have custom dreamscapes, yes," said Dare Matheson Lead Artist on the game at Harmonix. "There will be visual themes and elements that will stretch from the on-disc dreamscapes into the DLC dreamscapes, but everyone is custom, unique, and fully-crafted for the song it will accompany. It's a bargain!" At the same $2-per-song price as regular 'ol Rock Band DLC, we can't help but agree.

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band DLC to include original dreamscapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmtvNintendothe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009 interview: The Beatles: Rock Band lead designer Chris Foster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/pax-2009-the-beatles-rock-band-lead-designer-chris-foster/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/pax-2009-the-beatles-rock-band-lead-designer-chris-foster/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/pax-2009-the-beatles-rock-band-lead-designer-chris-foster/#comments
The Beatles: Rock Band drops today, along with the band's remastered albums availability on iTunes (?) and a flood of Beatles: Rock Band news. Fans will be wailing on plastic instruments all day in an effort to travel back in time and live out their fantasies of becoming musical legends.

We caught up with lead designer Chris Foster at PAX, who gave up some secrets about the game (including the scrapped "forever" mode). Read on for the full interview.

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band (07/20/09)

Continue reading PAX 2009 interview: The Beatles: Rock Band lead designer Chris Foster

JoystiqPAX 2009 interview: The Beatles: Rock Band lead designer Chris Foster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>09-09-09Chris-FosterHarmonixMicrosoftNintendoPAXPAX-2009RhythmThe-BeatlesThe-Beatles-Rock-BandWiiXbox-360Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: The Beatles: Rock Band DLC already available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/reminder-the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-already-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/reminder-the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-already-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/reminder-the-beatles-rock-band-dlc-already-available/#comments If you're picking up The Beatles: Rock Band today (which you really should) and you're getting it on Xbox 360, we've got a quick reminder that the first DLC for the game is already available for 160 ($2). If you'll recall, Microsoft announced "All You Need is Love" to be an Xbox 360-exclusive track at its E3 keynote. Better yet, by buying the song, you're going to be contributing to Doctors Without Borders, which sends physicians and other medical personnel into impoverished countries.

Although, doctors, isn't it just a tad irresponsible leaving the country in the middle of the PAXPOXalypse? Oh, and if you're unfamiliar with the song, we've taken the liberty of embedding it after the break.

Continue reading Reminder: The Beatles: Rock Band DLC already available

JoystiqReminder: The Beatles: Rock Band DLC already available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All-You-Need-is-LoveDLCMicrosoftpaxpoxrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandXbox-360Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix founders detail the company's failure-ridden road to success]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/harmonix-founders-detail-the-companys-failure-ridden-road-to-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/harmonix-founders-detail-the-companys-failure-ridden-road-to-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/harmonix-founders-detail-the-companys-failure-ridden-road-to-su/#comments
Believe it or not, things weren't always going so well for Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchise developers Harmonix. Starting out in 1995 as a "music tech" company, founders Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy took four years of "misstarts and product concepts that never made it anywhere" before they had any success. Talking to CNN Money, the two detail five years of strange, misguided, or ill-informed ideas that eventually somehow lead to The Beatles: Rock Band.

First up: "The Axe," something that Rigopulos describes as "a joystick music improvisation system." In so many words, you moved the joystick around and various sounds were produced. Unsurprisingly, only 300 were sold -- "a horrendous failure that led to a painful lesson," Rigopulos says. "You can't really build a business on an entertainment experience that only keeps people entertained for 15 minutes." Second, the two tried breaking into the (at the time) $10 billion Japanese karaoke market ... and met with resounding failure once again.

Luckily for us, lessons learned overseas came back with the duo and Harmonix became a game company. Rigopulos and Egozy quickly changed their company's focus from "music tech" to "gaming," creating Frequency and Amplitude soon after. Though the games didn't directly lead to the financial success achieved later with Guitar Hero and Rock Band (GH didn't get off the ground until RedOctane approached Harmonix in the early oughts), both helped the now major developer to get a foot in the door.

JoystiqHarmonix founders detail the company's failure-ridden road to success originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-rigopulosamplitudecnncnn-moneyeran-egozyfrequencyguitar-heroharmonixmtvmtv-gamesredoctanerock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandThu, 03 Sep 2009 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 45th track in Beatles: Rock Band is 'The End']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/rumor-45th-track-in-beatles-rock-band-is-the-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/rumor-45th-track-in-beatles-rock-band-is-the-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/rumor-45th-track-in-beatles-rock-band-is-the-end/#comments
We can just picture it: Harmonix employees collectively having a laugh at our expense as the forty-fifth (and final) track featured in The Beatles: Rock Band is announced to be ... wait for it ... "The End." The image you see above certainly makes this possibility seem all the more real, as the Abbey Road track isn't listed anywhere on the nearly complete track list we've had for some time now.

Apparently, the game has already landed in a few lucky forum-goers hands over at ScoreHero, who quickly revealed the alleged final track. Also revealed: The game's a lot of fun. Shocking! All kidding aside, though, we're fairly confident "The End" made it into the game as track number 45, but we'll have to wait and see with our own eyes when The Beatles: Rock Band launches next week.

JoystiqRumor: 45th track in Beatles: Rock Band is 'The End' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbey-roadeaea-partnersElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicNintendorhythmrock-bandscoreherothe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-endtrack-listWiiXbox-360Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Harmonix to 're-energize' its franchises after The Beatles: Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/harmonix-to-re-energize-its-franchises-after-the-beatles-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/harmonix-to-re-energize-its-franchises-after-the-beatles-rock/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/harmonix-to-re-energize-its-franchises-after-the-beatles-rock/#comments
Sure, The Beatles: Rock Band developer Harmonix has been busy working on next week's big release for some time now, but did you know it's also working on "re-energizing" its "core franchises?" Harmonix PR overlord John Drake told CVG as much, saying that while the studio is ready to refocus on its existing portfolio, it's been busy making sure it got The Beatles game 100 percent right. "We were terrified while making the game, hoping we don't make [Apple Corps] mad at any point -- they're really nice and easy to work with, but this is The Beatles, you can't afford to mess this up."


Considering the longtime rhythm game developer more or less re-energized its Amplitude and Frequency franchises with Rock Band Unplugged, we're taking a wild stab in the dark here when we suggest Drake's likely talking about Rock Band 3. And does "re-energizing" in this case mean "adding Project Natal functionality?" We're not sure yet, but we've got our fingers as uncrossed as possible, just in case.

JoystiqHarmonix to 're-energize' its franchises after The Beatles: Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplitudecvgeaea-partnersElectronic-Artsfrequencyharmonixjohn-drakeMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendoproject-natalrock-bandrock-band-3the-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Net a free Avatar shirt with the purchase of The Beatles: Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/net-a-free-avatar-shirt-with-the-purchase-of-the-beatles-rock-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/net-a-free-avatar-shirt-with-the-purchase-of-the-beatles-rock-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/net-a-free-avatar-shirt-with-the-purchase-of-the-beatles-rock-b/#comments
Specially marked boxes of the upcoming music title The Beatles: Rock Band include a unique bonus: an exclusive Avatar shirt. The freebie marks the first (and hopefully not the last) time Avatar apparel has been given away alongside the launch of a game, giving extra incentive for users to pick up a copy of the Xbox 360 version. Coincidentally, it'll make for a hilarious image when your Avatar shows up in Guitar Hero 5 donning a Rock Band promo t-shirt -- if Avatar apparel is able to show up in game, that is.

Of course, this news only matters if your Avatar's dress code includes wearing band logo shirts. Our Avatar dress code allows only suit and tie, because we're gentlemen. Make sure to check out Major Nelson's Flickr page for details on how to spot the free bonus at retail.

JoystiqNet a free Avatar shirt with the purchase of The Beatles: Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-marketplaceavatarsbonusthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandMon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV spent big for The Beatles, slowly backing away from peripheral business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/mtv-spent-big-for-the-beatles-slowly-backing-away-from-peripher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/mtv-spent-big-for-the-beatles-slowly-backing-away-from-peripher/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/mtv-spent-big-for-the-beatles-slowly-backing-away-from-peripher/#comments
It appears that Viacom, parent company of MTV Games and Harmonix, guaranteed a minimum of $10 million, along with another potential $40 million in royalties, to its respective estates for the use of The Beatles in the upcoming Rock Band game. Sources familiar with the deal tell The LA Times that the "royalty rates on [the deal] are not even comparable to anything that has been done before." All this cash is being thrown around in the midst of a revenue decline in the rhythm genre.

MTV Games is seemingly taking even more steps away from producing and distributing peripherals. Paul DeGooyer, senior vice president at the company, explains that its "core competency is media" -- he'd rather let Activision "take on the burden of getting those super-tight margin instruments out there."

JoystiqMTV spent big for The Beatles, slowly backing away from peripheral business originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseaElectronic-Artsharmonixla-timesMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandviacomWiiXbox-360Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band visits Abbey Road]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/the-beatles-rock-band-visits-abbey-road/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/the-beatles-rock-band-visits-abbey-road/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/29/the-beatles-rock-band-visits-abbey-road/#commentsIn a 30-second clip that we're not exactly sure came from this decade, MTV Games/Harmonix preview upcoming music/rhythm game The Beatles: Rock Band by way of a big party on Abbey Road. No, we don't mean the street itself, we mean that the enormously famous album cover got turned into a big ol' 30-second party in celebration of the upcoming game. Other than a somewhat creepy faux John Lennon around the halfway mark, this commercial provides yet another reason to be more excited than ever for the day that the Dreamcast turns 10.

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band (07/20/09)

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band visits Abbey Road originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbey-roadcommercialeaea-partnersElectronic-ArtsharmonixkotakuMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360youtubeSat, 29 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EEDAR: Guitar Hero 5 will outsell The Beatles: Rock Band by nearly 2-to-1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/eedar-guitar-hero-5-will-outsell-the-beatles-rock-band-by-near/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/eedar-guitar-hero-5-will-outsell-the-beatles-rock-band-by-near/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/26/eedar-guitar-hero-5-will-outsell-the-beatles-rock-band-by-near/#comments
EEDAR analyst Jessie Divnich has been quoted in a newly-published Bloomberg article, stating that the research group sees The Beatles: Rock Band facing a tough fight against the latest Guitar Hero in a genre that has, as he believes, "peaked." We got in touch with Divnich to talk about his assertion in the same article that Guitar Hero 5 will likely outsell Harmonix's Beatles game this year by a ratio of nearly two-to-one.

Divnich says he expects Activison to ring up sales in the order of 3 million GH5 units across all platforms, compared to a projected 1.7 million for The Beatles: Rock Band. "I believe that at the end of the day, it comes down to marketing muscle, and Activision has proven in numerous showdowns that they can out advertise and out promote their competitor," he tells Joystiq. "If Activision relaxes on the marketing spend, while MTV Games kicks it up a notch, there's certainly a chance that I could be wrong."

There's another scenario in which this year's Rock Band could prove more of a contender. "The only concern I have with my Guitar Hero vs. Rock Band analysis is that Activision may focus less on marketing Guitar Hero 5 and divert funding to DJ Hero, a new brand in their Guitar Hero line-up," EEDAR's chief number man admits. "That would certainly change the game."

No matter what, Divnich doesn't see a very-worst-case scenario playing out for MTV Games and Harmonix, assuring us that "[The Beatles: Rock Band] will outsell Rock Band 2 this holiday season."

JoystiqEEDAR: Guitar Hero 5 will outsell The Beatles: Rock Band by nearly 2-to-1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj-heroeedarguitar-heroguitar-hero-5harmonixmtv-gamesneversoftrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWed, 26 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your hands on The Beatles: Rock Band today at Best Buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/get-your-hands-on-the-beatles-rock-band-today-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/get-your-hands-on-the-beatles-rock-band-today-at-best-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/23/get-your-hands-on-the-beatles-rock-band-today-at-best-buy/#comments
Sure, you could sit on your butt today, thinking about how The Beatles: Rock Band won't be available until September 9. Instead, why not head to a participating Best Buy store today between noon and 3:30PM (EST) to check out the game early?

Harmonix and MTV Games are offering a chance to play an in-store demo build of the game for today only before it hits retailers in a few weeks. There's even "special hosted demo events" at certain stores "where you can ask questions about the game, learn some tips-and-tricks, and more" -- we're hoping the "and more" is sensual massages from Sir Paul McCartney himself. Peep the whole list of participating stores right here.

[Thanks, JD!]

JoystiqGet your hands on The Beatles: Rock Band today at Best Buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyeaea-partnersElectronic-Artsharmonixin-storeMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendopaul-mccartneyrhythmrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band DLC to hit 1000 tracks by holiday with help of Queen, Nirvana & Elton John]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/rock-band-dlc-to-hit-1000-tracks-by-holiday-with-help-of-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/rock-band-dlc-to-hit-1000-tracks-by-holiday-with-help-of-queen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/rock-band-dlc-to-hit-1000-tracks-by-holiday-with-help-of-queen/#comments
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

JoystiqRock 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artselton-johnharmonixiggy-popkornMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendonirvanapanteraqueenrock-bandrock-band-2rock-band-networktalking-headsthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-raconteursthe-white-stripestom-pettyWiiXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[All (but one) of the 45 Beatles: Rock Band tracks revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/all-but-one-of-the-45-beatles-rock-band-tracks-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/all-but-one-of-the-45-beatles-rock-band-tracks-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/all-but-one-of-the-45-beatles-rock-band-tracks-revealed/#commentsIt's been a long, painful and oftentimes confusing process, but it looks like the hunt for the full setlist for The Beatles: Rock Band is drawing to a close. A recent MTV Games press release has revealed the full setlist for the highly anticipated mop-topped rhythm title -- leaving room for a bit of speculation as we enter the final stretch for the game's release. You can check out the list of 44 confirmed tracks after the jump, and see the new additions in the trailer posted above.

So what's the last track going to be? Our money's on "Hey Jude" -- that breakdown at the end would serve as an epic finale to the game's Story Mode. What tune from the cleverly misspelled band are you still holding out hope for?

Continue reading All (but one) of the 45 Beatles: Rock Band tracks revealed

JoystiqAll (but one) of the 45 Beatles: Rock Band tracks revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicrhythmthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandtracklistXbox-360Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Beatles: Rock Band execs say Yoko Ono 'gave the designers hell' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/the-beatles-rock-band-execs-say-yoko-ono-gave-the-designers-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/the-beatles-rock-band-execs-say-yoko-ono-gave-the-designers-he/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/the-beatles-rock-band-execs-say-yoko-ono-gave-the-designers-he/#comments
Update: Harmonix has issued a clarification of the statements through its forums, saying that quotes were "mischaracterized by some in the press" and the development team was "tremendously grateful that she gave us the gift of her attention." We'll update this post further if we hear more from Harmonix or MTV Games on the subject. (Thanks, James!)

The late John Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono, is notorious for a number of somewhat less than pleasant experiences related to The Beatles' career. According to Wired, she's still offering a controlling hand in The Beatles' affairs -- notably, The Beatles: Rock Band. "She gave the designers hell," said Paul DeGooyer, senior VP of electronic games and music at MTV.

Harmonix exec Alex Rigopolous chimed in, saying that Ono "held our feet to the fire" and asked for changes to things that had long been finished. "We were like, 'Oh, gee. Thanks.' It would have been nice to know that six months ago, but yes, 'Thank you very much.'" Though we didn't get a chance to ask during our interview with Harmonix this past week, we doubt that Ms. Ono will be appearing in The Beatles: Rock Band in any form when it arrives this September.

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band (07/20/09)

JoystiqThe Beatles: Rock Band execs say Yoko Ono 'gave the designers hell' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-rigopolouseaea-partnersElectronic-Artsharmonixmtv-gamespaul-degooyerrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandyoko-onoSat, 15 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video interview: Harmonix's John Drake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/video-interview-harmonixs-john-drake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/video-interview-harmonixs-john-drake/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/video-interview-harmonixs-john-drake/#comments 09.09.09 is less than a month away, and Harmonix is ready to reveal all the secrets of its upcoming The Beatles game. We chatted with Harmonix's John Drake to go over the recently unveiled Story mode, and the exciting unlockables hidden away in The Beatles: Rock Band. Below is a small text excerpt of the entire video interview:

Any chance we'll see any more archival videos and photos released as DLC?
I don't think so just because of how downloadable content works on three different consoles, and to keep parity, how it would need to be engineered. I know our code team's pretty amazing, but that sort of stuff is not how we look to share that media. It's a pretty secure and safe media that we really want to keep close to the vest, just as Apple has kept it in their vaults. I don't see it being downloadable content. What you see on the disc is what we have for extras for the moment.

Will we see any retail expansions for the game in the future?
Unless we need to introduce a radical new feature, we're going to stick with that core disc and stick with that DLC mentality: add albums and songs on top of that. The Beatles have a finite catalog, but it's an infinitely amazing catalog with finite songs, so we're still hoping to get as much content from Apple as we can and give it to fans to customize their Beatles playlist.

Continue reading Video interview: Harmonix's John Drake

JoystiqVideo interview: Harmonix's John Drake originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixinterviewjohn-drakeMicrosoftNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with The Beatles: Rock Band story mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/hands-on-with-the-beatles-rock-band-story-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/hands-on-with-the-beatles-rock-band-story-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/hands-on-with-the-beatles-rock-band-story-mode/#comments
Click to see more colours.
 One thing is obvious after playing the closely-guarded story mode of The Beatles: Rock Band: this is no quick cash-in. The rewards system included in the game features some extraordinary (and oftentimes exclusive) extras that no Beatles fan will want to miss. Rare archival photos, audio and video chronicle the meteoric rise of the Beatles, providing an almost-encyclopedic document of the band's career.

Unlike the previous Rock Band games, the entire setlist will be available from the get-go in The Beatles: Rock Band. Considering the mainstream appeal of the Beatles, Harmonix realized it was foolish to lock away the core content of the game from the masses. Instead, the story mode provides something sorely missing from the first two Rock Band games: context. The tour mode of the previous titles attempted to emulate the experience of being a band on the rise, but did so through a simple numeric representation of how many fans players have accumulated. The Beatles offers cutscenes, both rendered in the game's engine and through animation, that begin inside one of the band's earliest venues: The Cavern Club.

Players will have to play through a number of pre-selected songs in order to progress onto the next part of the story, visiting venues such as the set of the Ed Sullivan Show, Budokan, Shea Stadium, and the rooftop of Apple Records. Those who manage to get 5-star ratings on all the songs will unlock a number of extras, such as photos that chronicle the history of the Beatles. These images include intimate details fact-checked by Paul McCartney himself.

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band (8/14/09)

Continue reading Hands-on with The Beatles: Rock Band story mode

JoystiqHands-on with The Beatles: Rock Band story mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harmonixMicrosoftNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Full setlist for The Beatles: Rock Band confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/rumor-full-setlist-for-the-beatles-rock-band-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/rumor-full-setlist-for-the-beatles-rock-band-confirmed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/rumor-full-setlist-for-the-beatles-rock-band-confirmed/#comments The contents of the 45-song setlist for The Beatles: Rock Band have been pieced together from various sources (trailers, articles, interviews) over the past several months, but it now appears that the lineup is finalized (and the early, unofficial ones were spot-on). The latest issue of Game Informer contains a cover feature on the game, in which the mag lays out the full, official song listing, this according to a Joystiq tipster.

We haven't seen the issue itself in the flesh paper stock, but the listing jibes with with the otherwise unconfirmed, piecemeal ones we've already seen online. We've placed the full list after the break for your perusal (and comments, since we're sure it's not going to please every Beatles fan). Be sure to check out the September 2009 issue of Game Informer (they've got two swell variant covers!) for more new info on the game.

[Thanks, Juan]

Continue reading Rumor: Full setlist for The Beatles: Rock Band confirmed

JoystiqRumor: Full setlist for The Beatles: Rock Band confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-informerharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandrumorthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch four videos of The Beatles: Rock Band [update 3]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/heres-four-videos-of-the-beatles-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/heres-four-videos-of-the-beatles-rock-band/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/02/heres-four-videos-of-the-beatles-rock-band/#comments Update: Alas, the videos featured last night have been removed from YouTube due to a "copyright claim by Viacom." Sorry to everyone who missed them!

Update 2: As some of our commenters have smartly pointed out, all four of the removed videos are available legally through the official website for The Beatles: Rock Band.

Update 3: It seems as though even three of the four tracks have been removed from the official website for the game, and now only "Birthday" is available. Sorry again, folks!

There's nothing we like more than sitting back on a Sunday evening and listening to some good music. Tonight we're offering you the chance to listen along with us, with four tracks from The Beatles: Rock Band. Better yet, we've got the videos from the game as well for your viewing pleasure, just after the break.

While we're partial to the video for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band," who are we to go all willy nilly suggesting what you choose to enjoy? Kick off your slippers and get ready for sheep counting with a handful of Beatles music from us to you. Oh, and if it's your birthday, happy birthday to you. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band (07/20/09)



[Thanks, Jon Q!]

JoystiqWatch four videos of The Beatles: Rock Band [update 3] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsharmonixleakMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorock-bandsgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandvideosWiiXbox-360Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Do You Want to Know a Secret? Seven more songs revealed from The Beatles: Rock Band]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/do-you-want-to-know-a-secret-seven-more-songs-revealed-from-the-bea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/do-you-want-to-know-a-secret-seven-more-songs-revealed-from-the-bea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/do-you-want-to-know-a-secret-seven-more-songs-revealed-from-the-bea/#comments
Twist and shout! On top of the recent late-night video debut of eight songs to be featured in The Beatles: Rock Band, Harmonix has just revealed seven more tracks that will appear on the game's set list. With a little help from my friends, you'll be able to play with Harmonix's latest revolution: the three part harmony. I've got a feeling that if you and your bird can sing, you'll be playing this game eight days a week. Here are all 15 of the new tracks:
  • "Twist And Shout"
  • "Do You Want To Know A Secret"
  • "Can't Buy me Love"
  • "I Wanna Be Your Man"
  • "Eight Days A Week"
  • "Paperback Writer"
  • "And Your Bird Can Sing"
  • "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
  • "With a Little Help from My Friends"
  • "Within You Without You / Tomorrow Never Knows"
  • "Yellow Submarine"
  • "Revolution"
  • "Birthday"
  • "Dig A Pony"
  • "I've Got A Feeling"
Check out last night's video -- as well as our impressions of the game from a recent sneak preview -- after the jump!

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band (07/20/09)

Continue reading Do You Want to Know a Secret? Seven more songs revealed from The Beatles: Rock Band

JoystiqDo You Want to Know a Secret? Seven more songs revealed from The Beatles: Rock Band originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatlesharmonixMicrosoftNintendorock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: The Beatles: Rock Band track list leaked [update: Harmonix says nope]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/rumor-the-beatles-rock-band-track-list-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/rumor-the-beatles-rock-band-track-list-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/rumor-the-beatles-rock-band-track-list-leaked/#comments
It reads like so many rhythm/music game releases in the past -- the ubiquitous track list leak. The Beatles: Rock Band is still a few months off from its September 9 release date but Ripten has gotten its hands on a leaked list of the possible tracks from the game (found after the break).

The list does include the three tracks we checked out in our hands-on with the game at E3, though it also looks an awful lot like a list of Beatles singles across their career. Ripten notes that the ten tracks found in the glorious opening to the game are all included in its leaked list -- and it is approximately the same amount of tracks we know the game will be shipping with -- though we've yet to receive any official confirmation or denial from MTV Games, Harmonix, or EA.

Update: A Harmonix spokesperson has confirmed to us that this leaked list of songs is definitely not the track list for The Beatles: Rock Band, saying, "The rumored 'leaked' list is not the disc track listing for The Beatles: Rock Band. We'll be announcing more tracks throughout the summer. Stay tuned to thebeatlesrockband.com for the most up to date information about disc songs and downloadable content!"

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band

Continue reading Rumor: The Beatles: Rock Band track list leaked [update: Harmonix says nope]

JoystiqRumor: The Beatles: Rock Band track list leaked [update: Harmonix says nope] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsharmonixleakMicrosoftmtv-gamesNintendorumorthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandtracklistWiiXbox-360Sun, 14 Jun 2009 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop offers exclusive tracks, other goodies for The Beatles: Rock Band pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/gamestop-offers-exclusive-tracks-other-goodies-for-the-beatles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/gamestop-offers-exclusive-tracks-other-goodies-for-the-beatles/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/gamestop-offers-exclusive-tracks-other-goodies-for-the-beatles/#comments
Should you mosey on down to your local GameStop and drop a sawbuck on any version of The Beatles: Rock Band,
you're going to get more than just the usual slip of paper. GameStop is giving everyone that pre-orders the game three exclusive tracks, as well as a code for an in-game photo album.

We already know that the Xbox 360 version of the game is getting the exclusive 'All You Need is Love,' and that Abbey Road will be DLC down the line, so these tracks likely won't come from that album. Also, it should be mentioned that Wii fans won't be left out in the cold, as they'll also get these three free tracks, as well as one additional item: a 2gb SD card.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqGameStop offers exclusive tracks, other goodies for The Beatles: Rock Band pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsharmonixMicrosoftmtv-gamesmusicNintendorhythmrock-bandthe-beatlesthe-beatles-rock-bandWiiXbox-360Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:20:00 EST