EA announces Rock Band

Electronic Arts has signed a deal with MTV and Harmonix, the developer behind Guitar Hero, to produce a new game titled Rock Band.

The musically-themed game will mix rhythm action gameplay with karaoke, and is due for a release on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Christmas.

Rock Band will work with four instrument-based controllers – lead and bass guitars, a drum kit and microphone. Online features will include the option to form bands with gamers in other countries.

Players will also be able to buy songs online, and tracks used in the game will be performed by the original artists rather than cover bands.

Now Electronic Arts has released an official statement confirming that “unprecedented deals” with record labels have already been signed. As a result, the game is set to feature “master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time”, spanning “all genres of rock”.

Several major music publishers will offer access to their track catalogues, including EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell. Along with EMI Music and Warner Music Group’s Rhino Entertainment, labels which have agreed to supply songs include Hollywood Records and Sony BMG plus Universal Music Enterprises.

“Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love,” said MTV executive Jeff Yapp.

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

Related Links: Major record labels to supply tracks for Rock Band, Harmonix

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