MTV snags Beatles for new, non-Rock Band music game
Just days after Activision officially announced Guitar Hero: Metallica, MTV Games announced an even bigger coup of its own: its Rock Band developer Harmonix is working on a title built around The Beatles' entire music catalogue, and it's slated to hit in time for next Christmas.
A Beatles installment had been rumored for both the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, but both Harmonix and the Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. confirmed it's a brand-new title, and not a Rock Band expansion pack. The game will supposedly explore The Beatles' music visually, from the first album to last, alongside music controller peripherals.
In a press release, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and the wives of John Lennon and George Harrison each issued statements in support of the project, which was created with their input and blessing:
McCartney: “The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles
and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know
the music from the inside out."
Starr: “It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and
Harmonix / Rock Band partnership. The Beatles
continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The
Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century
through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”
Yoko Ono Lennon: "It's cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades."
Olivia Harrison: “People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The
Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate. If you like the music, it doesn’t take much
persuasion to get you to play.”
Again, even though a couple of them specifically mentioned Rock Band, it is supposedly not a Rock Band title at this time.
The announcement comes on the heels of both Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour, both met with critical acclaim and generous sales. It's safe to say this new Beatles mystery game might edge out both to become the genre's new champ. Further details will surely be released incrementally in the coming year, including which systems the title will be hitting (though Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii are all likely).
Does this announcement open the floodgates for more Beatles-related games? Kotaku says no: "It was stressed that this was indeed an exclusive deal for The Beatles music as far as video games are concerned."
And according to Entertainment Weekly, a representative for iTunes declined to comment on whether The Beatles' catalogue will soon be made available on its download service. Certainly an announcement like this can't hurt.
Related links:
Harmonix.com
Review: Rock Band 2
News: Activision's DJ Hero: gaming's next phenomenon?
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