Of course, “American Pie” is one of the greatest songs out there that you can use to signify an ending to something, although my love for 90s rock says that Semisonic’s “Closing Time” is also up there on the list. Either way, Rock Band gamers will be able to sing off the weekly DLC of the game come early next month.

This marks the end to an over 275 consecutive week run consisting of more than 4,000 songs that have been released on Rock Band for gamers to play along with. The song was announced at PAX East during a party hosted by Harmonix. The developer also said that the song they’ll be releasing will be the full 8-minute version.

Harmonix says they have several new titles in development, and they want to start putting more focus on those in the future, which means that they have to give up some of their time and resources from other games, and Rock Band just so happened to get the ax this time around. No further plans for Rock Band have been discussed, but we’re guessing the series will be no more after the ending of the DLC.

[via Polygon]

Harmonix has managed to release weekly content for Rock Band for 275 consecutive weeks containing over 4,000 songs in total. However, the developer has been scaling back production of Rock Band DLC as they are beginning to make the transition to other projects. Harmonix says they have several new titles in development, and they want to start putting more focus on those in the future. However, no future Rock Band releases are planned.

From now until April 2, Harmonix will release the rest of the Rock Band Blitz songs, as well as various “Pro Guitar” upgrades, as well as songs by artists that have not previously appeared in a Rock Band title. From here on out, Harmonix will not be licensing anymore songs, and will take the rest of the time to roll out the songs that they already have licenses for.

Claiming the largest music library of any game available, Harmonix will be continuing its ongoing DLC sale of 50% off over 1,100 songs as a personal thank you to all the fans who helped make the DLC possible, and to help players continue to build their personal libraries from the back catalog.

Even more interesting is what Harmonix had to say to Kotaku when questioned about the job ad. Though Harmonix’s John Drake didn’t get into specifics about this new game, he did confirm that Harmonix is currently working on it, and that this is just one of “multiple new IPs” the studio is working on. Drake ended his statement to Kotaku by saying that “Harmonix is making new kickass IPs, some portion of which may have some combat.”

So, Harmonix is definitely working on a new single-player IP that involves combat in some capacity, and it seems that the studio is pretty excited about it. Unfortunately, don’t expect to hear much more about this new IP anytime soon; given the fact that it’s intended for next generation consoles, we definitely won’t be getting a reveal before the next Xbox and PlayStation have been announced. That is, of course, unless this is a Wii U exclusive, in which case a reveal may not be that far off.

Speculation about reveal dates and platforms is all well and good, but to be honest, we’re just excited to see what Harmonix can do outside of the rhythm genre. The vast majority of Harmonix’s games have been related to the genre in one way or another, and while most of those games have been great, the rhythm genre can be pretty restricting. It’s clear the team at Harmonix is very talented, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s long past time that those talents be put toward something fresh and exciting.

Pulling the games from the App Store comes as a result of the end of a licensing agreement between EA and Harmonix. There are no known plans to renew it, so be prepared to lose the game if you decide to delete it from your iOS device.

Once the end of the month has passed, users will only be able to restore their songs by iTunes via iCloud backup. “You will be able to restore your songs by iTunes provided you have an iCloud backup. An iCloud backup can be created before or after July 31 by selecting backup to iCloud in iTunes,” EA said in a statement on its website, along with backup instructions provided.

[via EuroGamer.net]

Despite having that familiar Rock Band look, Rock Band Blitz is something of a departure for the series. Instead of using those clunky instrument controllers required by Rock Band proper, Rock Band Blitz has players using a standard controller to hit the notes. Truth be told, Rock Band Blitz seems to have more in common with Frequency and Amplitude, two earlier Harmonix titles, than it does with Rock Band.

If you’re like me and you’ve spent more money than you care to count on DLC tracks for the Rock Band series, never fear – Harmonix says that all of those DLC tracks will work in Rock Band Blitz. The game itself comes with 20 tracks, four of which were announced today: “So Far Away” by Avenged Sevenfold, “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & The Gang, “We Are Young” by Fun, and “Sing” by My Chemical Romance. Finally, all of the songs found in Rock Band Blitz are also playable in Rock Band 3, so that’s a nice little bonus in exchange for your $15.

[via Eurogamer]

Rock Band Blitz will be a much simpler affair, with casual gaming at the center of its focus. It will be a downloadable game that users can grab from the Xbox Live Marketplace or the Playstation Store on PS3. Harmonix calls the impending game “a new way to experience your favorite Rock Band songs, with fast-paced, multi-track arcade gameplay that encourages you to compete against your friends for the highest scores.”

The new title comes with 20 music tracks that have never graced a Rock Band title before, including songs from Blink 182, Foster the People, Quiet Riot, and Rick Springfield (that’s right; Jessie’s Girl is finally coming to Rock Band). Like other titles in the franchise, the tracks are cross-compatible with other Rock Band games, meaning you can play songs that you downloaded for Rock Band 2 in Rock Band Blitz, and you can play the Rock Band Blitz songs in Rock Band 3.

[via Joystiq]

On Chan’s resume, it mentions the game is being developed as a downloadable title for the Xbox 360 and PS3, with the unlikely pairing of Facebook as well. It’s unclear if the three will have some sort of interconnected social communication or if the Facebook version will simply stand on its own. Nevertheless, it is a curious revelation. After all, Harmonix is not exactly known for making downloadable games. Its high-concept projects are grandiose and live on for years through sequels and fresh content.

After Chan’s resume change was spotted, Harmonix was soon to reply that it had not announced anything and would not confirm the new title. However, a spokesperson for the developer did not deny it either, and was instead quoted as saying there are a number of different games in the pipeline. So far we have also heard of an upcoming Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita title. Beyond that, who knows what the next move is for Harmonix?

[via Joystiq]

While this means that DLC is still planned for the games, it also confirms that if Harmonix chooses, they can issue new releases with the franchise titles. So, there’s the option for a Dance Central 2 coming from Harmonix, and not any other developer that Vaicom chooses. Furthermore, distribution agreements with Microsoft for Dance Central, along with Mad Catz and EA for Rock Band have not been affected.

As Joystiq sees it, Harmonix just doesn’t need Viacom’s backing anymore. With the music game market a substantial part of gaming, and Harmonix’s name tied to it, they no longer need Viacom’s presence or licensing muscle to make games, or get content. Harmonix has put in the work to build relationships on their own, especially over the last four years, and therefore they simply have what it takes to break way from Viacom, and they succeeded.

[via Joystiq]

John Drake, Harmonix’s PR representative, made an official statement on the company’s Rock Band forums, after Viacom officially came forward and announced the separation. His main point was to promise that the developer would continue to support released titles, and that the DLC schedule (for Rock Band) they’ve stuck to will not suffer because of this transition for the company.

In closing, Drake made a favorable mention of Viacom, saying that they’ve been a great house for the developer to call home over the last four years, and have allowed them to work with talents like AC/DC, The Beatles, Green Day, and The Who. In essence, Drake is saying that the separation between the two entities is one that they’ve both come to terms with, and it’s good. And, as a tease, Drake also mentioned upcoming projects that he is sure “you’re going to be pumped about.” So, stay tuned, as Harmonix isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

[via Joystiq]

Another artist on the lineup is Billy Idol. You think all these bands that came out before even computers were widespread had any idea people would be interacting with their music in such a way? What a wild though. Both of these games are sitting in the Apple App store just dying to get out on your iPhone or iPad, all the while your sad iPod Touch cries in a corner. Better get it a new copy of Death Worm or iSamJackson instead. Read the full press release below:

EA AND HARMONIX ROCK THE MOBILE GAMING WORLD WITH ROCK BAND™ RELOADED
 
Songs from Top Artists and Vocal Recognition Headline First Ever iPad-Exclusive Version;
New iPhone and iPod Touch Versions Also Launch on the App Store Today
 
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – December 2, 2010 – EA Mobile™ – a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), Harmonix Music Systems Inc. – the world’s premier music video game developer, and MTV Games – a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), today announced that ROCK BAND™ Reloaded is now available on the App StoreSM. The iPad™-exclusive HD version and the version for iPhone® and iPod touch® offers players an initial powerhouse setlist of songs from artists including Nirvana, Billy Idol, No Doubt, Nine Inch Nails and Vampire Weekend. More than 20 songs will be available today with new tracks launching throughout the holidays. Plus, for the first time, ROCK BAND Reloaded players now have a “5th Way to Play” by singing directly into their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad utilizing new vocal recognition features.
 
“ROCK BAND Reloaded is the experience fans have been waiting for, innovating on the popular franchise and bringing the entire band onto the iPad and iPhone for the first time,” said Travis Boatman, Vice President of Worldwide Studios for EA Mobile. “These games bring a deep ROCK BAND experience to mobile players in very cool and creative new ways. Innovative vocal recognition features, social integration connecting players to their friends and challenging gameplay modes will drive forward the mobile music genre and provide the best music experience to players.”
 
New vocal recognition features introduce players to a unique way to play by singing directly into their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to earn points. Players can showcase their inner rock star by picking from a setlist of songs that include “Hella Good” by No Doubt, “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down, “Your Decision” by Alice in Chains, “White Wedding” by Billy Idol, “In Bloom” by Nirvana, “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend and many more. In addition to the songs included with the initial purchase, free* tracks are available in the Music Store along with Premium Packs by The All American Rejects, Third Eye Blind, Blink-182 and other top-selling artists available through In App Purchase.
 
For the first time on iPad, ROCK BAND Reloaded packs delivers device-exclusive features including a Multiplayer mode where players can challenge friends live in a head-to-head split-screen environment. Flexible controls provide for ultimate customization of all play styles. The iPad game’s new “Big Drums” layout increases the interactivity of this fan-favorite instrument. Songs are now more accessible to players with custom playlists in Quick Play and quick replay using an “Encore” feature.
 
Other game features include a new Expert mode for experienced players along with a World Tour mode that enables players to rock six cities and 36 events earning up to 50 awards and achievements all while living the Rock N’ Roll dream. By logging into Facebook, players have access to the News Center where they can find out when new songs launch, follow friends’ exploits and directly challenge their friends’ accomplishments with a simple touch of the screen. And for those just looking to jam, get “the band” together via local WiFi and Bluetooth and play live on guitar, bass, drums, or vocals with up to three bandmates using their own iPad, iPhone or iPod touch**.
 
ROCK BAND Reloaded and ROCK BAND Reloaded HD are available today from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.  Assets and additional press information on ROCK BAND Reloaded can be found at http://info.ea.com. For the most up to date ROCK BAND Reloaded set list, visit http://www.ea.com.
 
EA Mobile has a solid reputation for its pioneering and market leadership in mobile gaming, and has been a definitive player with the rise of Apple devices as gaming platforms. Popular games include SCRABBLE, Tetris, MONOPOLY and BATTLESHIP, which have consistently ranked among top sellers and, in 2009, The Sims® 3 was the #1 best-selling game on the App Store.  For more information about EA Mobile, please visit www.EAMobile.com, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EAMobile or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EAMobile.
 
* Internet connection required. Data rates may apply.
**Vocals/voice feature not available on the 1st generation iPod touch. Microphone required to play vocals/voice on the 2nd and 3rd generation iPod touch. Headset required to play vocals/voice on 1st generation iPhone.
 
###
 
About EA Mobile
EA Mobile™ is the world’s leading wireless entertainment publisher with award-winning games such as Tetris®, Bejeweled®, The Sims™, and Need For Speed™. The EA Mobile portfolio also includes casual games based on the company’s alliance with Hasbro, Inc. including MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the U.S. and Canada) as well as sports blockbusters from the EA SPORTS™ brand, including Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer and NASCAR®. EA Mobile develops games for multiple mobile platforms including mobile phones, smartphones, the iPhone®, iPad™ and iPod® touch. For more information about EA Mobile, please visit www.eamobile.com.
 
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA’s homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA’s products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
 
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company’s portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers and Xfire.
 
About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.
 
About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit www.harmonixmusic.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, Pogo, The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Tetris is a registered trademark of Tetris Holding.  Bejeweled is a registered trademark of PopCap Games, Inc.  BATTLESHIP, MONOPOLY, YAHTZEE and SCRABBLE (in the U.S. and Canada) are trademarks of Hasbro.  John Madden, NFL, FIFA and NASCAR are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.  iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc. and iPhone and iPod touch are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.  Harmonix, Rock Band, Rock Band 2, Rock Band 3, Rock Band Network and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., a MTV Networks company.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

If you are an avid Rock Band gamer that needs a way to keep the mic, a couple guitars, and the drums neatly stored along with holding other controllers and games for the console LevelUp has your storage device. The thing is an official Rock Band Storage ottoman called Back in Black. It has all the storage you need for your jam gear inside.

It has solid wood construction with a leather look PVC exterior. The ottoman looks like it would make a decent place to sit to play the drums too. Under the lid are Velcro loops for holding guitars, fitted drumstick pockets, and side accessory pockets for other gear. You can get a fancy Skulls and Snakes version for $179 or the basic Back in Black version for $89.99.

The folks living inside the Harmonix bubble probably saw this coming for quite some time now as they’ve been “on the bottom line” for more than a few of the past business quarters, however, they wont simply curl up and die. Viacom is expected to sell Harmonix by auction, with a reported number of around four videogame and/or private-equity firms coming to see if they’d like to be the one to bid the most. The year 2006 was the last time the Harmonix group was purchased (by Viacom) for around $175 million plus one payment of $150 million in 2008. Cheep!

[Via AllThingsDigital]

There are 99 preloaded preset sounds, 25 professional guitar sounds, 50 synths for non-guitar noises and a whole bank empty for your own custom sounds. The You Rock Guitar can hook up to your PC or Mac via MIDI or USB, and will work with Logic, Reason, Guitar Band and other popular audio packages.

It’s a prize with a $219.99 MRSP and guaranteed to take you from guitar-based games through to creating your own music. To stand a chance of winning, leave a comment to this article about your favorite musician before midnight PST on September 30th 2010 and we’ll pick one lucky person to take the You Rock Guitar!

Rules:

Competition is open to residents of the US over the age of 18. Family members of Inspired Instruments and SlashGear are not permitted to enter. Competition entries are only accepted via the specified SlashGear competition comments section; entries left in the comments section of any other post will not be recognized. Entries should be submitted before midnight PST on September 20th 2010; one entry per person (and yes, we check).

The winners will be announced on SlashGear and contacted via email (make sure to use a real email address!); they will be expected to respond promptly else their prize may be forfeit and another winner selected. Editors decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Winner agrees that their name and details of their entry may be used for promotional purposes by, but not limited to, SlashGear.

Prizes consist of one You Rock Guitar. There is no cash alternative. Should any of these prizes become unavailable, SlashGear reserves the right to substitute another prize of equal or greater value.

The Best of R3 Media

T-Mobile Pulls Android 1.6 Update for Behold II: Well, this is very, verycurious. Truth be told, there were a lot of folks out there that weren’t very pleased with Samsung telling them that their device, as good as it was, wasn’t good enough for that prodigal update to Android 2.x. So, instead, they decided to give them Android 1.6, which would at least give them access to a lot more Google-based features. So, that went out all well and good — but apparently there were some problems fused with the update, because now T-Mobile has pulled it, saying that a signal issue present in the update was forcing them to pull the update. It’s only bad when you realize that T-Mobile, nor Samsung, are saying when the new update will be released. So, keep on waiting if you haven’t received it yet — it may be awhile. Or tomorrow. [via Android Community]

Netflix is Goin’ to Canada, eh? This is seriously some pretty exciting news for Canadians. After all, it’s Netflix! And, you get to watch an awesome screensaver on your huge TV while you wait! Awesome, right? Well, it’s no joke. Netflix has officially announced that beginning this Fall, the company will be bringing streaming movies and streaming TV shows to their TVs. As far as we can tell, it’ll work on everything that runs Netflix ’round these parts, but there’s no word on pricing quite yet. [via SlashGear]

Sharp FX Brings Sidekick Goodness Without the Sidekick: Today, the Sharp FX was announced. It’s set to launch on July 25th, and it’s going to cost $100 after a mail-in rebate and after you sign over your life for two years. What’s great about it, is the fact that it’s a messaging heavy device, with design inspiration ripped right from the Sidekick line of yesteryear. Oh, but that’s okay, because it’s Sharp, and that was their thing back in the day. It gets strange when you realize that it was actually manufactured by PCD, and they manufactured the Quickfire, too. Which, ironically enough, was a rip-off of the Sidekick, too. But, we won’t get into that. If you like messaging devices, then this full QWERTY keyboard device is probably perfect for you. Oh, and you have to be on AT&T, too. That’s important. [via PhoneMag]

The Dredge ‘Net

Rock Band 3 Launching October 26: This one’s a quick one. Rock Band 3 is launching, officially, on October 26th. Are you excited yet? Did you forget that you get to play on a keyboard? If you did, here’s your friendly reminder: you get to play with a keyboard. And yes, there’s a pro mode, so you’ll actually get to learn how to use it, too. The same goes for the other instruments, too, but that’s not exciting. So, yeah, October 26th. [via Joystiq]

If the “real” guitar is too much hassle for you, the Fender version makes do with more buttons than the average QWERTY keyboard, comprising a full 102 keys and real strings that you pluck in time with the on-screen graphics.  Altogether, there will be a total of seven different musicians supported at any one time: drums, lead and bass guitar, keyboards, lead vocals and two harmony vocals.

Harmonix are still keeping quiet on when, exactly, Rock Band 3 might be hitting the shelves of your nearest games store, but at least that gives you time to concentrate on saving money for the new controllers.  It’ll be available for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

Video demo after the cut

“This is a real instrument and a real device,” senior designer Sylvain Dubrofsky told the paper, and will be accompanied by two new guitar controllers.  One will be a fully functional Fender guitar, and both will be used in the Pro mode.  Altogether, there will be a total of seven different musicians supported at any one time: drums, lead and bass guitar, keyboards, lead vocals and two harmony vocals.

Apparently Mad Catz is preparing a miniature Fender Mustang Pro guitar controller as well, while there’ll be a three-cymbal upgrade for the drum kit.  Rock Band 3 is expected to arrive in time for the holidays, for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii.

[via Joystiq]

The HitMaster is a single-point stereo speaker design that has a pair of 2.5″ x 5.5″ horns inside with a pair of 1-inch Neodymium tweeters that surround a 6.5″ woofer. The speaker cabinet measures 14″ W x 9.5″ H x 8.5″ D and weighs 13 pounds.

The speaker has a maximum power rating of 80 watts with 60 watts RMS. Total frequency response is 40Hz-20kHz. Polk also integrates a 1/8″ jack for direct connection to TVs, iPod’s and other devices that support a 1/8″ headphone output. The speaker is set to launch early in 2010 for $99.99.

The controller looks cool though it looks worn out to me. The controller is wireless and is called a “player’s edition” by the manufacturer. It is equipped with four different ways to activate overdrive including an optional Overdrive pedal, a back tuning button, a tilt mechanism, and a touch sensitive pickup above the strum bar.

Other features include Shredderz fret buttons that Mad Catz says makes difficult solos easier to complete. The guitar controller sells for $109.99, which isn’t cheap but it’s not the most expensive guitar controller I have ever seen either. Too bad there seems to be no PS3 version offered.

The kit consists of four drum pads, three cymbals, a bass drum pedal and hi-hat pedal, together with a sound module with 108 percussion sounds.  Since bashing a real drum in different places will result in a different sound, Alesis’ dual-zone snare pad is included, which allows you to program different responses from each of the zones of the natural rubber head.  Keeping everything together is a heavy-duty aluminum rack.

Alesis have set up the DM6 to work with headphones or an amplifier system, or alternatively you can hook it up as a MIDI controller to a synth or computer; aux-in sockets allow you to play along with a CD backing track.  The Alesis DM6 Kit is available now, with an MRSP of $699 but an expected street price $200 less than that.

Press Release:

ALESIS DM6 ELECTRONIC DRUM SET NOW SHIPPING

Drum Set Features Natural Feel, Superb Sound and a Wide Range of Capabilities

Cumberland, R.I. (Sept. 24, 2009) – Alesis, the world’s leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, announces that the DM6 Kit, the most capable electronic drum set in its price class, is now shipping to retailers.

The Alesis DM6 Kit is an excellent choice in electronic drum sets for price-conscious drummers and aspiring players. The set features a completely new sound module with 108 quality drum, cymbal and percussion sounds. The DM6 Kit’s pads feel natural and its hardware and rack system are rugged and high quality.

Like all Alesis drum sets, the DM6 Kit features extremely realistic playing surfaces. Drummers will feel right at home with the DM6 Kit’s natural rubber drum and cymbal surfaces that were selected for their low vibration feedback. The five-piece kit features a dual-zone snare pad for two-sound compatibility. Players can dial in a snare drum sound in the center and a rim click, rimshot or other instrument such as a cowbell on the rim. The DM6 Kit also comes with three tom pads, an upright kick drum pad, hi-hat, crash and ride cymbal pads. Completing the set, the DM6 Kit includes Alesis hi-hat and bass drum pedals and a pair of drumsticks.

The brand-new DM6 module features a high-quality internal collection of drum, cymbal and percussion sounds. Drummers can edit and save drum kits for custom sound palettes. In addition to the sounds in the DM6 module, drummers can use the DM6 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface with drum-module software such as BFD, Toontrack or Reason for a limitless collection of sounds.

Drummers can play quietly with headphones or connect the DM6 Kit to an amplifier or PA system for full-volume performance. They can also connect an iPod or CD player and mix it in with the DM6′s stereo input jack. The DM6 contains a metronome and sequencer with music tracks for playing along.

The DM6 Kit comes with a heavy-duty aluminum rack. The kit also comes with a full set of mounting hardware and cables.

“This drum set brings a new level of performance, feel and sound to its price class,” said Jim Norman, Product Manager, Alesis. “The combination of the great quality of sounds, the play-along tracks, the metronome, the input for your iPod and the feel of the pads all together make the DM6 Kit a serious instrument.”

The DM6 Kit is available from musical instrument and pro audio retailers with a U.S. Retail Price of $699.00 and an estimated street price of $499.00.

The official launch date for the game is 9-9-09 in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other countries. The simultaneous release around the world will feature new digitally remastered The Beatles CD catalog.

The game will be launched on the PS3, Xbox, and Wii consoles at the same time. As the game progresses, players will be able to unlock real Beatles photos and videos, some never seen before by the public. The game also features voice recordings of John, Paul, George, and Ringo that have never been heard as they chatted between breaks during recording sessions at Abbey Road. This edition of Rock Band also introduces three-part vocal harmonies.

Harmonix has announced that it is promoting Rock Band Nights for bars in America. The new program is intended to allow bar owners to host Rock Band Nights to take things one-step above plain karaoke. Harmonix has a website for bars set up and will be taking bar registrations.

Once bars are registered, bar flies looking for a watering hole where they can play some Rock Band will be able to search by zip code. To promote the Rock Ban nights Harmonix will be offering bar owners a complete Rock Band package along with music and presumably the TVs, software, and controllers needed. Bar owners who sign up before September 8 will get a free five-track disc to add to their library.

You won’t need any wires or adapters, since this mic takes full advantage of the wireless console and it even has motion sensors built in for add functionality. Additionally, there’s lights on the base.

Available in black, this Xbox 360 wireless microphone will be available for purchase sometime in the fall. At that time, you can expect a price tag around $50.

The new “Track Pack” will be available for all the major systems including PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. It features the hits from numerous country artists including Shania Twain and more.

You can get this song update starting on July 21 for $29.99. The complete track listing for the country-themed add-on follows:

1. Alan Jackson- “Good Time”
2. Brad Paisley- “Mud on the Tires”
3. Brooks & Dunn- “Hillbilly Deluxe”
4. Cross Canadian Ragwee- “Cry Lonely”
5. Dierks Bentley- “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)”
6. Dixie Chicks- “Sin Wagon ”
7. Drive-By Truckers- “3 Dimes Down”
8. Jason Aldean- “She’s Country”
9. Keith Urban- “I Told You So”
10. Kenny Chesney- “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”
11. Kenny Rogers- “The Gambler”
12. Lucinda Williams- “Can’t Let Go”
13. Martina McBride - “This One’s For The Girls”
14. Miranda Lambert- “Gunpowder & Lead”
15. Montgomery Gentry- “Gone”
16. Rascal Flatts- “Me and My Gang”
17. Sara Evans- “Suds In The Bucket”
18. Shania Twain- “Any Man of Mine”
19. Steve Earle- “Satellite Radio”
20. Trace Adkins- “Swing”
21. Willie Nelson- “On the Road Again”

Some gamers have found that their PSP’s GAME folder is wiped after the exit the pirated version, while others have reported the same thing happening once the PSP is power cycled.  Meanwhile others are claiming to experience trouble playing music or having their PSP hang unexpectedly since loading Rock Band Unplugged.

Obviously SlashGear does not condone software piracy, and recommends that to avoid any issues with your PSP you wait until Rock Band Unplugged is officially released.  The game will hit shelves on June 9th, priced at $40. 

[via technabob]

Video demo after the cut

The beam itself is around 5mm wide and will respond to traditional strums but also to tapping, letting you play much faster (though that’s really cheating).  Since there’s only one beam, though, you can only have an upstrum; an interesting future mod could pair two more directional lights, such as lasers rather than IR, and work out up- or downstrum via the order in which they’re broken.

Still, it looks relatively straightforward to do, and gameplay is apparently faster and now allows you to “really ham it up” with extra-long guitar strokes.  Ironically it makes Rock Band even more like playing air guitar.

[via Joystiq]

This replica guitar controller looks just like the bass Sir Paul McCartney used to play. However, this one is meant for right-handed folks, even though Sir Paul is a leftie. The controller adds to the already wide selection of controllers lined up for the game’s release including Gretsch Duo-Jet guitars and a Rickenbacker 325.

Regardless if you get the game for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 or the Wii, you will be able to use the Höfner guitar controller. We don’t know how much the accessory will cost just yet, though it’s likely to be in the same $100 range as the others. Expect the game and controllers to launch on September 9th, though you can pre-order it now.

Other playable tracks include Good Charlotte’s Boys and Girls and Pink’s So What.  LEGO Rock Band will be compatible with all the existing Rock Band instruments, plus other controllers, and have gameplay in a variety of real and fantasy stadiums and other locations. 

LEGO Rock Band is currently in development by TT Games in partnership with Harmonix, and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  No word on pricing or specific availability, beyond a holiday 2009 launch.

Press Release:

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, The LEGO Group, Harmonix and MTV Games Announce LEGO® Rock Band®

Rhythm Based Music Game Snaps Together Best-Selling Franchises to Create Fun Family-Friendly Experience for All Ages

BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games are joining forces with the LEGO Group, Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:VIA.B), to merge two of the most popular videogame franchises with the creation of LEGO® Rock Band®. The unique family-friendly music experience is currently in development by TT Games in partnership with Harmonix, and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game, which will allow families, tweens and teens to experience a wild journey to rock stardom where they can “Build a Band and Rock the Universe,” will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™ home videogame console. LEGO Rock Band for Nintendo DS™ will be co-developed by TT Games and Harmonix in partnership with Backbone Entertainment, a Foundation 9 Entertainment studio. All versions are scheduled for release holiday 2009.

LEGO Rock Band combines the multiplayer music experience of Rock Band® with the fun, customization and humor of the LEGO videogame franchise packed with brilliant chart-topping songs and classic favorites suitable for younger audiences, including:

Blur: “Song 2”
Carl Douglas: “Kung Fu Fighting”
Europe: “The Final Countdown”
Good Charlotte: “Boys and Girls”
Pink: “So What”

Players will become rockers as they embark on a journey to stardom that the whole family can enjoy as they work their way through local venues, stadiums and fantasy locations on Earth and beyond that mimic the imaginative settings that the LEGO world offers. Also continuing the LEGO “build-and-play” gaming experience, players will be able to create their own LEGO Rock Band style as they customize their minifigure avatars, band and entourage, including roadies, managers and crew. LEGO Rock Band supports Rock Band instruments, as well as other music game controllers.

“LEGO Rock Band combines two compelling properties and creates an experience that family members of all ages will enjoy playing together as a group,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “Harmonix and MTV Games are the world experts in music gameplay, and we’re genuinely thrilled to bring the unique and humor-filled LEGO experience to their Rock Band universe.”

“We’re thrilled to offer another LEGO branded gaming experience that will deliver humorous and social play for families and friends,” said Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Vice President, the LEGO Group. “LEGO Rock Band is built around the same values of imagination and family-friendly creative role play that is present in other LEGO videogames. It will deliver innovative new elements of game play that complement the fun of the Rock Band experience.”

“Rock Band is a social game experience that crosses every generation and every genre of rock,” said Bob Picunko, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games for MTV Games. “Harmonix and MTV Games are big fans of the LEGO game franchise and excited to work with TT Games to develop a new take on Rock Band that focuses on great music and LEGO humor that’s fun for the whole family.”

Dubbed the Limited Edition Premium Bundle, The Beatles: Rock Band set up will include a guitar controller, a drum set and a microphone. But what’s cool is that the guitar will look like Paul McCartney’s Hofner Bass and the drums will look like Ringo Starr’s Ludwig drum set.

Supposedly there will also be “additional special content” but what that is to include we simple don’t know yet. You will be able to get this new bundle starting on September 9th for about $250 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and the Wii.

The Lips mic can soon be used with Rock Band 2 and on Guitar Hero: Metallica right now. This is good news for those that like a variety of these musical games but don’t want to shell out the bucks on peripherals for all of them.

Rock Band 2 will get compatible with the mic starting sometime this summer. But that’s not all Microsoft has up its sleeves. Apparently, the Lips mic will be compatible with other games this year as well. But we’ll just have to wait and see what those are.

[via CrunchGear]

Sold as a pack of four, and color coded to match the bare drum pads, the silencers cut out excess noise during even the most frantic battering.  They can be cut to fit each pad perfectly, and later removed without damaging the kit.

The cost of relative silence?  A mere $19.99.  You could probably make something similar yourself using sheets of foam-rubber or similar, but considering proper drumkit silencers cost more per drum than PDP are asking for the whole set, it sounds like a bit of a bargain to me.

[via Chip Chick]

The title will not be a part of the Rock Band series, as previously thought and will instead be a separate game. This game will be devoted to the Beatles and the Beatles only, and will include much of their music throughout the years. Due sometime in late 2009, the game is supposed to bring more people to Beatles’ music and help a new generation get to know them.

Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Star contributed to the project as did Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison. In other news, an online store release of their music is also expected in either late 2008 or sometime next year. Good to know that the Fab Four will be included in all of these modern endeavors.

This guitar controller features all sorts of cool additions like an analog whammy bar and super responsive frets. But most of all, this thing is cool looking and isn’t that the whole point? And I guess it makes fake guitar-playing easier, too.

The Gene Simmons Axe Guitar works with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band, making it the perfect accompaniment for those of you that are equal-opportunity rock-outers. It seems to be an official Simmons product. So, if you love Kiss and rock games, this is the perfect accessory.

[via Kotaku]

Okay, so it’s not going to replicate the concert feel at all, but you’re sure to have some fun with it. The Stage Kit includes a strobe light and fog machine. All you have to do is plug the strobe light into your Xbox 360 and it will sync up the light with the music. And the fog machine, well, sends out some smoke into your living room.

The Stage Kit works with both Rock Band and Rock Band 2. No word on why there isn’t a PS2, PS3 or Wii Rock Band Stage Kit waiting in the wings, but for now, Xbox 360 players will get to enjoy the accessories on an exclusive level. However, the Stage Kit will set you back $99.

[via Slippery Brick]

Compatible with both the PS2 and PS3, the Starpex controllers have a Speed Starpower/Overdrive button together with a tilt-sensor that can automatically trigger the mode.  Solos in Rock Band are supported with buttons high on the neck, and the whole thing is designed to be modular so new features – whether electronic or guitar body – can be added and swapped later on.

The Starpex is available now at Circuit City, J&R, MicroCenter and from Peak Products themselves with an MSRP of 179.99.

The controllers, which are both pink (and both pretty obnoxious if you’re not a teenage girl) are expected to be released in mid-October. One of the guitars is heart shaped, and the other looks like the traditional Guitar Hero guitar, except with pink branding on it.

Both guitar controllers are compatible with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero and will cost you around $70 each once they make it to store shelves. Aly and AJ not for you? What rock bands would you like to see put out their own controllers?

[via WiiFanBoy]

The Drum Rocker also has a metal-reinforced kick pad to keep you from destroying your drum set while you’re rocking out and overall looks quite a bit studier than the original (as well it should for that $300 price tag). The cymbals on the Drum Rocker work as doubles for colored game pads (you get to choose which one) which can make for better game play.

The Drum Rocker will be available around the time Rock Band 2 is released and is expected to be compatible with both the original Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

Currently record companies receive licensing payments from game publishers, and a ton of free publicity. Games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero bring some music into peoples home that they might not have otherwise listened to.

Sales from music-based games is reportedly expected to hit around the 1.5 billion dollar mark this year. With CD sales failing it’s not surprising that record companies would be looking for a bigger piece of the pie as far as game sales are concerned. Currently they receive somewhere between 10k and 25k per song included in the game, record companies are now reportedly asking for 4 to 8 cents per game copy sold in addition to the initial royalty payment.

[via ChicagoTribune]

In the announcement Michael Shorrock the director of publisher relations at Playstation said “For the most part, this means that the titles with musical peripherals will work with the other’s software. A few specific examples include: Guitar Hero: World Tour’s guitars and drums will work with Rock Band 2 and Konami’s Rock Revolution software. And yes, you guessed it, Rock Band 2’s guitar and drum set will work with Guitar Hero: World Tour and with Rock Revolution. Conversely, Rock Revolution’s drum set will work with both Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2. In addition, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 will both support the SingStar microphones.”

Playstation is currently still working on compatibility for the Guitar Hero and Rock band titles that are already on the market.

PS3 Music Peripheral Compatibility Achieved is written by Emily Price & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 - 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved. ]]> http://www.slashgear.com/ps3-music-peripheral-compatibility-achieved-1914211/feed/ 0 http://www.slashgear.com/ea-refuses-to-honor-warranty-in-ireland-1514037/ http://www.slashgear.com/ea-refuses-to-honor-warranty-in-ireland-1514037/#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:55:46 +0000 Emily Price http://www.slashgear.com/?p=14037 Read The Full Story]]> EA games has reportedly refused to honor a warranty request for an Irish Rock Band customer. The customer who had a faulty pedal for his drum was told that he would have to have a replacement part shipped to a US or UK address if he wanted a replacement.

The customer received a letter from EA Games that stated “Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to process warranty requests in Ireland…If you know anyone in the United states or united Kingdom that we could send a replacement pedal to for you, we can do that”

It seems awfully peculiar that EA is willing to sell the game in Ireland, but not willing to service faulty parts there. It would seem that mailing a replacement pedal to Ireland would be just as easy as shipping one to an address in the UK or US.

[via VideoGaming247]

The thought process being that die hard rockers would rush out and buy an entirely new bundle, even though they could wait a month and just buy the game and their old gear instead. Now we’re looking at seeing the game, and the bundle both on the same day for all systems- October 19^th.

[via CrunchGear]