NY Times writes: " Just as Wal-Mart solidifies its power as a music industry hitmaker with an exclusive album from the rock band AC/DC, the chain is getting its first major exclusive video game to go with it.
MTV plans to announce on Tuesday that it has made a deal with the band and its label, Columbia Records, to create an AC/DC version of the channel's popular Rock Band video game that will be sold in the United States only at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the Wal-Mart Web site (walmart.com).
The release of the video game AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack will give MTV a prominent role in the partnership between the rock group and the retailer to promote AC/DC's forthcoming album, "Black Ice." Wal-Mart will create a special area in each of its stores to display the new album and the new game, as well as the band's other CDs, DVDs and T-shirts and other licensed clothing. Although this is Wal-Mart's first significant exclusive video game, the chain has emerged as a force in the music business because of the promotional muscle it has put behind recent albums from the Eagles and Journey, which were available only in its stores. Such a partnership is especially important for AC/DC, since the band does not sell its music on Apple's iTunes store. "
Alexander Sliwinski of Joystiq writes:
"The Rock Band Network has gone live on Xbox 360 with a catalog of 105 songs. With over 4,000 registered authors and peer reviewers participating in the program, we're guessing a lot more tracks are in the pipe. Song prices currently range from 80 to 160 ($1 and $2)."
MCV: Conspicuous by its absence in EA's forward planning for the financial year ahead was any mention of the once golden franchise that is Rock Band, leading to speculation that the publisher could be looking to drop its distribution agreement for the game.
Furthermore, with the end of its current deal with developer Harmonix now in site, EA has refused to offer a concrete commitment to extend its current distribution deal with Viacom.
I can't understand you gamers.
First, everybody complains that a numbered Guitar Hero sequel is coming every year and that it is destroying the music game industry.
Now, people are complaining that Harmonix is not releasing a new Rock Band so soon, sticking with our beloved weekly DLCs.
I really don't hope they release Rock Band 3 in 2010. Also, I don't know why Green Day: Rock Band isn't in this year's schedule. Not that I care, of course =P
From Terminal Gamer:
"Here is a list of 10 new ideas that Harmonix should think about implementing in RB3. I'm talking new stuff here, so having songs from RB1/RB2/DLC be exportable to RB3 is a given, as is online multiplayer and some form of career mode. I also tried to think of things that haven't been mentioned before, so as much as we all want it, you won't find "LED ZEPPELIN" anywhere on this list."
I had no idea it was even broken.
Looks like these are ways the game could improve, but I'd hardly say any of these would really 'fix' it. Jukebox would be nice, no pedal is available in Lego RB, and customization will come in time but really I'd like them to keep focusing on the basics/songs.
I heard an interview on Howard Stern about this, the album exclusivity must be for the US only because it's available at Futureshop here in Canada.
http://www.futureshop.ca/ca...