ps3 patch: what do you think the odds are

[gamegod81]

that well get some sort of an update tomorrow (Monday)?

Also, as sort of an unrelated question, anyone know how I can change the settings on my account here to make the dates and times display correctly? I have it set to the correct time zone, but the dates and times of when posts are made is still quite off and it's really annoying

[J-Rock]

Looking at my magic 8-ball it says "don:t count on it". If the patch were to be released tomorrow there would have been an announcement. Well, an announcement would make sense but regarding official announcement they seldom did. So basically, the 8-ball says "ask again later".

[oddroot]

I'm gmt -7 (mountain), but i had to set it to GMT +3 to make the times appear correct to me... god knows what they are doing with the time here on these forums :)

[SkullWolf]

PSN usually puts new stuff up on Thursday, maybe then?

Sounds like Sony's just as bad as MS when it comes to releasing patches that devs were done with a while back, same thing happened with Orange Box on 360.

[steelcurtain187]

I'm wondering if its ever gonna come at this point :o

[MistressMissy]

Yeah I think the + and - are wrong because I should be on -5 but it's all screwed up.

Any way, just because new things come out in the store on Thursdays doesn't mean a patch will come out that day. A patch can come out at any time.

I'm pretty sure dude was just asking if we think that they'll make an announcement about what the hold up is since Sony's had the patch for almost 2 weeks now.

[J-Rock]

That's twice I've seen that "Sony has the patch but they didnt release it yet". Where is that information coming from?

[SkullWolf]

That's twice I've seen that "Sony has the patch but they didnt release it yet". Where is that information coming from?

Go to the announcements section, it's in an edit on the post stating that the patch is done and should be released.

[botnic]

I personally think that the only thing that we can realistically hope for is an announcement about the patch. We may only get a "Sorry, no new info" but believe me when I say that I will be looking for anything!

[gamegod81]

Go to the announcements section, it's in an edit on the post stating that the patch is done and should be released.

wait, what? there was an edit saying it should be released? how recent? i check this thing multiple times a day for announcements :P

yeah I was just asking if anyone thought they might give us an update as to what's going on with the patch, not the patch itself

[Senkoy]

I just hope the patch let's me use my GH2 guitar. I've given up on the strat. On my third one and it still sucks.

[J-Rock]

Go to the announcements section, it's in an edit on the post stating that the patch is done and should be released.
There's 187 posts on that thread. The one announcing the patch only says:

Hey everybody,

Good news, see below-


Available today is a routine update for the PLAYSTATION 3 version of
Rock Band that addresses a number of items related to guitar controller
compatibility. Should Rock Band owners choose to obtain the update, they
will need broadband internet access connected to their PLAYSTATION 3.
The update will be downloaded once the game is started.


Enjoy,
Sean


UPDATE-

Patch not up yet. Will follow up with more info when I have it..
There's nothing there saying that Sony has the patch but has yet to upload it.

[icantwaitforrockband]

^keep looking. I read it too....!

[DreamCycle]

There's 187 posts on that thread. The one announcing the patch only says:

There's nothing there saying that Sony has the patch but has yet to upload it.

The closest thing I saw to Sony having it is the post by hmxsean on the 2nd page of this thread

http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=14010&page=2

[neveroutnumbered]

i still hold hope.

[Ventura]

At this point, I don't think we'll ever get it.

AFAIK, Activision has every right to disallow this. It says on each and every Guitar Hero 3 box that the controller is to be used only with Guitar Hero or other Activision branded games, and any other use is prohibited.

And if that's how they want to play the game, not much we can do about that except to vote with our wallets in the future.

[gamegod81]

wouldn't you think that hmx would have some sort of knowledge of this and would say "hey, that might be a legal issue later on..."
Something is just not right here.

[gamegod81]

but im sure i probably just got this thread closed up :D
woohooo

[Angel-Jin]

they're not waiting until thursday to release a patch to a video game. patches come out whenever they come out. the only thing that usually makes its debut online is something in the PS Store. DLC, Demos, Videos, PS Store stuff. Not routine maintenance patches. anything outside of that and your guess is as good as mine.

what the hold up is at this point is beyond me if the patch is already in sony's hands. they waited awhile back to post the skate demo as well...i think two weeks to be exact. i remember reading about how they gave the demo to them a long time ago yet they still did not post it online.

[ian0080]

they're not waiting until thursday to release a patch to a video game. patches come out whenever they come out. the only thing that usually makes its debut online is something in the PS Store. DLC, Demos, Videos, PS Store stuff. Not routine maintenance patches. anything outside of that and your guess is as good as mine.

what the hold up is at this point is beyond me if the patch is already in sony's hands. they waited awhile back to post the skate demo as well...i think two weeks to be exact. i remember reading about how they gave the demo to them a long time ago yet they still did not post it online.

Yeah, EA is kicking Activisions butt. They have Skate, and Rock Band, and Activision is doing all it can to stop both of them from destroying their 2 biggest sellers. (and failing)

[Angel-Jin]

after this new merger, the tables may turn. WoW + COD + GH + THPS = massive?

but EA has Madden...so i guess that alone covers a lot of ground. they better straighten up and fly right for us PS3 owners next year though. if we get shafted one more time, i'm boycotting.

[Will-san]

This Article from IGN (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3164792) is a little out of date but it is certainly required reading if you are interested in the topic of GH/RB compatibility. As far as the the queston of weather or not we will see a patch hope the quote:

"Long term, you can't go against what the consumer wants," (from Activision VP Charles Huang who I don't think is related to William)

means we will see it someday see a patch, possibly in both directions.

I really hope we see the patch by Christmas, but I am not holding my breath.

I am sure we will hear from Sean tomorrow even if he can't say anything. (don't make me a liar Sean)

[rockfoxster]

At this point, I don't think we'll ever get it.

AFAIK, Activision has every right to disallow this. It says on each and every Guitar Hero 3 box that the controller is to be used only with Guitar Hero or other Activision branded games, and any other use is prohibited.

And if that's how they want to play the game, not much we can do about that except to vote with our wallets in the future.
the above makes absolutely no sense

if the above actually were in practice, then the 360 versions wouldnt play nice together either. 360 has a bajillion times higher market share.

not playing nice with the distant 3rd console makes no sense at all

[Ventura]

if the above actually were in practice, then the 360 versions wouldnt play nice together either. 360 has a bajillion times higher market share.

not playing nice with the distant 3rd console makes no sense at all

They're not playing nice on the 360, they just don't have a choice.

I don't know exactly how it works, but Microsoft force compatibility across all of the 360 controllers. It's like a standard. What works in one game has to work in another. Sony don't force that kind of thing on the PS3 atall.

This just goes to show that if they could get away with incompatibility on the 360, they would.

[Hanover]

That makes sense. It prevents a software company from trying to force consumers into buying proprietary hardware with the games they sell. In other words, a steering wheel controller should work with all driving games. A game pad should work with any games that work with a game pad and a guitar controller should work with any guitar-themed rhythm game. People don't want to have three steering wheel controllers and eight guitar controllers. It's not healthy for the environment either.



They're not playing nice on the 360, they just don't have a choice.

I don't know exactly how it works, but Microsoft force compatibility across all of the 360 controllers. It's like a standard. What works in one game has to work in another. Sony don't force that kind of thing on the PS3 atall.

This just goes to show that if they could get away with incompatibility on the 360, they would.

[MF-PO'd]

At this point, I don't think we'll ever get it.

AFAIK, Activision has every right to disallow this. It says on each and every Guitar Hero 3 box that the controller is to be used only with Guitar Hero or other Activision branded games, and any other use is prohibited.

And if that's how they want to play the game, not much we can do about that except to vote with our wallets in the future.

Activision can't "prohibit" me from doing anything. I OWN the guitar. I bought it. If I want to play any game I choose with it, I will. They can choose not to support the guitar if I do that, but "prohibit" is a really stupid word here.

Do they also print this warning on the 360 package well? If so, they better get their lawyers out in force because people are breaking their rules! :rolleyes:

[MF-PO'd]

To answer the original question, I think we'll hear an update today... just to tell us there's no actual update yet. (Just change the date on Friday's posting. ;))

[ShadowOfEden]

PSN usually puts new stuff up on Thursday, maybe then?

Sounds like Sony's just as bad as MS when it comes to releasing patches that devs were done with a while back, same thing happened with Orange Box on 360.

Patches and firmware updates are released on any day. Warhawk and RFOM proves it.

[Super_Chicken]

Activision can't "prohibit" me from doing anything. I OWN the guitar. I bought it. If I want to play any game I choose with it, I will. They can choose not to support the guitar if I do that, but "prohibit" is a really stupid word here.

Why is GH2 supported by the GH3 controller? Odd that it should only be used with GH3 game. It's just legal jargon so if it doesn't work as intended no one can sue their pants off.

I would like any type of message from HMX just give us something to munch on while we wait for this patch. Why do they have to be so hush about it if Sonys got it and we're all waiting for then to network it. Unless this patch has something even more, that is a massive surprise and they don't want to spoil the surprise. But even then I rather them spoil the surprise and confirm I'm gettting the patch before Christmas :(

[Bakkster]

I'm betting we hear something specific only once the patch is released.

Either they can't speak about it for legal reasons, or they have no real information to give. Either way, they should be able to let us know what happened once the thing actually releases.

[Super_Chicken]

Yeah, but the waiting is what's killing us. Once the patch is out no one will care about the reasoning behind it.

[CJ452]

I am hoping that the patch is released sometime this week I hope the companies can just make peace with each other and realize they will benefit from the patch

[q445187]

While talking to a person my call was escalated to last night (about my second defective guitar) he said for real, it is coming.

[MF-PO'd]

While talking to a person my call was escalated to last night (about my second defective guitar) he said for real, it is coming.

I think we know it's real at this point. However, we don't if/when it is coming if there legalities involved behind the scenes.

[ms3boy]

I would prefer to either know a) Why it's taking so long or b) if it's even coming at all anymore.

I saw that the patch was being released and added it to my GameFly queue. The game was shipped to me and while that was taking place they then backpedaled on the patch. Now I'm sitting around playing the waiting game with a game I can't really play. I don't want to be sitting here wasting a rental slot waiting for a patch that's not coming any time soon if at all anymore.

I had almost written Rock Band off with all the issues with hardware and it's "only fun with more people" reviews, but the patch had me reconsidering the $170 after I tried it out w/ my GHIII axe.

Stop telling us to just keep waiting, we're already waiting. Tell us why or when. Then we can make a decision about your product and move on.

[CJ452]

I would prefer to either know a) Why it's taking so long or b) if it's even coming at all anymore.

I saw that the patch was being released and added it to my GameFly queue. The game was shipped to me and while that was taking place they then backpedaled on the patch. Now I'm sitting around playing the waiting game with a game I can't really play. I don't want to be sitting here wasting a rental slot waiting for a patch that's not coming any time soon if at all anymore.

I had almost written Rock Band off with all the issues with hardware and it's "only fun with more people" reviews, but the patch had me reconsidering the $170 after I tried it out w/ my GHIII axe.

Stop telling us to just keep waiting, we're already waiting. Tell us why or when. Then we can make a decision about your product and move on.

I did the same thing with my gamefly account. The wife was going to get me the complete set for christmas so I decided to add it to my que on gamefly only to get it and realize I can't use my GH3 controller. Huge disaapointment. Ended up going to Best buy over the weekend and seen the set and got an early christmas present. :)

[Ninjalo]

We're likely going to get a "Wait till this afternoon" since all the people are at work and browsing forums (I KNOW YOU ARE DOING THAT!) and then get another "Thanks for being so patient with us, we'll let you know later" kinda deals. It's getting real old real fast.

[Bakkster]

I think it boils down to which would you rather have:

An announcement soon that may not be totally correct and may change later?

An announcement that comes later but has actual information?

From what I've seen, HMX has gotten burned for both. If they announce when they're 90% sure of something, they get burned when it doesn't happen. For an example, see the PS3 Patch announcement. If people want them to announce something, they whine if they don't get the announcement immediately. For an example, see the people wanting an announcement about PS3 guitar compatibility before the patch announcement. Seems like there's no pleasing people...

Am I the only one that finds it odd that people want an early but inaccurate announcement about another announcement that turned out to be early and inaccurate?

[MF-PO'd]

We're likely going to get a "Wait till this afternoon" since all the people are at work and browsing forums (I KNOW YOU ARE DOING THAT!)

Not me.... :D

F5... F5... F5... F5... (checks e-mail).... F5... F5... F5...

[abricko]

At this point it'd make sense to assume the patch will be incorporated into the next PS3 system software update. That could explain the delay. Of course this is all speculation, I am one who is dying for the patch so I can use the now dusty GH3 guitar, though with my RB Guitar replacement not arriving yet it may get some action after all.

[Super_Chicken]

Well I'd prefer more acurate info later but they gave it to us early. Now we're waiting impatiently for more news.

[ShadowOfEden]

At this point it'd make sense to assume the patch will be incorporated into the next PS3 system software update. That could explain the delay. Of course this is all speculation, I am one who is dying for the patch so I can use the now dusty GH3 guitar, though with my RB Guitar replacement not arriving yet it may get some action after all.

Game patches are usually downloaded when the game is booted, at least that's how other games were. I don't see why people who don't have RockBand should have to download that update.


I think it boils down to which would you rather have:

An announcement soon that may not be totally correct and may change later?

An announcement that comes later but has actual information?

From what I've seen, HMX has gotten burned for both. If they announce when they're 90% sure of something, they get burned when it doesn't happen. For an example, see the PS3 Patch announcement. If people want them to announce something, they whine if they don't get the announcement immediately. For an example, see the people wanting an announcement about PS3 guitar compatibility before the patch announcement. Seems like there's no pleasing people...

Am I the only one that finds it odd that people want an early but inaccurate announcement about another announcement that turned out to be early and inaccurate?

I just find it odd that they "don't know what's going on". If they did sent the patch to Sony and that the delay is on Sony's side, they could phone Sony and tell us what they Sony told them instead of "we don't know". Sony has an excellent customer service, surely, they must have a good service to developpers on their hardware as well. My HDTV was in repair and when I called the technician last week, he told me he sent it back to the Sony, but all my questions were answered by 'maybe' or 'I don't know', so I called Sony and the told me EXACTLY what was going to happen and answered to all of my questions. And if they indeed received a 'we don't know' from Sony, they could tell us 'We phoned Sony but they told us that they didn't know', now that would be what they know. It's obvious that they know more than they are willing to say. There's surely a reason behind that, but if so, they would be better to say nothing than 'we don't know', because the later looks pretty unprofessional, as they don't know what's up with their stuff.

[Ninjalo]

Maybe one of the forum people can take initiative to call Sony themselves and find out heh

[ms3boy]

Why is it unreasonable to expect accurate info all the time (now, later, etc.)?

Why couldn't they just tell us why it's not being released?

Why couldn't they tell us when they expect it to be released?

Why couldn't they tell us if a certain other company is threatening legal action? (Shane from 1UP is alleging there might be a patch for 360 owners that removes GHIII guitar compatibility now).

Why do these companys have to be shady and weird? Why not just tell us what's actually going on. We're the people buying your products (or not :P ) and supporting YOU.

Get over yourselves (hmx/red octane). I'm certainly not going to buy Rock Band OR GHIV if this keeps up.

[Abaddon]

I just find it odd that they "don't know what's going on".I can guarantee you they know what is going on. They just can't tell us -- which is just the way it works. The too-early announcement was a slip-up that has let us know something was going on; otherwise, we'd still be clamoring for a PS3 LP controller patch without knowing if there was going to be an attempt to make one.

If I had to guess, I would say the patch will show up at some point, and we will never really know why it got held up. Which is also just the way it works. Of course assuming the patch comes out we can go back to actually talking about the game, which would be nice. :D

[J-Rock]

This Article from IGN (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3164792) is a little out of date but it is certainly required reading if you are interested in the topic of GH/RB compatibility. As far as the the queston of weather or not we will see a patch hope the quote:

"Long term, you can't go against what the consumer wants," (from Activision VP Charles Huang who I don't think is related to William)

means we will see it someday see a patch, possibly in both directions.

I really hope we see the patch by Christmas, but I am not holding my breath.

I am sure we will hear from Sean tomorrow even if he can't say anything. (don't make me a liar Sean)That line from Charles Huang is complete bull anyway unless you agree that their DLC prices are what the consumer wants.

[Gryffindor]

Here's hoping for some news either way in regards to their patch.

Has anyone tried contacting Sony directly about this? I've heard that they've had the patch for the PS3 version of GHIII for well over 2 weeks but haven't released it yet. In it's current state this game is unplayable. I don't know if it's the communication between the guitar and the dongle or if it's pureley a software glitch?

If Sony keeps this up, what incentive do I have to keep their system and not go out and trade it in for an Xbox


FYI: Sony's phone number: 1-800-345-7669
Sony's Address:
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
919 East Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404

[Ninjalo]

Looks like someone with the time on their hands should try giving them a ring. I myself am about to go off on a 5 hour cram session for a Math final and then I'll be back to hopefully good news.

[ms3boy]

If Sony keeps this up, what incentive do I have to keep their system and not go out and trade it in for an Xbox

Seconded, I threw achievement points to the wind and tried to support Sony and got the PS3 version of GHIII thinking I'd add Rock Band to my setup. Now that everything worked fine on 360, I feel like a fool.

[Bakkster]

Why is it unreasonable to expect accurate info all the time (now, later, etc.)?
As we saw from the original announcement: info that they thought was accurate by HMX turned out to get changed by some outside force.

Why couldn't they just tell us why it's not being released?
See above.

Why couldn't they tell us when they expect it to be released?
So you want them to guess when it will be released so everyone here can complain when that guess is wrong?

Why couldn't they tell us if a certain other company is threatening legal action? (Shane from 1UP is alleging there might be a patch for 360 owners that removes GHIII guitar compatibility now).
The first rule of pending legal actions is you do not talk about pending legal actions.
The second rule of pending legal actions is YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT PENDING LEGAL ACTIONS.

[Ninjalo]

AS
The first rule of pending legal actions is you do not talk about pending legal actions.
The second rule of pending legal actions is YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT PENDING LEGAL ACTIONS.

So whats the third rule?

[Quastor]

wouldn't you think that hmx would have some sort of knowledge of this and would say "hey, that might be a legal issue later on..."
Something is just not right here.

What's to say they didn't know?

The consumers are clamoring for compatibility. Harmonix has no issue doing that. Even if they know that Activision would use lawyers to block the release of the patch, they develop and submit it anyway, and announce that they've completed it. When Activision goes and uses legal force to block the patch from release, the blame for a lack of compatibility is no longer on Harmonix - they tried and were not allowed to.

The act of developing this patch, regardless of if they thought it would actually be released, reinforces Harmonix's stance of compatibility and open standards.

[Bakkster]

So whats the third rule?

Don't threaten legal action on a company's own forums (you know who you are)...

[MF-PO'd]

I've heard that they've had the patch for the PS3 version of GHIII for well over 2 weeks but haven't released it yet.

You are correct. They have a post on their forums from Nov. 28 that says the patch is pending approval from Sony (and Microsoft). Still waiting on that one...

[ms3boy]

Bakkster,

I get what you're saying, and I do agree with your responses. The questions were more on the rhetorical side, the point I was trying to make was that it's disappointing that we as consumers (supporters) can't get (expect? demand?) real answers.

[Abaddon]

Has anyone tried contacting Sony directly about this? I've heard that they've had the patch for the PS3 version of GHIII for well over 2 weeks but haven't released it yet.For all you know, Sony found a bug and forced it to be resubmitted. If that is the case, and Sony instead let the patch through with insufficient testing and it caused problems, people would be mad at them for letting an obviously buggy patch through.

The bottom line is we don't really know what the hold up is (with either the GHIII patch or the RB patch) and I understand it might feel good to pick one or more of Activition or EA or Harmonix or Red Octane or Sony and castigate them based on your own personal bias. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is we have no idea who or what is the blocking factor, despite a slew of poorly substantiated rumors.

[MF-PO'd]

For all you know, Sony found a bug and forced it to be resubmitted. If that is the case, and Sony instead let the patch through with insufficient testing and it caused problems, people would be mad at them for letting an obviously buggy patch through.

The bottom line is we don't really know what the hold up is (with either the GHIII patch or the RB patch) and I understand it might feel good to pick one or more of Activition or EA or Harmonix or Red Octane or Sony and castigate them based on your own personal bias. Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is we have no idea who or what is the blocking factor, despite a slew of poorly substantiated rumors.

This is all very true.

I'd still feel much better of that Activision legal rumour wasn't floating around out there though with nothing yet to suggest it's false.

[Abaddon]

I'd still feel much better of that Activision legal rumour wasn't floating around out there though with nothing yet to suggest it's false.I absolutely agree.

[Super_Chicken]

This is all very true.

I'd still feel much better of that Activision legal rumour wasn't floating around out there though with nothing yet to suggest it's false.

That's all I want to hear. I want to make sure it's coming eventually rather then never. I can wait a couple weeks for a delay but I don't want to wait for a train if it ain't coming...

[Gryffindor]

That's all I want to hear. I want to make sure it's coming eventually rather then never. I can wait a couple weeks for a delay but I don't want to wait for a train if it ain't coming...

"Train kept a rollin all night long. Train kept a rollin all night long. With a heave and a ho and I just couldn't tell her no no no no" :rolleyes:

[gamegod81]

What's to say they didn't know?

The consumers are clamoring for compatibility. Harmonix has no issue doing that. Even if they know that Activision would use lawyers to block the release of the patch, they develop and submit it anyway, and announce that they've completed it. When Activision goes and uses legal force to block the patch from release, the blame for a lack of compatibility is no longer on Harmonix - they tried and were not allowed to.

The act of developing this patch, regardless of if they thought it would actually be released, reinforces Harmonix's stance of compatibility and open standards.


ah
true, true.

[Kess]

Well, yesterday I contacted Activision's "on-line support center", about "the rumour" and this is the weak response I just got back:

Response (Guillermo Hernandez) - 12/10/2007 10:26 AM
Thank you for contacting us. We do not have any information on other company updates. We also do not guarantee the functionality of any third party hardware with any of our titles.

Well, a lot of help that was! It seems as if everyone's afraid to say anything actually meaningful about this mysterious patch! Even still, I'm gonna go with 50-50 odds that the patch will actually come out. Which is actually pretty optimistic I think! If it does come out, I'm REALLY hoping for before Christmas, as the family is begging me to bring the game to a get-together on the 25th and Boxing Day. GH3 has already been going around the family events, and they're all very excited to play Rock Band....with 4 people!!! I find it a little embarrassing that despite how much I paid for the game, that we can only play 3 right now.

[davekki]

I'm happy to offer my beta testing services if there's a problem with the patch :D Come on guys, get someone to leak a torrent and we'll be sorted ;)

[wonderflex]

Way more importantly, we shouldn't be thinking about our problems playing 4 player. We should be caring about the kids who are going to get the stand alone version on Christmas day. Lot's of parents may not even know about the bundle and will think their kids can play it with the GHIII controller. That's when the real angry people are going to start showing up on the forums.

Seeing how Microsoft is getting sued for not having as many pixels in their game as they said there would be, I can already hear, "class action," coming our way.

[ms3boy]

I was killing time re-reading some of the official words from hmxsean and I'm not even sure this patch ever had anything to do with the Guitar Hero 3 controllers. Did I miss it? Does he actually say somewhere?

Is it possible this patch is actually just something to do with the included Rock Band guitars, now that they've been replacing guitars, maybe they figured out something they could do in software?

"Going to lock this until there is more info to stop spread of disinfo."

Maybe the disinfo is that it has anything to do with Guitar Hero controllers. I was only lead to believe that because of the Joystiq post (http://feeds.joystiq.com/~r/weblogsinc/joystiq/~3/195552715/).

[Nate Finch]

They never specifically mentioned Guitar Hero controllers. They said "PS3 guitar controller compatibility". There's only one PS3 guitar controller besides the one that comes with Rock Band, and the one that comes with it is obviously not having compatibility problems. That leaves the only the GH3 guitar, they probably just aren't allowed to call it by name.

[gamegod81]

we should continue to speculate until sean comes in here and shuts us down.
that way, we can sort of force him to communicate with us, and we can at least get something :]

[MF-PO'd]

As the day dwindles away, still no word. Those odds are getting slimmer...

[ms3boy]

we should continue to speculate until sean comes in here and shuts us down.
that way, we can sort of force him to communicate with us, and we can at least get something :]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I've been hoping for all day. ;)

Don't give up hope, they're probably still on lunch over there on the West coast.

[MF-PO'd]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I've been hoping for all day. ;)

Don't give up hope, they're probably still on lunch over there on the West coast.

I was told they are in Chicago.

[ms3boy]

Yeah, I guess I just assumed.

From the about page:

Harmonix is a videogame development company based in Cambridge, MA. The company specializes in music-based games, and we are renowned for groundbreaking design innovation.

[Kess]

As the day dwindles away, still no word. Those odds are getting slimmer...

Slimmer and slimmer and slimmer....

It just sucks cuz he got all our hopes up so high with news of a patch that would be there the next time we logged on. And then the next thing we know, a conspiracy of silence!

[MF-PO'd]

I know. Even for patient people, patience has be starting to wear thin. We could use even just a morsel of information here.

[gr8whtd0pe]

word.

but doubt if we will get any kind of update.

[ms3boy]

hmxsean's last official announcement on the matter was 6:40ish PM EST on Friday so there's still hope. :P

[ForTheSteel]

we cant give up so easy. we know that hmx did their part, so its activision who is being a buzz kill.

we all need to keep spamming activision. they need to know that what they are doing is hurting their customers, and it is ethically screwed up. If we all send them a few emails everyday they will start to get the point that we are pissed off and that their reputation and our future business is at stake.

[EnterSandman]

I think the thing that upsets me the most w/ EA and the Rock Band release is that EA purposely released the sale of Rock Band PS3 software as a stand-alone (without the $170 uber kit) with the FULL knowledge that no one could play the game! think about it...neither the GH3 guitar nor the plain vanilla PS3 controller can play any music whatsoever. ON top of that, EA has not even bothered to release a Guitar peripheral to support the launch. therefore, people like myself were lulled into the belief there was compatibility ("as advertised on the cover of the cover") for the PS3 only to have a rude surprise upon returning home. WHAT THE HECK?! Who actually makes and sells a game that can't be properly played on their respective game console. EA or Harmonix 100% knew the initial Rockband would not work and now i'm stuck w/ a title that i cant return for the sale px (the inflated $59.99) or suffer a major loss on the trade in. I dont care if there are legal problems between, EA and Activision, or XBOX vs Sony. End game, EA sold me a game that can't be played w/ my current Sony registered peripherals nor given me an option to purchase their internal guitar. I only hope this elusive "Patch" finally brings an end to what is a massive disappointment for Rockband

[Aesposit]

hmxsean's last official announcement on the matter was 6:40ish PM EST on Friday so there's still hope. :P

and then yours was at 6:40 am, kind of funny

either way, i just want a tiny hint of information...this is something us PS3 Rockbanders that got GH III to play 4 in Rockband have been asking for or hoping for since the orginal unboxing...just let this thing come out soon, please

[SORAL4life]

I was killing time re-reading some of the official words from hmxsean and I'm not even sure this patch ever had anything to do with the Guitar Hero 3 controllers. Did I miss it? Does he actually say somewhere?

Is it possible this patch is actually just something to do with the included Rock Band guitars, now that they've been replacing guitars, maybe they figured out something they could do in software?

"Going to lock this until there is more info to stop spread of disinfo."

Maybe the disinfo is that it has anything to do with Guitar Hero controllers. I was only lead to believe that because of the Joystiq post (http://feeds.joystiq.com/~r/weblogsinc/joystiq/~3/195552715/).

I dont know... noticing on this forum, the mods seem to say things... by not saying them.
They are pretty good about saying "thats not true" but at the same time almost never say "that is true"

So I would say.... since he didnt rule out the gh3 patch... its closer to a yes than a no...

if you know what i mean

[Kess]

The whole thing about each game having its own peripherals is a lousy principle to begin with. Controllers should be interchangeable with all games. Otherwise it's be like having to go out and buy a different kind of sixaxis to play Warhawk, because the sixaxis you've been playing RFoM with won't work with it. Can you imagine having to buy a whole new controller for every new game you bought????

Come on Harmonix! Please give us some kind of update before the end of the day!

[gamegod81]

yeah I actually just realized they are in Cambridge this past weekend, which happens to be approximately 40 minutes from where I am, and I am more than tempted to go right to their door and demand answers :]

[ms3boy]

and then yours was at 6:40 am, kind of funny

The phpBB forum is not setup properly to show the time in the timezone you picked. It says on the bottom that the time is GMT - 5 on here. I did the math. It's really 5:57 PM EST here now as I post this.

[MF-PO'd]

... (insert silence here)...

No one anywhere has any news today about this? :(

[Parah]

Looks like silence again today...

[gamegod81]

lets go to harmonix's office.

[botnic]

Looks like silence again today...

It's still too early to be giving up. Wait another 2 1/2 hours and then you can start giving up.

[TKurata]

How come this thread stays open while all other PS3 patch threads fail?

So I guess we have complete silence from Harmonix today. That's nice.

1,000 Thanks!

-TK

[jimmyn28]

This patch is never going to be released. Don't you see? It's just a game of cat and mouse! RAWRH LKJFA:LJSLKfja/kl/.

[TKurata]

They damn well should be updating us every couple of hours (at least every day) since the announcement that the patch was available. This just pisses people off more (and) there are many people who bought/rented RB in the day or two after the announcement.

I guess this thread will be axed here shortly, which REALLY pisses me off. They won't even let us talk about it.

EDIT: I think it's really pathetic that they keep closing threads supposedly to stop the spread of misinformation about RB, cuz ya know that's how we were all misinformed about PS3 compatibility...hmmm...maybe it was IGN, Gamestop, and dozens of other sources that made us think that! That's a lame excuse! I'm only here to find out what the hell is going on with my (currently) $470 investment.

OK I'm done venting I'm gonna check back tomorrow to see if any HMX reps have peeped their head out with a scrap for us enraged PS3 RB owners.

[Dissent]

Outstandingly poor service that no HMX personnel even bothered to touch base with the crowd of us who are so eagerly waiting word about the patch on these forums today. Even something like, "we are working diligently on this problem but we don't yet know when it will be fixed or when we can give more information" would have been better than simply ignoring us. This is getting to feel more and more like a sting all the time.

[Bakkster]

Outstandingly poor service that no HMX personnel even bothered to touch base with the crowd of us who are so eagerly waiting word about the patch on these forums today. Even something like, "we are working diligently on this problem but we don't yet know when it will be fixed or when we can give more information" would have been better than simply ignoring us. This is getting to feel more and more like a sting all the time.

They've said essentially this very same thing at least 3 times in the past week. Do they really need to say it every day? Would that satisfy everyone?

[TKurata]

Outstandingly poor service that no HMX personnel even bothered to touch base with the crowd of us who are so eagerly waiting word about the patch on these forums today. Even something like, "we are working diligently on this problem but we don't yet know when it will be fixed or when we can give more information" would have been better than simply ignoring us. This is getting to feel more and more like a sting all the time.

^^cosign^^

We'll hear from them shortly. They'll be here any minute to shut down this thread.


They've said essentially this very same thing at least 3 times in the past week. Do they really need to say it every day? Would that satisfy everyone?

Um, YES. It would be nice to hear from them with (at the very least) a daily update. 3+ days have passed since the last one. Why is there always somebody to jump out and say YOU DON'T NEED AN UPDATE? Ugh.

[MF-PO'd]

They've said essentially this very same thing at least 3 times in the past week. Do they really need to say it every day? Would that satisfy everyone?

YES! This is a sev1 problem in my mind. There should be updates at least on a daily basis.

[Abaddon]

They damn well should be updating us every couple of hours (at least every day) since the announcement that the patch was available.ROFL.

[hmxsean 12:23] Sorry guys, no update.
[hmxsean 14:20] Still nothing to report.
[hmxsean 16:26] GREAT NEWS! Ha ha, just kidding. Still waiting.

Seriously. The fact that there hasn't been a post yet means nothing has changed. We all know that. Why do we need to make everyone get excited that there is an update from Harmonix if it is just going to reiterate what we already know, that there is no news?

When there is new news that can be communicated to us, I am sure it will be posted immediately. I am sure they are dying to be able to give us good news, because, I think, they actually do care.

[botnic]

ROFL.

[hmxsean 12:23] Sorry guys, no update.
[hmxsean 14:20] Still nothing to report.
[hmxsean 16:26] GREAT NEWS! Ha ha, just kidding. Still waiting.

Seriously. The fact that there hasn't been a post yet means nothing has changed. We all know that. Why do we need to make everyone get excited that there is an update from Harmonix if it is just going to reiterate what we already know, that there is no news?

When there is new news that can be communicated to us, I am sure it will be posted immediately. I am sure they are dying to be able to give us good news, because, I think, they actually do care.

Beautifully said. I'm also in complete harmony with harmonix (did you get the pun? Get it?)
I have no angst against them. I know it can be frustrating to want news, because we all know that they haven't been just sitting on their duffs laughing at us. We'll get news when they are able to tell us.

[Lareden]

Rumors say that Activision is putting a hold on the patch. Many people have stated there's no reason for Sony to hold it back on their own. Of course that's all just rumor and speculation. Could be that Sony is just having so much fun playing 4 player Rock Band that they forgot to release the patch after "testing" it. Or it could be some corporate red-tape mumbo jumbo that we consumers wouldn't understand.

[TKurata]

I think, they actually do care.

I agree and disagree. I think if they really cared they would have warned us prior to launch about the compatibility issue. Beyond that, I think they care. We need to be coddled, though, because our dreams are being crushed every day. We have special needs.

How about something like this...

"Hey Rock Band fanatics, it's been a long weekend of trying to resolve the patch issue, but we are still working hard. We'll check in with you tomorrow!"

...would do wonders right now.

For all we know the HMX crew is lounging in Key West right now...how would we know?

.........................................silencio. ............................................

[Lareden]

I think the thing that upsets me the most w/ EA and the Rock Band release is that EA purposely released the sale of Rock Band PS3 software as a stand-alone (without the $170 uber kit) with the FULL knowledge that no one could play the game!

You do know there is a singing portion of the game, right? Kinda puts a hole in your argument...

[Lareden]

I agree and disagree. I think if they really cared they would have warned us prior to launch about the compatibility issue. Beyond that, I think they care. We need to be coddled, though, because our dreams are being crushed every day. We have special needs.

How about something like this...

"Hey Rock Band fanatics, it's been a long weekend of trying to resolve the patch issue, but we are still working hard. We'll check in with you tomorrow!"

...would do wonders right now.

For all we know the HMX crew is lounging in Key West right now...how would we know?

.........................................silencio. ............................................

They said the patch is finished and they gave it to Sony. It's out of their hands.

[Super_Chicken]

You do know there is a singing portion of the game, right? Kinda puts a hole in your argument...

That stand alone doesn't come with a microphone and you can't play using a 6-axis. Meaning unless you go out and buy a microphone you can't play it.

[EnterSandman]

exactly...when a person spends $60 for a software for a next gen console, its usually safe to assume that you will be able to play the game without any additional investment. For example, w/ GH, you can still play the game w/ the regular stand-alone controller. I was really shocked that Rock Band was essentially useless without buying an extra microphone or whatever to get it going...why bother even releasing the stand alone at all, just to frustrate the consumer.

[TKurata]

They said the patch is finished and they gave it to Sony. It's out of their hands.

I keep hearing this announcement referenced...where is this? Please post a link.


..why bother even releasing the stand alone at all, just to frustrate the consumer.

Maybe if you would stop posting on this board and refreshing the announcements page then HMX could clear up some bandwidth and get the situation resolved more quickly! (lol, my favorite excuse that I've heard)

[Se7enLawliet]

ROFL.

[hmxsean 12:23] Sorry guys, no update.
[hmxsean 14:20] Still nothing to report.
[hmxsean 16:26] GREAT NEWS! Ha ha, just kidding. Still waiting.

Seriously. The fact that there hasn't been a post yet means nothing has changed. We all know that. Why do we need to make everyone get excited that there is an update from Harmonix if it is just going to reiterate what we already know, that there is no news?

When there is new news that can be communicated to us, I am sure it will be posted immediately. I am sure they are dying to be able to give us good news, because, I think, they actually do care.

hardy har har.

That's not what they mean ya jerk.

Update by the hour is silly, but announcing at least once a day that they're "Still in progress of addressing the issue." would calm everyone down. This is a important issue and it doesn't help that there are all these rumors about lawsuits and Sony blocking it and such. Just a "Problems are being addressed" at least eases the people that are worried that things have come to a grinding halt.

[Bakkster]

I keep hearing this announcement referenced...where is this? Please post a link.

http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=176738&highlight=sony#post176738

[TKurata]

http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=176738&highlight=sony#post176738

QUOTE:
hmxsean
Senior Member
Only Sony can release the patch... which has been ready and fully-tested for over a week now.

Interesting...still not quite "We gave the patch to Sony and they have control."

Sony will have to release the patch, and the patch is done. We knew that. This could be just more legalese...oh well...

Who knows...thanks for the link, though. I still want to be updated daily, HMX. Just tell us a little courtesy lie. WE NEED TO BE FED.

Ok off to make some real, physical music. I'd better work on my music now before the patch does come out (hopefully)...I won't be able to do anything productive for a while after that!

[Dissent]

Update by the hour is silly, but announcing at least once a day that they're "Still in progress of addressing the issue." would calm everyone down. This is a important issue and it doesn't help that there are all these rumors about lawsuits and Sony blocking it and such. Just a "Problems are being addressed" at least eases the people that are worried that things have come to a grinding halt.

Absolutely right. As was already stated the last word from HMX was three days ago. There needs to be at least a message saying that progress is still being attempted. Or, maybe progress isn't being attempted. In that case there needs to be a message saying, "We at Harmonix wash our hands of this whole issue as we have turned over the patch to Sony and don't feel we have any further responsibility to our customers than that." While disappointingly rude, at least this would be communicating their position.

I own a business and I know that were I in the situation that HMX is in I would be communicating daily with the customer until the situation was resolved.

[cheddar]

I'm not in the gaming industry, but do work in the software industry. Yes, it would be nice to get an update daily, and in all honesty, it doesn't always happen. However, the speculation of what the deal with the patch is, is more starting to lean towards a legal issue. If it's a last minute bug they found, they could simply say "An issue was found and more testing needs to be done." Also, why would Sony need to release the patch? Assassin's Creed updated from the game itself, and so did Rock Band during first boot. You didn't have to wait for a PSN update to get those. Something's obviously not right, and the lack of communication makes it even worse.

[Bakkster]

Also, why would Sony need to release the patch? Assassin's Creed updated from the game itself, and so did Rock Band during first boot. You didn't have to wait for a PSN update to get those. Something's obviously not right, and the lack of communication makes it even worse.

Sony and Microsoft both need to approve patches before they are released. This has nothing to do with the Thursday PSN updates.

[cheddar]

Sony and Microsoft both need to approve patches before they are released. This has nothing to do with the Thursday PSN updates.

Ah, ok. Thanks for clearing that bit up.

[icantwaitforrockband]

Absolutely right. As was already stated the last word from HMX was three days ago.....
......I own a business and I know that were I in the situation that HMX is in I would be communicating daily with the customer until the situation was resolved.

Really?? Even on the weekend when your office is closed? You people really need to relax. I'm hoping to hear good news about this as well, but If I don't hear anything from Harmonix it's because there is nothing new to report!!! And I surely won't complain because no announcement was made on the WEEKEND!@#!!@@! Just chill, and be patient. They will comment when there is something to comment about. 'Till then...read a book or something...play another game...

[MF-PO'd]

A new day.... update?

[Dissent]

Really?? Even on the weekend when your office is closed?

No, but most certainly on the following Monday.



A new day.... update?

Agreed, this is something we'd all like to know.

[TKurata]

There are so many people on this site who say we don't deserve a daily update, that we are just annoying and immature, we have no patience, and are selfish and paranoid. Please, get a life and go flame somewhere else. There is no beef here, just hardcore Harmonix fans who want to rock. Seriously, you apologists are pathetic.

We deserve an update ever since HMX announced the patch was available. This is a sorry excuse for Customer Service...it's past 10 EST on Tuesday and we still haven't heard anything.

Time to "pay your bills," HMX, it's update time--get to it. Just tell it to us straight for once.

[silversurfer2k7]

I'll second that! Desperate for this update, my girlfriend and best mate keep fighting over the drums, i play guitar and no-one really wants to sing:eek: - I NEED A BASS GUITAR!

PLEASE GET THIS UPDATE UP SOON:D

[Kess]

I'm getting a bad feeling about all of this. Or I should say, an even worse feeling. I think if the rumours are true, that Activision can tie up procedures with their lawyers for as long as they want. Lawyers can have a field day with delays. Even if a legal agreement is missing a period at the end of a sentence, that itself could take 2 days to re-submit and re-ratify. My feeling is that Activision will try and delay this for as long as they can...just so long as it takes them to their peripheral release.

[Dissent]

I'm kind of getting that feeling too, Kess, which is why I want an update. If this is going to be something that potentially will drag on and on until the damned strats are finally sold separately I want to know now.

[TreoRock_]

Is HMX trying to fade this away with time??? Come one we need to know whats going on?

[dfjdejulio]

They've said essentially this very same thing at least 3 times in the past week. Do they really need to say it every day? Would that satisfy everyone?
Actually, I'm thinking twice a day (start of their business day, close of their business day) would be decent. Even if it's just a "sorry, nothing has changed yet, but, none of us have been abducted by RIAA and force-fed to manatees, so we're still working on it".

[lumpy2783]

I have the ps3? And everything seems to work fine? What is a patch needed for? Maybe im not paying close enough attention. I tend to miss things WHEN IM ROCKING THE F**K OUT! WOOOO (im addicated and need help). But seriously, why we need a patch?

[SoulScreme]

I have the ps3? And everything seems to work fine? What is a patch needed for? Maybe im not paying close enough attention. I tend to miss things WHEN IM ROCKING THE F**K OUT! WOOOO (im addicated and need help). But seriously, why we need a patch?

Patch is needed to allow the Guitar Hero 3 controller to work on PS3.

[MF-PO'd]

I have the ps3? And everything seems to work fine? What is a patch needed for? Maybe im not paying close enough attention. I tend to miss things WHEN IM ROCKING THE F**K OUT! WOOOO (im addicated and need help). But seriously, why we need a patch?

Two things:
1) Standalone PS3 game owners can't play the game right now with anything but a microphone for the singing portion. There's no guitar on the market that works.

2) Bundle PS3 owners have no way to play with 4 people unless they know someone else that bought the bundle (so they have a 2nd guitar).

The patch is done and created and submitted to Sony, but it's held up (likely for legal reasons). We don't have all the details. That's what everyone wants with these posts.

[Ninjalo]

When is the Guitar Hero III lag patch supposed to be released.....it's been 2 weeks.....oh wait, wrong forum.

[lumpy2783]

AHHH! So after this patch come out, hopefully I can go out and buy GH# or anyother wireless quiter so we can have a bass? What other guitars are out there besides GH3 guitars? I want one!

[MF-PO'd]

When is the Guitar Hero III lag patch supposed to be released.....it's been 2 weeks.....oh wait, wrong forum.

Indeed... that one should out too. I'd be very curious what's holding up that one if my GH3 game wasn't working properly.

[MF-PO'd]

AHHH! So after this patch come out, hopefully I can go out and buy GH# or anyother wireless quiter so we can have a bass? What other guitars are out there besides GH3 guitars? I want one!

The GH3 one is the only option right now... if there were other options, folks probably wouldn't be screaming so loudly. :)

[Kess]

Ok, I guess despite Harmonix being quiet in here the past couple days, we still know a few key things. The most important thing is that Sean has said the patch itself is not the issue. It's been tested (for a week) and it works. The patch itself, is fine. What we don't know is who's responsible for the delay.

We can presume a few things. One, it's likely not Harmonix. Why? Because they didn't even have to make a patch, in the first place. Why put time into something, tease all its customers with a surprise release, only to keep it from us. Doesn't make sense. So that rules out Harmonix. That leaves only Sony and Activision.

Sony is also doubtful in holding back the release of this patch. This is probably going to be one of the biggest selling games before the holidays, and the last thing Sony would want right before Christmas is customers deciding to buy XBOX 360s because it's the only console you can play 4-player multiplayer Rock Band on. Personally, if I were deciding which console to buy right before Christmas, this would be a pretty big deciding factor. Sony must just hate all this talk about their version being substandard compared to the 360. (Yeah, yet another game that doesn't work, or look as good as their competition's.)

That leaves only Activision. But why would they want to be blocking this patch? Would this patch increase or decrease their sales? Well, considering you actually need a GH3 guitar for the patch, the patch could only increase their sales. Isn't that obvious? Even when their peripherals come out after Christmas, there will still be people who will buy a Les Paul to play with Rock Band, just because they like them better. And this as a $ bonus on top of the people who will be buying Les Pauls for GH3. So, this could only be a win win situation for Activision, financially.

That takes us back to Harmonix. Ironically, it's the company that made the patch that stands to lose any money. Directly, anyway. Releasing this patch allows the competition's guitars to work with Rock Band. I know, I for one, will not be buying a Strat come February, if this patch allows me to use the Les Paul. So, what's in it for Harmonix? Customer satisfaction, for one. And if you have satisfied customers, they will tell their friends, more people will buy games. And more importantly, the happier we are with them, the more money we will spend on DLC. I know I'll be spending a lot if this patch comes out.

So what does all this tell us about the delay? Absolutely nothing! That's why it's all so frustrating and mysterious!

[lumpy2783]

Seems to me, they starting developing this game a while ago, and knowing they would be offering a 2nd Guitar option, leads me to believe they have somethign up their sleeve. They must have realized the GH guitar was the only other option to get a 2nd guitar without buying a bundle, right? Im sure well all go OOOOOO! once they release it. In fact, ill try to be the first O!

[sarkster@sarkster.com]

If the delay wasnt down to Activision, they would be screaming from the rooftops that it wasnt.

The silence is deafening...

[Gryffindor]

I'm beginning to think the hold up is with Sony. They haven't released the PS3 GHIII patch either and that's been in their hands for weeks.

Now they have the HMX Compatibility patch and seem to be sitting on that also.

Are all of their employees on vacation?????? Do they really want people trading in their Playstaion 3's for the 360? I'm just not feeling any love from them whatsoever. It's kind of sad because if Sony would get off their asses their console is the superior one. It's almost as if they don't care and are working more on marketing at this point as sales are way down.

[gamegod81]

we need to demand an answer in a way that we know will be seen. any ideas?

[Gryffindor]

we need to demand an answer in a way that we know will be seen. any ideas?

I really think that e-mails, letters and calls need to be made to Sony USA. We need to let them know of our frustration with their customer service end.

For example: Why can't they seem to get the updated DLC up at a specific time on Thursdays? Nintendo is like clockwork with their updates on Mondays.

[Kess]

If the delay wasnt down to Activision, they would be screaming from the rooftops that it wasnt.

The silence is deafening...

Exactly, what I think. And as I say, Activision only stand to gain $$$ if this patch comes out. So why keep allowing people to think poorly of you?

I'm actually going to suspect the one thing anyone's actually said for sure about this patch: Maybe it doesn't actually work! Maybe Harmonix jumped the gun on it being ready, got all our hopes up with it, only to find a few bugs. And maaaaaaybe now they've realized it's going to take more manpower and time and money to fix it.....and maaaaaaybe it's just not worth the effort to them?

Don't know. It's about the only thing that would make sense right now. How irnonic would it be if the one fact we've been given is the one thing that's been untrue this whole time!

[MF-PO'd]

Good points, Kess. That seems to be a good summary an analysis of the situation.

I just want to add in a few points:

Sony - While their motivation may be to get the patch out ASAP, their internal processes leave much to be desired. I'm basing that on their treatment of other patches. The GH3 patch, for example, is taking some couple of weeks now. The Assassin's Creed patch took at least 1 week that we know of. There's a tiny possibility that Sony is just slow.

Harmonix - As you stated, they do have the most to lose. The silent treatment right now may be because they have done their part. The patch is produced and out of their hands, so they may feel they can wash themselves of the situation. Do they really have motivation to fight with Sony and Activision over whatever is holding up the patch? Perhaps not - especially when the continued silent treatment leads people to believe they are good guys in this whole mess. If they care about selling more guitars, they may secretly be happy the patch is being held up. If they care about the bigger picture - customer satisfaction and an opportunity to sell more DLC - then they should want to fight to get this patch released. We don't really know where their motivations are.

Activision - The likely culprit - and too stupid at the same time to realize that the patch represents a business opportunity for them.

[Kess]

we need to demand an answer in a way that we know will be seen. any ideas?

Good question. How about flood this board with new threads until Harmnix responds? If we all just made three new threads each, we'd over take this board in no time.

[NotorietyH]

Good question. How about flood this board with new threads until Harmnix responds? If we all just made three new threads each, we'd over take this board in no time.

Please be joking

[Kess]

Good points, Kess. That seems to be a good summary an analysis of the situation.

I just want to add in a few points:

Sony - While their motivation may be to get the patch out ASAP, their internal processes leave much to be desired. I'm basing that on their treatment of other patches. The GH3 patch, for example, is taking some couple of weeks now. The Assassin's Creed patch took at least 1 week that we know of. There's a tiny possibility that Sony is just slow.

Harmonix - As you stated, they do have the most to lose. The silent treatment right now may be because they have done their part. The patch is produced and out of their hands, so they may feel they can wash themselves of the situation. Do they really have motivation to fight with Sony and Activision over whatever is holding up the patch? Perhaps not - especially when the continued silent treatment leads people to believe they are good guys in this whole mess. If they care about selling more guitars, they may secretly be happy the patch is being held up. If they care about the bigger picture - customer satisfaction and an opportunity to sell more DLC - then they should want to fight to get this patch released. We don't really know where their motivations are.

Activision - The likely culprit - and too stupid at the same time to realize that the patch represents a business opportunity for them.

You've made good points, too. Sony, could just be slow with this. I'm thinking back to the RFoM patches, and the number of delays the world-wide server patch and new map-pack patch gave Sony. (And the hostility the long delays created on the Resistance board.) Then again, 5 buttons on a toy guitar hardly ranks up there with world-wide servers!

Activision, yes the likely culprit, because of second-hand talk of rumours. But how on earth would they not know that making GH3 guitars playable in Rock Band would only sell more GH3 guitars!!! The ONLY thing I can think of, is that they're worried more people will turn to RB, and therefore not spend as much on DLC. But that's gonna happen anyway once the strats come out individually.

Like I say, there's nothing really that makes sense here.

[Kess]

Please be joking

Nope. You've heard of the squeaky wheel getting the grease? Well, what if everyone squeaks? Kinda hard to put up with that for very long.

[gamingeek]

Regradless of who's fault it is, ultimately it is EA's responsibility. They released a standalone version of the game that is unplayable. They let everyone believe that we would be able to use our existing guitar controllers and they are not currently selling any not packed in with the game. So basically I and many others paid good money for a game this is UNPLAYABLE. Smooth move.

[gamegod81]

Good question. How about flood this board with new threads until Harmnix responds? If we all just made three new threads each, we'd over take this board in no time.

you know something, im with you on that, i actually like the idea. how can they possibly ignore it at that point?

[MF-PO'd]

You've made good points, too. Sony, could just be slow with this. I'm thinking back to the RFoM patches, and the number of delays the world-wide server patch and new map-pack patch gave Sony. (And the hostility the long delays created on the Resistance board.) Then again, 5 buttons on a toy guitar hardly ranks up there with world-wide servers!

Activision, yes the likely culprit, because of second-hand talk of rumours. But how on earth would they not know that making GH3 guitars playable in Rock Band would only sell more GH3 guitars!!! The ONLY thing I can think of, is that they're worried more people will turn to RB, and therefore not spend as much on DLC. But that's gonna happen anyway once the strats come out individually.

Like I say, there's nothing really that makes sense here.

Yep, that sums it up... there's really nothing that makes perfect sense here!

Is Activision so worried about their own product that they are concerned this patch gives customers the opportunity to more easily sample the competitors product? If they were confident enough in their own product, they wouldn't care... because the customer has to buy their guitar (and right now the whole GH3 package) first! They better not be worried about losing DLC money because they don't actually have any DLC right now. :D A couple of packs... big deal.

Activision needs to realize if people want to try Rock Band, they will - with or without the Les Paul guitar. If Activision wants a piece of the action, let the patch through. They at least sell the guitar (and maybe a game). If they are too stubborn, guess what? You lose on the sale of the guitar, the game, AND people will direct their DLC dollars elsewhere.

My head is ready to explode trying to comprehend Activision's mindset (under the assumption they are the culprit here).

[TheWabbit]

Its not EA fault. That's like blaming 20th Century Fox for Star Wars 1-3 sucking. It was George Lucas's responsibility, just like RB belongs to Harmonix.

Everyone is assuming the patch only works one way. My guess is the patch not only allows the Les Paul to work in Rock Band but also the Strat to work in GHIII. It might detect the controller and map the buttons correctly at the console level, not just the video game. This is why Activision might be freaking out.

[MF-PO'd]

Its not EA fault. That's like blaming 20th Century Fox for Star Wars 1-3 sucking. It was George Lucas's responsibility, just like RB belongs to Harmonix.

Everyone is assuming the patch only works one way. My guess is the patch not only allows the Les Paul to work in Rock Band but also the Strat to work in GHIII. It might detect the controller and map the buttons correctly at the console level, not just the video game. This is why Activision might be freaking out.

That's not possible. GH3 would have to be patched, and Harmonix can't patch that.

[Kess]

you know something, im with you on that, i actually like the idea. how can they possibly ignore it at that point?

I don't think flooding the board with posts would take too many people. A few of us might get banned for it, but just so long as we behave and abide by the rules, and be nice, I don't see it as doing something wrong.

What's wrong about getting some kind of meaningful answer???

Let's give them until 5 pm central - or some time we can all agree on. Then started posting threads all at once. Sign up if interested.

[Bakkster]

Nope. You've heard of the squeaky wheel getting the grease? Well, what if everyone squeaks? Kinda hard to put up with that for very long.

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

The inconsiderate poster gets the IP ban. :D

[gamegod81]

I don't think flooding the board with posts would take too many people. A few of us might get banned for it, but just so long as we behave and abide by the rules, and be nice, I don't see it as doing something wrong.

What's wrong about getting some kind of meaningful answer???

Let's give them until 5 pm central - or some time we can all agree on. Then started posting threads all at once. Sign up if interested.


Im in. I can get some people helping too. We need people!

should each post have the same text in it?

[TheWabbit]

"GH3 would have to be patched"

No it doesn't. If the Harmonix code runs in the core console, the input from the guitar can be changed before GH3 or RB interprets it.

[Bakkster]

Before people decide to ban themselves by flooding the boards, look at this post from John:
http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=186932#post186932

[HMXJohnlok]

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

The inconsiderate poster gets the IP ban. :D

Yes. I would suggest keeping the conversation about the PS3 patch - not about spamming the boards. Unless you really want a ban. Moderators are here in large part to make sure the forums are a semi-reasonable place to learn from other users, get information about the game, and generally to have fun. Spamming the forums with questions falls under a breach of pretty much all of those things.

Squeaking the wrong way will not get the "grease" as you put it - it will get you a ban. Just because we're giving you the "silent treatment" (haven't made an announcement update in several days) doesn't mean we're not taking action.

Thanks for your patience so far.

[gamegod81]

Before people decide to ban themselves by flooding the boards, look at this post from John:
http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=186932#post186932

yeah i saw that.
perhaps flooding will persuade them to...work harder? :p

[Huskie]

Before people decide to ban themselves by flooding the boards, look at this post from John:
http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=186932#post186932

And I'll include the text in here:


We are working on it. (and by "it" I mean answers)

[gamegod81]

Before people decide to ban themselves by flooding the boards, look at this post from John:
http://community.rockband.com/vbforum/showthread.php?p=186932#post186932

lets get some infooo :]

[NotorietyH]

I don't think flooding the board with posts would take too many people.

You seem to think this is a new concept, when every day for the last few months we've had exactly that happen over a number issues which leads to immense frustration for everyone on the boards. I'm a PS3 owner and want the patch too, but I'm not going to become a troll over it.

One thread on the front page with hundreds of posts is far more effective than 15 or so locked threads that disappear after 20 minutes. :rolleyes:

[Quastor]

Flooding the board will not get you answers any quicker, you'll only piss off the moderators, other forum members, and get IP banned.

You guys realize what you're wanting to do is forum-level terrorismesque?

[espher]

Some of you people are unfreakingbelievable.

I hope you spam the boards just so you get banned and we no longer have to hear the crying every five posts. Maybe you can come down with a case of ebola too, if we're lucky.

In hindsight, that's probably pretty harsh, but after reading these posts by people convinced that this will actually be a 'good idea', I'm convinced it's the only way.

[Kess]

You seem to think this is a new concept, when every day for the last few months we've had exactly that happen over a number issues which leads to immense frustration for everyone on the boards. I'm a PS3 owner and want the patch too, but I'm not going to become a troll over it.

One thread on the front page with hundreds of posts is far more effective than 15 or so locked threads that disappear after 20 minutes. :rolleyes:

You're probably right, but sometimes it's just as effective talking about doing something, than actually doing it. (I'm thinking someone will shut this down before we'd ever get a chance to organize.) Just so long as it gets more people talking about it, like you joining in, the more awareness it creates with the company. In this case, there's no such thing as bad publicity, kind of thing.

[HMXJohnlok]

I don't think we could possibly be *more* aware of this issue. Believe me.

[MF-PO'd]

I don't think we could possibly be *more* aware of this issue. Believe me.

Oh, I do believe you. This comment says a lot... it tells me you guys know WAY more than you've stated. Is there not at least something more you could say, even if not specific?

Has there been any progress made since last week?

Is the outlook positive, negative, or indeterminate at this time?

[espher]

I'm pretty sure if they could they would.

[TKurata]

I don't think we could possibly be *more* aware of this issue. Believe me.

Thanks for chiming in. Also thanks for letting us keep this thread open. We do appreciate it.

[Gryffindor]

In frustration I'm writing Sony.

Here's the link to send them an e-mail: http://www.us.playstation.com/Corporate/ConsumerServices

Here's what I'm e-mailing them:

Both Activision and Harmonix have announced on their web sites that your company has necessary patches to improve the functionality of "Guitar Hero III" and "Rock Band", yet your company has yet to release them to the general public.

Could I please receive an answer as to what the hold up is and when I can expect the patches to be available for download to upgrade/fix the games that I spent so much for?

I must admit that I've VERY disappointed that I spent $600 for a gaming platform that does not function as it fully should and why updates are not implemented in a timely fashion.

I'm also disappointed in the consistency in which you choose to update your Playstation Store. The times are very random unlike the other game platform store sites which are ran like clockwork.

Please explain the above and give me confidence in keeping my Playstaion 3 and not trading it in for an XBox 360 which seems to have better customer support.

Perhaps this is the squeaky wheel that needs the grease and not HMX???? It's worth a shot anyways.

[DoctorWho]

In frustration I'm writing Sony.

Here's the link to send them an e-mail: http://www.us.playstation.com/Corporate/ConsumerServices

Here's what I'm e-mailing them:


Perhaps this is the squeaky wheel that needs the grease and not HMX???? It's worth a shot anyways.

I'm going to send almost this same type of e-mail. I too paid $600 for a 60GB PS3 and regret every bit of it. XBOX 360 Arcade (WITH HDMI Port!) can be had for $279. And oh yeah, all of my stuff with work with it!

[TKurata]

I hope you spam the boards just so you get banned and we no longer have to hear the crying every five posts. Maybe you can come down with a case of ebola too, if we're lucky.

This is very representative of those posters out there who get indignant (or genocidal) over a consumer demanding a working product. Why does this have to be a battle for some? We just want answers and we just want to rock. This is really disturbing. I would like to see this poster banned.

So this is your Final Solution, huh espher? Wow.

[Gryffindor]

Here's my "auto reply from Sony"

Thank you for contacting Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA).

You have received this auto-acknowledgement to confirm that we received your message. We will do our best to respond to your message within 72 hours* - weekends and holidays excluded.

In the meantime, please visit our Knowledge Center at PlayStation.com to find helpful "how to" and troubleshooting answers that may resolve your problem.

PlayStation Knowledge Center: http://playstation.custhelp.com/

*Note: In certain instances where additional research is required to answer your question, our response time may exceed 48 hours. We appreciate your understanding.


Wow, 3 days just to respond to a question????? WTF is up with Sony??????

[MF-PO'd]

Here's my "auto reply from Sony"


Wow, 3 days just to respond to a question????? WTF is up with Sony??????

I got the same. They must be receiving a larger volume of e-mails these days. Because of this, I expect a lame, canned, cut-and-paste answer of some sort.

[DesiredFX]

Wow, 3 days just to respond to a question????? WTF is up with Sony??????

Three days, if at all.

I sent them two emails via that address regarding the inability of PSN to accept any of my credit cards and I never heard back about it. I finally resolved the problem myself when I got another credit card.

[SoulScreme]

Three days, if at all.

I sent them two emails via that address regarding the inability of PSN to accept any of my credit cards and I never heard back about it. I finally resolved the problem myself when I got another credit card.

It's odd. I was going to call them. My roommate and I have debit cards from the same bank. Mine works, his is labeled invalid. Didn't know that anybody else had that issue.

[Gryffindor]

I got the same. They must be receiving a larger volume of e-mails these days. Because of this, I expect a lame, canned, cut-and-paste answer of some sort.

I get the feeling they are SEVERELY understaffed. Great job Sony.
As much as I really HATE Microsoft I may in fact trade in my PS3 for an Xbox360 but I'd really rather just have Sony FIX their system as it is superior (at least in theory).

[Dissent]

I don't want to bring down anyone's hopes of a Reply but I will say that I sent Sony an email asking about the status of the patch on Friday and received that same auto-reply but never received a follow up after that. I was thinking about calling today.

[espher]

This is very representative of those posters out there who get indignant (or genocidal) over a consumer demanding a working product. Why does this have to be a battle for some? We just want answers and we just want to rock. This is really disturbing. I would like to see this poster banned.

So this is your Final Solution, huh espher? Wow.

Really, I'd say my pots is, at worst, no different than those from the people you say are 'demanding' a working product. Outrageous demands, hyperbole on the boards, and so forth.

Couple that with a lack of rational thought (or even a calm approach to the topic from most people, if we can't be rational), a false sense of entitlement, a basic lack of understanding of how things work, and an inability to read through existing discussion on the topic without throwing a fit, who then proceed to make a posts on the same topic on an hour basis (or with even shorter intervals), along with inciting board riots and threatening lawsuits over their inability to do a little independent research before purchasing a product or their reliance on a third-party who unfortunately gave incorrect information, and I might roll my eyes and move on.

But when you've got a ton of posters with absolutely zero contribution to the boards aside from these gripes who even go so far as to post them in unrelated threads and somehow think that pissing people off who have no control over this sort of thing will bring resolution?

Yeah, I'd probably get a little bit pissed off. If you expect me to respect this sort of inane irrational crybaby posting on a frequent basis without speaking my mind (even harshly), you clearly haven't even gone so far as to read my signature and you're clearly new to the boards (along with all of the rest of the tears-are-not-enough crowd).

As for this being my Final Solution? No, it wouldn't be, but that's a really cute Godwin.

Patience is a virtue, and it's unfortunately one a lot of people lack.

[Dissent]

Also I wanted to say that while I didn't really agree with the group wanting to flood the forum it was apparently the only thing that would bring HMX out of their hole to deign to communicate with us on this situation so, "Good job."

[Parah]

I wouldn't waste your time. Sony phone reps are as dumb as they come. They'll make up answers just to get you to shut up. Trust me, after multiple times calling them for various reasons, I've given up on that avenue alltogether.

[SoKGiX]

I wouldn't waste your time. Sony phone reps are as dumb as they come. They'll make up answers just to get you to shut up. Trust me, after multiple times calling them for various reasons, I've given up on that avenue alltogether.

thats why i'm very hesistant to buy anything sony. if you have problems, the warranty/customer service process with the company is probably the worst i've ever seen. ever.

have my own horror stories, have no intention on testing them again

[gamingeek]

Really, I'd say my pots is, at worst, no different than those from the people you say are 'demanding' a working product. Outrageous demands, hyperbole on the boards, and so forth.

Couple that with a lack of rational thought (or even a calm approach to the topic from most people, if we can't be rational), a false sense of entitlement, a basic lack of understanding of how things work, and an inability to read through existing discussion on the topic without throwing a fit, who then proceed to make a posts on the same topic on an hour basis (or with even shorter intervals), along with inciting board riots and threatening lawsuits over their inability to do a little independent research before purchasing a product or their reliance on a third-party who unfortunately gave incorrect information, and I might roll my eyes and move on.

But when you've got a ton of posters with absolutely zero contribution to the boards aside from these gripes who even go so far as to post them in unrelated threads and somehow think that pissing people off who have no control over this sort of thing will bring resolution?

Yeah, I'd probably get a little bit pissed off. If you expect me to respect this sort of inane irrational crybaby posting on a frequent basis without speaking my mind (even harshly), you clearly haven't even gone so far as to read my signature and you're clearly new to the boards (along with all of the rest of the tears-are-not-enough crowd).

As for this being my Final Solution? No, it wouldn't be, but that's a really cute Godwin.

Patience is a virtue, and it's unfortunately one a lot of people lack.

You know what, the only one to blame here is the company that relased the software. They sold us a standalone version of a game and didn't give us any alternatives. After all--THERE ARE NO RB INSTRUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! So WTF else are we supposed to do besides complain to the manufacturer? Quit sounding so pious and high & mighty. We were sold a product that is UNPLAYABLE!

[espher]

You know what, the only one to blame here is the company that relased the software. They sold us a standalone version of a game and didn't give us any alternatives. After all--THERE ARE NO RB INSTRUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! So WTF else are we supposed to do besides complain to the manufacturer? Quit sounding so pious and high & mighty. We were sold a product that is UNPLAYABLE!

Third-party USB microphone and splitting a bundle are two simple options (and the latter was one of the motives of releasing a standalone version) to render the game playable.

They're clearly working on something to appease people like you, but there's no point *****ing about it ten times a day. Something to enable compatibility in a competitor's product that came out a couple of days before this thing went gold. The game hasn't even been out a month yet.

They never guaranteed compatibility, and they're doing something to help their consumer base, but I guess some people need to piss and moan to feel like something is happening instead of showing a little patience.

[Dissent]

Patience has been shown since people first slapped down $170 on an incomplete product on day one. Then a week ago we were told that a patch to fix this problem would be available on that day! Since then we've heard almost nothing from HMX. What's the point of complaining? To let the company realize that we aren't letting this go. That they can't simply string us along with empty bull**** until they get their act together and release the stand alone guitars three months later! The point of complaining is to get some answers, any at all, about the nearly unplayable. expensive pile of plastic crap that we all have junking up our living rooms now!

Let me ask you a question? What's the point of hanging around and reading a thread you clearly don't have interest in just to berate the people who do? Plenty of people in this forum post about stuff I think is complete worthless nonsense but I've never felt the urge to read every post on it and certainly not to comment on something that doesn't concern me.

[Parah]

HMXsean and HMXJohnLok, if you're reading this thread (as I'm sure you are), we thank you for the updates you DO give us, even if they're few and far between. It really is better than nothing.

In the end, we'll have to wait for it, whether it comes a day from now, or six months from now. I just wish we had an inside source that wasn't hampered by the legalities of what they can or can't say.

[TKurata]

Let me ask you a question? What's the point of hanging around and reading a thread you clearly don't have interest in just to berate the people who do? Plenty of people in this forum post about stuff I think is complete worthless nonsense but I've never felt the urge to read every post on it and certainly not to comment on something that doesn't concern me.

Your post is completely on point as are most of the disenfranchised PS3 crowd's posts clamoring on these boards. The really pathetic people are those with no stake in this, those who hang around and espouse their forum ethics and moralism on the rest of us. Seriously, get a life! This is the same guy who said we deserve to contract ebola virus for demanding results from Harmonix. How dare we. At least he admits he is a total and complete dick.

Harmonix screwed up and are hiding under the skirts of Sony and Activision, but they do have plenty of pathetic little fanboys and lemmings running around to protect them 24/7.

Seriously, if your RB is functioning, or you don't have a stake in this issue, then stay the hell off of these threads. We don't give a crap about your forum etiquette--we are pissed off and we refuse to be silenced!!!

[espher]

If you aren't willing to respect my opinion and this subject, I see no reason to respect yours. A large number of angry PS3 crew are certainly not respecting anyone else on the boards on this topic. Unlike most of them, I'm keeping my opinion (granted, it's a dissenting one) in the topic designated for it.

I'm not demanding answers on an hourly basis -- answers that they've said they'll provide when they have them. I'm not assuming it's some grand conspiracy and that they're ignoring their client base. I'm not assuming they have answers that they refuse to give, but that it's more likely that they're unable to give them (see: GameSpot/Gerstmann-gate). I'm not trying to start lawsuits (or class-action lawsuits) because a competitor's product does not function. I'm not derailing other threads. I'm not creating new threads. I'm not spamming the boards or threatening to start a forum riot. I'm not demanding information be provided prematurely on a topic that started because of information being provided prematurely.

I'm not saying you can't be upset about it, or that I don't understand why you're upset about it. I'm not saying you can't throw a fit and post hourly (you clearly can), or believe all the theories you want, just that it's a stupid thing to be doing. :)

As an aside, if you spent $170 on it, you have a complete product. You can enjoy all game modes. You can't necessarily enjoy the full offline multiplayer experience because there's a hardware shortage. I couldn't get a second Wiimote for my Wii for a while, but I didn't feel that I was getting an incomplete product. I knew I couldn't play two-player games until the hardware was available (which took a month or two here, and I picked it up well after release).

[HMXJohnlok]

This is why these threads get locked.