Official Discussion - Rock Band Network

[Apples]

http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i4d0b1b4303c83997ea8bf1f3ea673d95

MTV Games and Harmonix Empower Artists and Labels to Get Their Music in the Game with the Rock Band Network

The Rock Band Network Gives Artists and Record Labels Tools to Author, Promote and Sell Music for Download via the Rock Band Platform

CAMBRIDGE, MA and NEW YORK, NY – July 17, 2009 – Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today announced the Rock Band Network, a ground-breaking initiative that gives musicians and record labels the ability to author their own original recordings into gameplay files and sell their music as playable Rock Band tracks through the newly-created Rock Band Network Music Store. The introduction of the Rock Band Network marks a fundamental shift in the exposure music games can give emerging and established artists through innovative technologies that will open new revenue streams and promotional avenues.

"Our goal with Rock Band has always been to go beyond making music games and create a true music platform," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and co-founder of Harmonix. "With the Rock Band Network, we've evolved the platform to its next logical step, giving players access to an incredible amount of new music by putting the professional tools we use in the hands of the artists themselves."

"The Rock Band Network enables songwriters and musicians – at any stage of their careers – to create their own paths through the interactive music realm," said Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President, Electronic Games and Music, MTV Networks Music Group. "Our download store has been an extraordinary success, and it’s exciting for us to provide access to our platform through this uniquely elegant solution."

The Rock Band Network will launch as an open beta in late August 2009 in the U.S. and provide a sophisticated toolset, with detailed documentation on how bands can begin the process of authoring songs into Rock Band gameplay files. Authors will be able to submit tracks for playtesting and peer review via a specialized Web site, Creators.RockBand.com. Potential publishers will need a membership to Microsoft’s XNA Creators Club Online in order to test and publish game content. The service will only be available to those who purchase a premium membership to Microsoft’s XNA Creators Club Online, which can be purchased for four months at $49.99 or for a year at $99.99.

“The proven strength and stability of Microsoft’s game development tools, technologies and services allowed Harmonix to focus on making an easy-to-use experience for authors without needing to reinvent the wheel,” said Dave Mitchell, product unit manager, XNA publishing platform. “Rock Band Network is a model example of integration with XNA Creators Club Online.”

Once tracks are approved, they will be transferred to the Rock Band Network Store, an in-game music marketplace where millions of Rock Band fans will be able to demo samples of the songs for free before they purchase. Songs will debut exclusively on Xbox 360 for 30 days. Artists featured in the store will be able to choose from multiple pricing tiers for individual tracks and will be compensated via a simple payment system that provides automated accounting and regular royalty payments.

Tracks for the Rock Band Network will be made available later in the fall on the Xbox 360® video game entertainment system from Microsoft. Stand out tracks will follow on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™ console. Joining the more than 750 tracks available to date, the Rock Band Network Store will greatly increase the amount of music available through the Rock Band music platform and further confirm MTV Games and Harmonix’s position as the leading provider of downloadable content for music-based video games.

#####
About MTV Networks
MTV Networks, a division 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.

© 2009 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., a MTV Networks company. Rock Band developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Microsoft, Xbox. Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.[/QUOTE]


http://www.rockband.com/rock-band-network
http://creators.rockband.com/

Rock Band Network... GO! Press release coming soon.

[sillystou]

Interesting. :)

Also, first! Wow, first time I've ever been first. I feel special. :p

[Kaemon]

And this is exciting. What a fun thing to have. I can see how great things can come from it.

[kingtonyx]

Best thing ever. Seriously.

No more "(Band X) wants to be in Rock Band but..."

Every band, any band, any one can be in Rock Band.

[SKooT182]

Huge, huge news.

Lets see how well this works.

[kiggidykev]

Yeah yeah yaeh!

[HMXEnosity]

more info.

http://www.rockband.com/rock-band-network
http://creators.rockband.com/

Press Release coming soon...

[Musicfreak82515]

Full of Win.

HMX4Life

[davidshek]

I'm about as excited for this announcement as I possibly could be about anything video game-related...and that's saying something!

I wonder how hard it will be to chart my own drum tracks... :D

HMX, you rock!

[ajistheman]

I am excited...way to go HMX
more songs, quicker

[broncosfan06]

this looks pretty kick ass i gotta say, more indie bands makin it to RB is always a good thing

[hmxsean]

As I said, this is the most fulfilling project i have ever worked on. I really truly think its a game changer.

[skyttskytt]

∗ For the Xbox 360 * Select songs may also appear on PS3This disappoints me greatly.

Can we get some kind of explanation on this? Are we seriously getting shafted because of our choice of console?

[Llamaaction]

∗ For the Xbox 360 * Select songs may also appear on PS3

Oh, crap. I don't like the sound of that for Wii.

Edit: Ninja'd.

[Xero.Talent]

Signed up for Beta!

[C-Weiner]

Signed up for Beta!

where?

[HMXDungHeaver]

I'm extremely excited about this. I can't wait to see all the great things that people are going to put up.

[Oscar-Rio]

Wow, this makes getting Black Metal a truly viable option. HMX, i am impressed by this ambitious
venture you're undertaking.

Can't wait to see it in full swing.

[Fennz]

when does it open? I hope soon...

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

Signed up for Beta!

LINK!

Please :)

[Edgehead]

This is amazing!!!

I'm a little confused about the process though, does this mean that an artist submits their masters to a dev team that then charts the song for them or is the artist responsible for getting the charting done on their own accord and then submitting the song to the dev team

[RockBandRocker]

I don't know about this!

It sounds great (and could be a godsend if it is used by big labels and bands like MUSE and Coheed and Cambria), but amateurs doing the charting worries me a little.

One of the things I have always liked about HMX is their commitment to being as accurate as is humanly possible with their charts.

[C-Weiner]

I am super excited for this actually. Now maybe some of my favorite lesser known bands will make it into the game

[hmxsean]

This disappoints me greatly.

We are working closely with the other consoles to get it work. We do hope that we can make this viable for all systems at some point.

[S1ckH4nds]

This will bankrupt me.

[kingtonyx]

I seriously want to high-five all of you HMX people. This really is blowing my mind right now.

[jr174200]

This potentially opens the whole thing up. While giving unknown bands an opportunity, this will assuredly evolve into big bands releasing stuff on their own.

The possibilities are huge. Full Phish shows released by Phish?! One can only dream.

[Casto21]

I need a bigger hard drive ....

[guitarheromasta]

Don't know if this got posted, but here is some more info:

Link (http://www.avforums.com/forums/rock-band-xbox-360/1038992-rock-band-network.html)

[ExcessNeo]

We are working closely with the other consoles to get it work. We do hope that we can make this viable for all systems at some point.

Good to hear, the sooner the better ;)

Will a cookie bribe speed things up?

[skyttskytt]

We are working closely with the other consoles to get it work. We do hope that we can make this viable for all systems at some point.

I don't mind the "eventually" part. I'm worried about the "select songs" or "popular" part. Can you make sure we get everything, even if it's delayed, please? I'd love you forever. I've already invested over $2000 in this game, and I'd hate to ultimately have an inferior product for no viable reason.

[Oscar-Rio]

This will bankrupt me.

lol, no sh*t. Harmonix is making me poor.

[sillystou]

This will bankrupt me.

Better start making music then. ;)

[CrazyIvan]

This is absolutely huge! I can't begin to say how impressed I am with Harmonix as a company. You are one of the first companies I've ever supported that TRULY stick to your word and integrity.

While I worry somewhat about the quality of the charting for these songs at first, I know that in the long run this will completely change the rhythm game genre. I was originally hoping for news about RB3 when the Twitters pointed at another announcement, but this is so much larger than just a sequel.

I can't wait to see what the RBN produces!

[afterstasis]

this is incredible... can someone freeze me and melt me when this is going full-swing?

[SonicRocker15X]

I'd love to test the beta... If I was in a band.

But who knows, I might be able to promote my uncle's. iOnize could use more publicity. :p

In all seriousness, mind = TOTALLY COMPLETELY BEYOND ALL COMPREHENSION, BLOWN

[MooTrain]

GUINNESS!

(As in Pure Genius)

[WingsOfSteel]

I hope HMX has some quality control over the charts. It'd suck to have some great indie band put their songs in the game but it turns out to be an unplayable mess of three/four-note chords.

[hmxsean]

I don't mind the "eventually" part. I'm worried about the "select songs" or "popular" part. Can you make sure we get everything, even if it's delayed, please? I'd love you forever. I've already invested over $2000 in this game, and I'd hate to ultimately have an inferior product for no viable reason.

That's not really a question for me. At least not one I could answer.

[Swivle]

This is incredible news. As soon as this is launched, I'm emailing all my favorite artists demanding that they take part in this.

The possibilities...discographies, 100 songs per week...suddenly that person who said (I think it was HMXSean, but I'm really not sure EDIT: It was Alex Rigopolous) that RB could reach like 5,000 songs by the end of next year doesn't seem so far-fetched.

This took way too long to type due to my current state of excitedness.

[Bartenderjoe]

Fly my prettys fly and spread the word to all your favourite bands!

[MattyT]

This disappoints me greatly.

Can we get some kind of explanation on this? Are we seriously getting shafted because of our choice of console?

Yeah, I was really disappointed to see this. Explanation, please? :confused:

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

This is amazing!!!

I'm a little confused about the process though, does this mean that an artist submits their masters to a dev team that then charts the song for them or is the artist responsible for getting the charting done on their own accord and then submitting the song to the dev team


The band does everything themselves and then it goes through an approval process to make sure it isn't substandard charting, etc.

[LoopyChew]

I am hyperventilating right now. Like, it is two minutes until work is over and I am having trouble breathing.

[Nickalos N]

Thank You Hmx you guys ROCK

[Kidmitt]

I do not like this Xbox exclusivity idea at all. "Select tracks may appear on PS3" had better mean "Xbox has a timed exclusive (like always) and eventually all features will be available for other consoles."

I understand it's using XNA, but if they don't port it to allow the PS3 and Wii to enjoy the full benefits of this ambitious idea, they are slicing their fan base straight down the middle. As much as they deny it, for the time being this reeks of Harmonix giving preferential treatment to the Xbox.

Yes, PS3 may have 700+ songs available, which is a lot, but if suddenly the Xbox has 2000+ songs, that's going to irk a lot of PS3 and Wii users, including me.

But I have faith in Harmonix. It might take a year or two, but they'll eventually have this thing working right. :)

[TheLovelyNoise]

I wonder if people realize how groundbreaking and innovative this potentially is. This is huge people!

[HMXEnosity]

This is amazing!!!

I'm a little confused about the process though, does this mean that an artist submits their masters to a dev team that then charts the song for them or is the artist responsible for getting the charting done on their own accord and then submitting the song to the dev team

The artist has the option to charts songs themselves.
We give all Rock Band Network members the tools to do this.

[RockBandRocker]

IF the big labels and bands use this, than USL becomes useless.

[C-Weiner]

I think it's trump Guitar Hero day today. Rise Against, Rancid, and Kings of Leon, plus a REAL Music studio

[Musicfreak82515]

but this opens up new possibilites as well, doesn't it? Instead of just instrumental tracks without vocals, maybe there might be no guitar in some tracks, no bass in others, or even no drums! I can't wait for the release of this program... speaking of which, when are you expecting to release this Harmonix?

[metalfenix]

Oh well, it's a good iniciative for 360. It's a shame that PS3 (wich is my gaming platform for RB2) won't be seeing anything of this (same with wii) because this relies heavily on the XNA platform.

[kiggidykev]

I feel like I'm going to puke, this is so exciting

[dweber77]

Congratulations HMX!!! This is awesome news, too bad I am on the PSN and not XBL.

[Apples]

This disappoints me greatly.

Can we get some kind of explanation on this? Are we seriously getting shafted because of our choice of console?

Do Sony and Nintendo have ready-made easy mode community driven premade developer environments. This program is build on Microsoft's XNA platform and I don't believe the other two have anything equivalent.

[Edgehead]

I feel like the artist or label isn't going to want to go through the trouble of commissioning a chart for all of their songs.

[ajistheman]

this does seem lame for the ps3 and wii owners...(as someone who owns both, and has rock band on the ps3 with enough money purchased into dlc, that i cant buy a 360, rb, all my dlcs for this)...i guess those are the breaks
Microsoft has done quite a lot to get this going from what I'm reading
have fun 360'ers

[MaGna720]

Me 60 years in the future-

"Y'know, back in my day, we had to wait for a whole WEEK before we could get three songs! And if you didn't like em', you were SOL; you had to wait a whole 'nother week. And all you could do is pray that the next week would be something better. You whippersnappers are so spoiled..."

Seriously though, this is awesome. I guess this is my cue to stop my DLC whoredom.

[davidshek]

I'd love to test the beta... If I was in a band.

So would I...and I am in a band! Can't seem to find a link to sign up for it though...

[T-Hybrid]

Just becaues I was bored...new genres listed in the intro video:

Fusion
Jazz
Novelty
Urban

Arena
Folk Rock
Garage
Hard Rock
Psychadelic
Reggae
Rockabilly
Rock and Roll
Ska
Surf

[hmxsean]

Yeah, I was really disappointed to see this. Explanation, please? :confused:

I can't really give a full explanation other than to say we are working with the outside parties to make this available universally. And until then its our intention to at least get some of the premium content moved over.

[skyttskytt]

That's not really a question for me. At least not one I could answer.

Anyone in the office that can? :)

I love the idea, and am glad that it's happening, but nothing has made me feel like the 360 gets special treatment until the wording in those announcements. It's not our faults that the 360 isn't our primary gaming console (I happen to own all 3, but all my friends are on the PS3), and it'd actually very much upset me to be denied a potential massive amount of music just because I own the very same game on a not-360.

[T-Hybrid]

Also: LOL at the GH stab.

"We're not just talking about mashing together pre-recorded samples."

and

"including vocals!"

[DJPooka]

Dear Microsoft,

HMX and you guys have done something so awesome I'm almost completely speechless. I realise now that my habit of buying every track is going to come to a sudden and screaching halt because I'm not gonna be able to afford everything any more. Please tell me I can have a bigger hard-drive for my xbox, because I think I'm gonna need that very very quickly.

Regards,
Pook.

In all honesty, this is a mindblowingly epic announcement and I am so impressed by this fact. I also spotted something else - since this is coming out soon and it mentions that you need RockBand 2.2, the patch can't be all that far behind - I don't see HMX making two different patches....

Thank you, HMX!

Oh yeah - I take it you guys are still going to be releasing tunes to bankrupt me every week?

[skyttskytt]

Do Sony and Nintendo have ready-made easy mode community driven premade developer environments. This program is build on Microsoft's XNA platform and I don't believe the other two have anything equivalent.


I can't really give a full explanation other than to say we are working with the outside parties to make this available universally. And until then its our intention to at least get some of the premium content moved over.

So it's a "this could be a potential problem on Sony or Nintendo's side" kind of thing that would limit what's available?

[guitarheromasta]

I definitely like the idea that bands will be able to choose their own prices on their content: anywere from $.50 - $3.00.

And I'm also happy that we may see this thing by the end of the year.

15 months have gone into this, and coming from HMX, I expect this to be truly revolutionary.

Congrats HMX!

[Zephiel]

For the Xbox 360 * Select songs may also appear on PS3

Sigh, the PS3 gets shafted again...stupid PS3. ...And none on the Wii?

This is still awesome news. I kind of want to see how it works before I buy the membership.

[General Lein979]

Just out of curiosity are we going to have to pay for these tracks also this tech alone will cause rock band to be more that just a fad.

[hmxsean]

Anyone in the office that can? :)

I love the idea, and am glad that it's happening, but nothing has made me feel like the 360 gets special treatment until the wording in those announcements. It's not our faults that the 360 isn't our primary gaming console (I happen to own all 3, but all my friends are on the PS3), and it'd actually very much upset me to be denied a potential massive amount of music just because I own the very same game on a not-360.

Again, we are working on it.

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

Ok where the hell is this beta I'm hearing about?

Can someone from HMX give us a link or something?

I've scoured a few of the links and can find nothing on it.

[Kidmitt]

One question: how are licensing issues going to work? Say Joe the Hacker somehow ends up with the masters (or at least split tracks) to a Pink Floyd song. What's going to stop him from getting that uploaded? How can you verify the uploader actually has rights to the song?

[guitarheromasta]

So it's a "this could be a potential problem on Sony or Nintendo's side" kind of thing that would limit what's available?

The article I linked to earlier states:
"The Rock Band Network is the result of a 16-month development process with a number of partners. Most important was Microsoft. Tracks released through the Rock Band Network will only be available at first to Xbox 360 users, as it relies on Microsoft's XNA game development platform and its Creators Club online community of developers.

The Creators Club allows freelance developers or hobbyists to make their own games and sell them on the Xbox Live Marketplace. Games created through this process must first be submitted to the Creators Club community for game-play and content review before they are added to the marketplace."

[General Lein979]

One question: how are licensing issues going to work? Say Joe the Hacker somehow ends up with the masters (or at least split tracks) to a Pink Floyd song. What's going to stop him from getting that uploaded? How can you verify the uploader actually has rights to the song?From the sounds of it hmx is reviewing them.

[DJPooka]

So would I...and I am in a band! Can't seem to find a link to sign up for it though...

If I've not been Ninja'd - go to http://creators.rockband.com/ and the signup box is in the top right corner :)

[SonicRocker15X]

One question: how are licensing issues going to work? Say Joe the Hacker somehow ends up with the masters (or at least split tracks) to a Pink Floyd song. What's going to stop him from getting that uploaded? How can you verify the uploader actually has rights to the song?

You don't get the idea of the review section before it gets officially published, do you? :p

Anyway, I see something...
WTF are Npeaen and S1ck4H4ands going to do now, with hundreds of songs popping up daily? :p

[kingtonyx]

For people interested in the beta testing or more information, you can find the form to sign up for more information when it becomes available right on the site :)

[CrazyIvan]

Ok where the hell is this beta I'm hearing about?

Can someone from HMX give us a link or something?

I've scoured a few of the links and can find nothing on it.

http://creators.rockband.com/

Check in the upper right.

D'oh! Ninja'd big time.

[Edgehead]

This is seriously the most excited I have ever been for anything in a game, this is so potentially groundbreaking for not just gaming in general but the music industry as well. Congrats HMX

[metalfenix]

In the billboard article mentions that this project relies on the XNA platform (wich is a programming platform for making games for the 360 platform).

So don't expect to be seeing this on PS3 or wii soon people :(

[hmxsean]

From the sounds of it hmx is reviewing them.

In addition to that all the other reviewers are also reviewing them. It's a pretty tight system. Of course some jerk may try to pull something like that but they will be failed out of the system and very likely have their $100 membership revoked for blatantly breaking the TOS.

[jr174200]

Will there be a length limit on the uploaded songs?

(asks the guy who is praying that Phish releases full shows on the RBN)

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

All I found on the beta so far was a page calling me a monkey.

http://creators.rockband.com/docs/Closed_Beta_Guide

[davidshek]

If I've not been Ninja'd - go to http://creators.rockband.com/ and the signup box is in the top right corner :)

Yeah I must be blind, I had looked at that page and totally missed it. Thanks! :)

[quinaking]

What the ****? Harmonix if you're thinking what I think you're thinking you are the smartest people on the planet. And that's not just to compliment myself!

[ajistheman]

hmxsean, harmonix will still be releasing the same amount of songs themselves right? Every song you guys make can be made just as good (theoretically, probably not always) by the labels/musicians/whoever has the masters as the tracks you guys make? Correct?

oh poor SickHands (and napoleon), I'd feel bad for you guys if you have to pay to download all these tracks to upload those youtube vidoes...i think you might need another job if you plan on keeping up your side youtube job


To HMX developers (i'm sure you considered this, if not, maybe consider it if possible) if down the road, you find it impossible to have the PS3/Wii be as updated as Microsoft's system....consider being able to "transfer dlc rights to 360" I don't think that's possible, but have the original system lose all files and the 360 get the same tracks (since the cost would be the same) I doubt its possible, but I never thought this was possible...I'm just throwing it out as a possiblity, since it doesnt appear that the PS3 can do what Microsoft's can

[sillystou]

All I found on the beta so far was a page calling me a monkey.

http://creators.rockband.com/docs/Closed_Beta_Guide

LMAO. HMX sure has a great sense of humor. :D

[HMXEnosity]

I feel like the artist or label isn't going to want to go through the trouble of commissioning a chart for all of their songs.

Billboard states in their article that indie label, Sub Pop is already on board.

[Kidmitt]

You don't get the idea of the review section before it gets officially published, do you? :p

No, I don't think I do. What if Led Zeppelin (not going to happen, but still) hired a freelancer in the XNA community to chart Stairway? How are the reviewers going to be sure it's legit? Call Zeppelin? Some digital certificate? Maybe I just didn't read close enough.

[Booker]

Please tell me this will be rolled out in Europe at the same time as it hits in the States.

If we have to wait any extra time for access to this I'll be one unhappy puppy. :(

[HMXEnosity]

One question: how are licensing issues going to work? Say Joe the Hacker somehow ends up with the masters (or at least split tracks) to a Pink Floyd song. What's going to stop him from getting that uploaded? How can you verify the uploader actually has rights to the song?

Peer review (similar to the XNA indie games process) will catch licensing issues, authoring issues, and content issues.

[Kidmitt]

In addition to that all the other reviewers are also reviewing them. It's a pretty tight system. Of course some jerk may try to pull something like that but they will be failed out of the system and very likely have their $100 membership revoked for blatantly breaking the TOS.

Okay, that's more reassuring then.

[striderblack]

Well played. That's all I can really say. :)

[elfreako]

What a fantastic idea. Eventually you could even see a few individuals getting so good at charting that they can do consulting for a bunch of bands. I'd imagine you will be looking for song QA testers around here... I'd love to participate, but of course I'm on PS3 so I guess I'm screwed.

I might even end up helping my brother's band chart a few songs, which I'll never get to play. because, yeah, PS3.

Seriously guys, get on it. The excitement around this announcement just emphases the frustration of not being able to take advantage of it.

[Edgehead]

So, in the grand scheme of things, the idea is that the labels will hire their own team of developers to work on their own songs which will be submitted to HMX completed and thus much easier to get into the Marketplace.

[Watchmen89]

This is amazing..... Don't know what else to really say. The potential of Rock Band Network is insane. The idea that bands that have been stingy with their material can now release their own tracks the way they want.

If this works the way the I hope (and know it will since Harmonix is behind it), THANK YOU FOR THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!

[C-Weiner]

Yay for more Bang Camaro, Anarchy Club, and the rest of the Harmonix bands hopefully making their way into the game

[krectus]

Sounds great!!! but....


I need a bigger hard drive ....


This will bankrupt me.



yeah.

[RockBandRocker]

I am very excited for you all at HMX and I can't wait to see how this is used.

I read (on Billboard?) that anyone who controls the masters can do this. I wonder if this is how we can get those "hold out" bands (Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, etc.) who don't want to relinquish control of their masters into the game.

Also, could a professional band chart their own songs? Because the idea of playing Black Holes and Revelations as charted by MUSE or Surfer Rosa as charted by Pixies or even In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth:3 as charted by Coheed and Cambria is thrilling.

[HeyRiles]

This OP is a direct violation of my personal work! I demand recompense!

[Der_Lex]

What a fantastic idea. Eventually you could even see a few individuals getting so good at charting that they can do consulting for a bunch of bands. I'd imagine you will be looking for song QA testers around here... I'd love to participate, but of course I'm on PS3 so I guess I'm screwed.

I might even end up helping my brother's band chart a few songs, which I'll never get to play. because, yeah, PS3.

Seriously guys, get on it. The excitement around this announcement just emphases the frustration of not being able to take advantage of it.

I'm a PS3 user too and share your frustration, but I think it's more a matter of Sony having to get on it than HMX. Microsoft gave them the framework they needed for this, Sony needs to do the same.

[kingtonyx]

Hey, this created a few new jobs too eh?

Labels will hire professional charters?

Also I'd be more than willing to help out with any sort of testing. I have nothing to do during the day :)

[skyttskytt]

Again, we are working on it.

Want to hire a PS3 chart monkey? :)

[thenewno1]

This is an incredible move forward for Harmonix - hell, for the entire music game genre.

If anyone doubted this company's commitment before, this announcement will surely blow all those doubts straight out the window. Harmonix has always been devoted to the music above all, and it's projects like this that truly show their dedication to expanding this platform above and beyond.

Not to mention, this opens so many doors for bands who've wanted to be in the game for ages, but weren't sure how to get the process started. Unknown indie bands could explode in popularity through this program, and undiscovered talent is going to constantly be unearthed. Even bands and artists already established could release the songs they choose without any legal hassle. It's like a giant barrier that's been holding back the flood of great music out there has finally been brought down.

I'm so excited for this system to be up and running! As an aspiring musician, I've always wanted to create music but never had the drive to succeed. With this system, I might actually get the band together and work to create new material. RB just became more than a music game - I can't help but feel that we're only moving forward from here.

[Zephiel]

Does the artist get some of their song's profits?

[Swivle]

Does the artist get some of their song's profits?

30%. It said in the article.

[C-Weiner]

I love that we really trumped guitar hero

[RockBandRocker]

Also I'd be more than willing to help out with any sort of testing. I have nothing to do during the day :)

I'm with you on that.

If you guys at HMX need more playtesters all you have to do is call me up and I will move to Boston and go to work for you!

[Kidmitt]

So...
People whine about how RB players need to put down the plastic and learn to play a real instrument. Now those players will be inspired to learn a real instrument so they can record a song and put it in RB so they can play it on their plastic instruments! Everybody wins!

[Soratar]

This is amazing because Relient K has a MUCH better chance of getting into Rock Band!!!!!! Thank you so much!

There is only one thing that disappoints me. Us PS3 users are only getting "select songs". I'd really like to know why that it.

[HMXEnosity]

Will there be a length limit on the uploaded songs?

(asks the guy who is praying that Phish releases full shows on the RBN)


We are committed to giving artists the same tools that Harmonix uses when authoring music. I want to make it clear that RBN Store songs (if authored to the fullest) will be of the same caliber of songs in the RB Music Store. More details to come later :)

[metalfenix]

I'm a PS3 user too and share your frustration, but I think it's more a matter of Sony having to get on it than HMX. Microsoft gave them the framework they needed for this, Sony needs to do the same.

Yeah, this project relies heavily on the XNA platform...sony should do something like this. I have no means to change to 360 right now (I have the system, but...I have all my instruments + 64 DLC songs + RB1 songs + PSN Contacts to play in PS3). Buying two copies of RB2 don't do me any good either... :(

Ah well, congrats 360 RB'ers

[Doughoef]

Now that it's sunk in, this is really game changing! Hold on to your wallets. :eek:

[Jaicen06]

I love the idea! I just hope that it will come to the PS3 soon. I do however understand why it is on the 360 first, given Microsoft's help here, which I do appreciate. I can not bash anyone here for this decision. It is the right one for the right reasons. As a Server Administrator on Windows Servers, I make a living on what Microsoft produces as well, so I hope all the best on this project for all parties involved. And I hope all the consoles will benefit eventually, ie next summer?, from this.

Thank you Harmonix, MTV and Microsoft for this great upcoming system!

[Musicfreak82515]

I love that we really trumped guitar hero

The funny part is that no one on the GH forums seems really worried about it. A thread was started about RBN but there's only been 1 reply on it, both the OP and poster agree it's an amazing system.

[TheLovelyNoise]

Is the $100/yr. fee for browsing/downloading tracks? Or is that fee just for people that want to get their particular music into the game?

[hammy7971]

Billboard states in their article that indie label, Sub Pop is already on board.

Which means we could be seeing Band of Horses, The Shins, The Postal Service, Iron and Wine, Handsome Furs, L7, The Elected, Ugly Casanova, Nirvana, Fleet Foxes, Flight of the Conchords, Wolf Parade, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Rogue Wave, Soundgarden, etc. DLC coming out. That seems pretty exciting to me.

[kingtonyx]

Is the $100/yr. fee for browsing/downloading tracks? Or is that fee just for people that want to get their particular music into the game?

the fee is for authors

[HMXEnosity]

hmxsean, harmonix will still be releasing the same amount of songs themselves right? Every song you guys make can be made just as good (theoretically, probably not always) by the labels/musicians/whoever has the masters as the tracks you guys make? Correct?


The Rock Band Music Store will not see a drop in weekly output due to the Rock Band Network. They are separate entities.

2nd question - Answer: Yes.

[Kidmitt]

Is the $100/yr. fee for browsing/downloading tracks? Or is that fee just for people that want to get their particular music into the game?

That's the fee for using tools to make songs, not for playing them.

[TheLovelyNoise]

the fee is for authors

thanks

[Musicfreak82515]

Is the $100/yr. fee for browsing/downloading tracks? Or is that fee just for people that want to get their particular music into the game?

It's for those who want to put their music into the game. Therefore, any up-and-coming band or even someone major (like LZ) only has to pay that fee. If they do well, the profits will have them consider about renewing.

EDIT: Dammit, Ninja'd

[rad5brandon]

Yeah, this project relies heavily on the XNA platform...sony should do something like this. I have no means to change to 360 right now (I have the system, but...I have all my instruments + 64 DLC songs + RB1 songs + PSN Contacts to play in PS3). Buying two copies of RB2 don't do me any good either... :(

Ah well, congrats 360 RB'ers

Hey don't feel bad, Harmonix is working to bring these songs to the PS3 and Wii, maybe it can just come down to copy and pasting these songs.

[HeyRiles]

I'll express my concerns here as well


My only concern is the potential drop in aesthetic changes as well as chart quality

The lighting and transitions during a song as well as character animation is stellar in songs released normally. But will songs released through the RBN be able to hold a candle up to the regular lighting and graphics? I'm just worried about a considerable drop in quality between the two stores


But my concern is this

I like, say, Senses Fail quite a bit. Their record company gets their hands on these tools and develops a number of their songs. A part of the game that makes it so appealing is its aesthetics. For example, I love Assassain but it just wasn't any fun in Guitar Hero. Without this aesthetic goodness, I'm pretty worried I would buy it but not enjoy it, and end up wasting money on poor quality

THEN, since they are already in the RBN, there isn't any need for Harmonix to take the songs and develop them themselves for inclusion into the main music store. Basically the band that I really enjoy has been locked out of getting great stuff into Rock Band and being developed by official Rock Band developers

[metalhead27]

This sounds... amazing :eek:... unfortunately I'm a PS3 user. :( Still, it will be interesting to see how this works out.

[Kidmitt]

I love that we really trumped guitar hero

I really don't think the bulk of the GH community cares.

[kingtonyx]

I just hope that too many bands/labels don't go over the normal $2 cost

I assume I'd be looking at labels to do that, I can see bands going for lower prices and more downloads

[TheLovelyNoise]

So there is no reason to believe the tracks wouldn't be up in the Ps3 or Wii stores even if we can't use the editing program then ya?

[Planswalker89]

Sounds awesome, HMX. I was surprised in the first article when you said you were hoping to move it to us Wii users too... though I'm expecting that to not happen for a long while (if ever... I know the Wii's pretty different from the other two consoles when it comes to DLC issues). Either way this sounds like an awesome idea and I'll be eagerly waiting for updates on this!

[logicalnoise]

way to go HMX you guys f'n rock. I'm already working out ways to get my music on there(considering I'm a techno artist I may have to go industrial).

[skyttskytt]

Hey don't feel bad, Harmonix is working to bring these songs to the PS3 and Wii, maybe it can just come down to copy and pasting these songs.

There's a reason the Wii has to play the back catalog catch-up game right now, and that's because it's not as simple as copy/paste. I just hope everything will eventually get ported over, not just the "popular" stuff. I'd hate to be (or have anyone else) denied a favorite band simply because people on the 360 didn't buy it all to hell.

[chumsicles]

Hmm. People who aren't HMX will be able to chart their own songs? Interesting.


I read somewhere a really long time ago that the goal for Rock Band's music store was to have a wide selection of pretty much every artist ever, much like iTunes. Maybe now that goal will be achieved

[SonicRocker15X]

I'd personally pay the yearly subscription fee just to review everything before it makes it to the store myself.
Though I'm hoping a cheaper version for people who just want to review everything before it gets store wise will be out at some point...

[General Lein979]

Billboard states in their article that indie label, Sub Pop is already on board.I can has Songs off screaming life and fopp by soundgarden? Also how is censoring going to work because each song has to go through the ersb right? Also pricing of the songs?

[Soratar]

I just hope that too many bands/labels don't go over the normal $2 cost

I assume I'd be looking at labels to do that, I can see bands going for lower prices and more downloads

Same here. I'm also looking forward to the whole discography thing they are supporting.

[RockBandRocker]

Will there be a length limit on the uploaded songs?

(asks the guy who is praying that Phish releases full shows on the RBN)

That would be damn cool.

Heck, the idea of getting Rush songs like "Xanadu", "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", "2112", "Bastille Day" etc. isn't so ridiculous now.

And maybe Pete Townshend can use the reconstructed masters and we can get the rest of Who's Next?

[ffwarrior47]

I am so excited about this!!!!

Thank you guys, i've never been so excited about anything music/video game related since Rock Band 1 first released!!!! :D :D :D

[elfreako]

I'm a PS3 user too and share your frustration, but I think it's more a matter of Sony having to get on it than HMX. Microsoft gave them the framework they needed for this, Sony needs to do the same.

It's too easy to just brush it off though. I'm not blaming anyone for how things turned out, obviously HMX have a great collaboration from Microsoft, which allows them to do great things, but I just hope they will think of their users and actively pursue an arrangement with Sony.

I actually bought a PS3 just to get Rock Band, thinking it was going to remain HMX's platform of choice considering their past history with GH. I still don't have any other title for it. I love these games that much, but I can't help feeling betrayed by both Sony and HMX if this remains a 360 exclusive.

I guess I just hope someone over there will keep fighting for us and not simply give up and blame Sony or whatever.

[SonicRocker15X]

I can has Songs off screaming life and fopp by soundgarden? Also how is censoring going to work because each song has to go through the ersb right? Also pricing of the songs?

Part of the review process deals with censorship issues, and people can price their own songs (from 50 cents to 3 bucks, is the current estimate).

[Abaddon]

I'm a PS3 user too and share your frustration, but I think it's more a matter of Sony having to get on it than HMX. Microsoft gave them the framework they needed for this, Sony needs to do the same.Sorry, but this doesn't make sense. So if Artist X uses the Harmonix supplied XNA tool to chart a song, then they need to also use SNA (I made the name up, shoot me) to chart a different version of the song for it to be available on PS3? How does this remotely make sense?

I think it's pretty clear that something else is going to have to happen for this content to appear on PS3 and Wii.

[Inapprope]

I can see alot of quality charts being made, because charters from other music game communities (ScoreHero, Frets on Fire etc.) will jump on this.

Very excited for this. Going to inform quite a few bands about it when the beta is released. :)

[hmxsean]

I'd personally pay the yearly subscription fee just to review everything before it makes it to the store myself.
Though I'm hoping a cheaper version for people who just want to review everything before it gets store wise will be out at some point...

It won't be cheaper (because it is still an XNA membership), but we do hope people will do this so we can get the songs through more efficiently. And of course the upside is you get to play all the RBN songs before anyone else.

[C-Weiner]

I'd like to work with Harmonix

[SonicRocker15X]

It won't be cheaper (because it is still an XNA membership), but we do hope people will do this so we can get the songs through more efficiently. And of course the upside is you get to play all the RBN songs before anyone else.

Good point, and that is a good upside...
And 100 a year actually isn't that expensive. Especially compared to how much I've ALREADY spent on these games. :p

Guess I'll do something like that then.

But also, I have a question: Can you keep a song package on your console, even if it was turned down for the official RBN?

[Zephiel]

What about Album covers? Do the owners get to make them? The trailer showed HMX album covers but that could be beta...or something.

[ffwarrior47]

I really love everybody Harmonix right now.....

[ShiningIdeal]

Wow, I can't wait for details on certification. I have quite a few bands I work with who are recording first and second CDs right now who would be absolutely thrilled to get this out there.

I can't work to discuss things with a couple audio engineers at work in just a few minutes.

[DJPooka]

It won't be cheaper (because it is still an XNA membership), but we do hope people will do this so we can get the songs through more efficiently. And of course the upside is you get to play all the RBN songs before anyone else.

... I hadn't thought of that one.

Thank you Sean, I know what I'm gonna be doing as soon as I can afford it and joining in the fun....

[ExcessNeo]

Personally I think it wouldn't be too much work for Harmonix (with help from Sony) to at least get the songs up onto the PSN for purchase considering the PS3 and Xbox 360 have the same song files unlike the Wii which has to be converted iirc.

Development software that can be linked to the PS3 for testing can wait a bit longer.

But I guess that all depends on how often the songs will be updated onto XBL as if it's done daily then of course that's a lot of new stuff to go up to the PSN store each week on Thursday.

[Apples]

I guess I just hope someone over there will keep fighting for us and not simply give up and blame Sony or whatever.


They didn't give up on getting that platform its instrument compatibility and various other thorny issues. Why would they stop now?

[geo2n2]

This is an incredible move forward for Harmonix - hell, for the entire music game genre.

If anyone doubted this company's commitment before, this announcement will surely blow all those doubts straight out the window. Harmonix has always been devoted to the music above all, and it's projects like this that truly show their dedication to expanding this platform above and beyond.

Amen.
This is a really amazing idea. Major Props to HMX.
...As long as they don't cut back on the quality and quantity of their own releases.

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

5000 songs by years end finally makes sense.

You sneaky HMX people.

[metalfenix]

Hey don't feel bad, Harmonix is working to bring these songs to the PS3 and Wii, maybe it can just come down to copy and pasting these songs.


There's a reason the Wii has to play the back catalog catch-up game right now, and that's because it's not as simple as copy/paste. I just hope everything will eventually get ported over, not just the "popular" stuff. I'd hate to be (or have anyone else) denied a favorite band simply because people on the 360 didn't buy it all to hell.

I agree with this, there must be something else. Well, in any case we got every DLC at the same time as 360, so PS3 might have a good chance with the porting, but wii might be a different case though, I'm not sure.

[Soratar]

Good point, and that is a good upside...
And 100 a year actually isn't that expensive. Especially compared to how much I've ALREADY spent on these games. :p


Yeah, it isn't much compared to how much I spend on RB.

Is this patch going to be eventually released so that PS3 users can also review songs?

*facepalm*
I just forgot, its not your choice. I think that Sony should really participate in this.

[skyttskytt]

But I guess that all depends on how often the songs will be updated onto XBL as if it's done daily then of course that's a lot of new stuff to go up to the PSN store each week on Thursday.

That's just too bad for Sony, then. They can deal with our flood of music taking up the New Releases section of the PSN store.

[Rockonforever]

This is huge. Nice job peeps.

[Abaddon]

The company hopes to open the Rock Band Network store before year's end. Songs available through the new store, which will remain separate from the existing "Rock Band" store, will be initially available for download to users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console. MTV expects to eventually make the popular tracks available for use on the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii game systems.So, after re-reading the PR, note that there is no mention of Rock Band Network being made available for PS3 or Wii. If nothing can be worked out with Sony/Nintendo I expect that popular tracks will be brought over to the normal Rock Band store and be made available as "normal" DLC. Here's hoping a better deal can be worked out and RBN will be made available on all consoles at some point.

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

It won't be cheaper (because it is still an XNA membership), but we do hope people will do this so we can get the songs through more efficiently. And of course the upside is you get to play all the RBN songs before anyone else.


Does paying the $100 mean you WILL get into the beta?

I don't want to drop $100 then not get in, as I am in no way shape or form a game designer so it would be wasted money on my part if I don't get in.

[Sgt Pepper]

I'll express my concerns here as well

...THEN, since they are already in the RBN, there isn't any need for Harmonix to take the songs and develop them themselves for inclusion into the main music store. Basically the band that I really enjoy has been locked out of getting great stuff into Rock Band and being developed by official Rock Band developers

This is my main worry as well-- that a band could potentially make it in the real store, but can't because they've already been released on the RBN. I'm hoping HMX will have some sort of method for ensuring that release on the RBN doesn't prevent great music from seeing release in the more exclusive music store.

[hmxsean]

Does paying the $100 mean you WILL get into the beta?

I don't want to drop $100 then not get in, as I am in no way shape or form a game designer so it would be wasted money on my part if I don't get in.

Not into closed beta, but certainly public beta when that goes live.

[geo2n2]

Do this mean we won't see ANY "indie" bands from HMX themselves? Given a choice, I'd rather see HMX master the charts themselves. Like some others my only concern is HMX essentially telling lesser known or on-major label bands to "make them yourselves or not got in."

[aspiring]

Being a PS3 user i am not too thrilled at this being 360 exclusive, but at the same time not too bothered. I mean, obviously they are going to be Indie artists, and MS do have XNA set up so thats fine. But i do have a question. Say band "a" make a song passes certification, will it then be available say the following Thursday for PSN, or will say this just give 360 owners extra songs every week while PS3 misses out?

And if it means we miss out, does it than mean that until Sony have a system like this in place we will never see the songs? If so than that sucks.

[Edgehead]

So signing up for the XNA solely to review songs before they are released would work sort of as a subscription fee to play all the songs, no?

[RockBandRocker]

Is that the voice of the sexy Sean Baptiste narrating that video?

[thirdmortal]

This is awesome. I've already taken the time to make a music video of my band using Rock Band but to have it happen for real would be spectacular. I'm ready to start NOW.

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

There is now basically no excuse not to have a Jukebox Mode.

[CantStopTheHopp]

This is my main worry as well-- that a band could potentially make it in the real store, but can't because they've already been released on the RBN. I'm hoping HMX will have some sort of method for ensuring that release on the RBN doesn't let great music from getting lost in the shuffle.

That concerns me a little too, but I still think this is going to be AWESOME!

I did cringe a little when I saw songs could cost as much as $3 through this, but if that's what it takes to get some of my favorite artists in the game, it's worth it.

[Zephiel]

The reviewing part of the thing looks awesome. I really hope PS3 gets at least some songs.

...I wonder how much money I would have if I sold all my PS3 stuff...

[ExcessNeo]

So signing up for the XNA solely to review songs before they are released would work sort of as a subscription fee to play all the songs, no?

I'm guessing that after they are passed through they drop from the Review system for playing.

[davidshek]

Like some others my only concern is HMX essentially telling lesser known or on-major label bands to "make them yourselves or not got in."

But isn't that better than how it is currently, which would be..."not get in"?

If it comes down to "make the charts yourself or don't get into the game", I'd much prefer that over "you never have any chance of getting into the game".

[HeyRiles]

Not into closed beta, but certainly public beta when that goes live.

Arrrghhh....I can't believe I'm going to be in college and Rock Band-less when this is all going on...I would gladly pay $100 to do this!!

Is there any other conceivable way in which I could help out that wouldn't require having Rock Band available? Anything at all?

[RM-225]

I'm up for hearing more details on this, but for now, this is really exciting news.

Now you can understand why The Beatles chose to work with Harmonix, as well as working with Cirque du Soleil a couple years before, because they are both as artistically ambitious as they were.

[trg007]

It won't be cheaper (because it is still an XNA membership), but we do hope people will do this so we can get the songs through more efficiently. And of course the upside is you get to play all the RBN songs before anyone else.

Wait...so anyone can pay for this membership and be able to play & review the content? I wouldn't mind reviewing vocal charts. :) Where can I sign up?

[ThatAuthoringGroup]

Not into closed beta, but certainly public beta when that goes live.

Ok thanks!

Any rough idea when the public beta will start?

I guess another question is, if we want to get into the closed beta do we already need to be a member?

Or if we get picked we can sign up after?

Just want all my ducks in a row(I have no idea what that means).

[hmxsean]

Is that the voice of the sexy Sean Baptiste narrating that video?

You know it. I'm smooth, like a Christopher Cross song.

[HMXEnosity]

Do this mean we won't see ANY "indie" bands from HMX themselves? Given a choice, I'd rather see HMX master the charts themselves. Like some others my only concern is HMX essentially telling lesser known or on-major label bands to "make them yourselves or not got in."

I think if there's an indie and that we're excited about, there's still a huge possibility that we will chart them.

[HMXEnosity]

So signing up for the XNA solely to review songs before they are released would work sort of as a subscription fee to play all the songs, no?

Sort of Yes. You would be able to play all of the songs prior to release.

[HMXEnosity]

Is that the voice of the sexy Sean Baptiste narrating that video?

SURE IS!! Hot hot hot.

[RockBandRocker]

You know it. I'm smooth, like a Christopher Cross song.

Awesome!

I can now identify at least 3 HMX people by voice.

HMXHellion, you (Sean) and John Drake!!


BTW: Sean, you should totally do a cover of Barry White's "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" and put it on RBN. I would totally buy it! :D

[Edgehead]

I'm guessing that after they are passed through they drop from the Review system for playing.

Right but assuming there are even only 10 songs submitted a day, there's no way you could possibly buy all of that. This would give you a chance to play everything that comes to pass and you would know what you definitively wanted to keep which you could purchase later.

[skyttskytt]

I think if there's an indie and that we're excited about, there's still a huge possibility that we will chart them.

Get more of The Material, they don't even have a label last I heard. :)

[ExcessNeo]

I might have to crumble and buy an Xbox 360 + GHWT drum kit for the MIDI box :(

[aspiring]

Hold on, it says "select songs may appear on PS3". Umm what? Who will decide this?

[Edgehead]

So, if I were to pay the $100 dollars say 2 months after this is launched, because I want to see how smoothly it runs before dropping that kind of money. Would there ever be a cap on the amount of people allowed to review material or is it theoretically anyone who wants to can regardless of how many are doing it?

[Backwards Marathon]

Must get a 2nd job.

[ShiningIdeal]

I'm really so glad the enormous amount of tweets woke me to read through all this.

Here is a curiosity - for the mentioned development.. umm lectures (okay I know there was a better word but I closed the article and I did just wake up) are we going to be needing to plan trips to the Boston area or will Harmonix be doing a bit of travelling to have them available in multiple places for certification?

I could really see a lot of Commercial Music Programs at various small colleges picking it up as a new feather in their hat too given the competitive nature, and wanting to give their budding studio technicians more tools. (EDIT: I say that as I was just talking to a professor in such a program about this - given I teach their students lighting techniques for music venues on the side).

[vicpac]

This is so awesome I had to take a knee after reading it. Maybe that's because I am hopped up on Pepsi to get my codes for DLC.

This is a great acheivement and for me validates all of the money I've spent on the game. 4 guitars, 2mics + stand, Ion, KD-8 + 220DLC.

However I am on the PS3 and will wait anxiously and with a little envy for this system to be available.

This is also how 'some artists' who don't want to give their masters to anyone would get their songs in the game. They could do it themselves.

To HMXSean, HMXHenry and all the others. Bask in that pride you feel today! My wallet is crying...

[Musicfreak82515]

BTW: What is that song playing in the background of the creators.rockband.com video?

[HMXEnosity]

So, if I were to pay the $100 dollars say 2 months after this is launched, because I want to see how smoothly it runs before dropping that kind of money. Would there ever be a cap on the amount of people allowed to review material or is it theoretically anyone who wants to can regardless of how many are doing it?

Never. There will not be a cap on reviewers. The more the better.

[hmxsean]

So, if I were to pay the $100 dollars say 2 months after this is launched, because I want to see how smoothly it runs before dropping that kind of money. Would there ever be a cap on the amount of people allowed to review material or is it theoretically anyone who wants to can regardless of how many are doing it?

No cap - the more the merrier.

[Mr. Tate]

Must get a 2nd job.

I was actually thinking of the opposite...

[Mr. Tate]

Anybody knows why this doesn't work?
http://creators.rockband.com/docs

[RockBandRocker]

Hold on!

WE can review these tracks before they are made available?

[cherokeesam]

I need a bigger hard drive ....

No. frickin'. doubt.

Microsoft is about to make a mint off selling the biggest 360 HDDs available (and I'll be first in line).

Seriously, this is a game-changing moment.....a true evolution in rock history.

And Jack White must be feeling pretty damn stupid right about now over his recent lamentations about kids getting all their exposure to rock from these games....well guess what, Jack? Now RB has become the OFFICIAL platform for new music. :)

Biggest news evarrr.
You guys blow everything else out of the water.

[ThornDavis]

I just want to say how satisfying it is reading through this thread, and how exciting the HMXDevs are clearly finding it. There's a real sense that this is something they've been aching to share for a while now and that they're really enjoying the reaction. It's a pleasure to read through, and I really hope the venture is a success, becuase it's an incredible project and it deserves to take off.

[jr174200]

I have several questions about becoming a reviewer:

1) Do you have to purchase the songs that are in beta?
2) Are the songs downloaded or streamed?
3) If downloaded, are they playable in Rock Band?
4) How could anyone not realize this is the biggest news in music game history?

[Abaddon]

Despite being discouraged about the PS3/Wii bit as a PS3 owner, this is really amazing news and I can't imagine anyone but Harmonix driving something like this forward. You guys, as musicians yourselves, must be incredibly proud, and the "most fulfilling work-related" comment made prior to the announcement now makes complete sense. Congratulations!

[Magik_Tek]

Somebody at HMX really needs to write up a huge FAQ on RBN. There's still A LOT of confusion and conflicting reports that would be cleared up with a good FAQ.

[hmxsean]

I just want to say how satisfying it is reading through this thread, and how exciting the HMXDevs are clearly finding it. There's a real sense that this is something they've been aching to share for a while now and that they're really enjoying the reaction. It's a pleasure to read through, and I really hope the venture is a success, becuase it's an incredible project and it deserves to take off.

We are a company of musicians first for the most part. This has been a dream of ours for a long time, all we needed was for the technology to exist to make it happen. I don't think anything could please us more than working on this and getting it out there into the world.

[Mr. Tate]

Harmonix, are expecting only indie bands using this service or do you think that this will appeal to medium-to-big acts that won't fit into your in-house chart developing schedule?

[SonicRocker15X]

Somebody at HMX really needs to write up a huge FAQ on RBN. There's still A LOT of confusion and conflicting reports that would be cleared up with a good FAQ.

On the RBN, our sexy friend Sean tells us art the end of the vid there's more info coming soon. I would guess a FAQ is part of it.

[DJPooka]

Harmonix, are expecting only indie bands using this service or do you think that this will appeal to medium-to-big acts that won't fit into your in-house chart developing schedule?

According to the article, Sub-Pop records are interested and planning on releasing a load of stuff on it...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_artists_who_have_worked_with_Sub_Pop

[hmxsean]

Somebody at HMX really needs to write up a huge FAQ on RBN. There's still A LOT of confusion and conflicting reports that would be cleared up with a good FAQ.

First part of FAQ here - http://creators.rockband.com/docs/Main_Page

We will also be updating with information here throughout the day.

[TheLovelyNoise]

talk about overshadowing the weekly DLC announcement.

[raine697]

Incredible. This just more than made up for this week's and last week's DLC.

[General Lein979]

Ohh my god were going to get the entire abnormality demo.

[SonicRocker15X]

Ohh my god were going to get the entire abnormality demo.

Well I heard the other two songs were better than Visions.

[Magik_Tek]

On the RBN, our sexy friend Sean tells us art the end of the vid there's more info coming soon. I would guess a FAQ is part of it.

We were told the Stars patch would be "coming soon" as well.

[Edgehead]

In the Billboard article it mentions that MTV is expecting a huge amount of users initially, any idea what that expectation may be?

[RockBandRocker]

I have several questions about becoming a reviewer:

1) Do you have to purchase the songs that are in beta?
2) Are the songs downloaded or streamed?
3) If downloaded, are they playable in Rock Band?
4) How could anyone not realize this is the biggest news in music game history?

I have all the same questions as this guy.

I don't know jack about making video games, but I do know a lot about playing them!

[hmxsean]

We were told the Stars patch would be "coming soon" as well.

Not by me.

[Zephiel]

I wonder who's going to be able to say that they have all DLC after this thing drops...I'm pretty sure the number of people with all DLC will get lower, lol.

[Edgehead]

I have all the same questions as this guy.

I don't know jack about making video games, but I do know a lot about playing them!

As do I, the reviewing system is incredibly appealing to me, but thats a lot of money for an unemployed teenager, I'd like to know a little more about the process.

[DJPooka]

We were told the Stars patch would be "coming soon" as well.

In the docs that are online for the creator it mentions that Audition Mode (for viewing the new tracks as part of the review package for all of this) is part of RockBand 2.2 and that the patch for this is coming soon. I suspect this is going to be linked in as part of a single patch. Since the Beta starts soon, I can imagine the patch is a couple of weeks away at most....

Of course, I could be mistaken, but that's the way I'd do it....

[hmxsean]

I have several questions about becoming a reviewer:

1) Do you have to purchase the songs that are in beta?
2) Are the songs downloaded or streamed?
3) If downloaded, are they playable in Rock Band?
4) How could anyone not realize this is the biggest news in music game history?

1.) No, not to during the review process.
2.) More info coming soon, but you will need a PC and a 360.
3.) Songs are reviewed through "Audition Mode" in RB2 (forthcoming)
4.) Beats me. Because it is.

[RockerJoe123]

Won't this bring up copyright issues?

And this sounds incredible, I can't wait!

[RockBandRocker]

Ohh my god were going to get the entire abnormality demo.


Well I heard the other two songs were better than Visions.

Even though I don't really care for Abnormality's style, and don't play "Visions" on any instrument except vox, I am wondering how some of their other stuff would be in RB.

And if the price is right, I MIGHT DL it.

[Blazez]

WIN!!!!

Lets get some good songs!!!


edit: plz tell me this is for all consoles

[davidshek]

Won't this bring up copyright issues?

Nope, that's what the review process is designed to catch, along with QA issues.

[RockBandRocker]

Won't this bring up copyright issues?

And this sounds incredible, I can't wait!

Not if the copyright holders are the ones providing/creating the tracks! :D;):p

[kingtonyx]

One question I have, will this be available in Canada?

Also, where do covers fit into the picture?

What's the difference between A Day To Remember covering "Since U Been Gone" and 4 dudes in a garage covering it?

[trg007]

I have a feeling the "stars patch" we've all been waiting for will be the same patch that adds the RBN store into the game.

[TheLovelyNoise]

One question I have, will this be available in Canada?
this

[ADBjester]

Full of Win.

HMX4Life

Full of nothing but FAIL for PS3 users.

<sigh>

Jester

[ledzepboy]

what people dont understand is that you still need to own the music yourself before submitting songs to the RBN. This means that if Led Zeppelin still doesn't want to include their songs then they wont.

Joe Shmoe won't be able to create Led Zep song files and make a profit off of them online. So all we're going to be seeing is a lot of indie bands, and still not the good stuff that we've been begging for for the past 2 years.

[Bosco32]

I knew a while back when Alex R. talked about the indie initiative that it would be cool, but seeing it happen is amazing. Great, great work HMX. Just awesome.

[RockerJoe123]

Not if the copyright holders are the ones providing/creating the tracks! :D;):p


Nope, that's what the review process is designed to catch, along with QA issues.

Then I'm even more excited! :D

[stelite]

Incredible news...i don't know who came up with the idea, but he should get a free DLC at least!!

[skyttskytt]

Joe Shmoe won't be able to create Led Zep song files and make a profit off of them online. So all we're going to be seeing is a lot of indie bands, and still not the good stuff that we've been begging for for the past 2 years.

Because only Led Zeppelin is good music. Get over yourself and enjoy things you're not used to.

[Bosco32]

what people dont understand is that you still need to own the music yourself before submitting songs to the RBN. This means that if Led Zeppelin still doesn't want to include their songs then they wont.

There's no doubt that indie bands and labels will use this the most, but it's worth pointing out that Page's biggest problem with the game was lending out valuable master tracks. With RBN, that problem would be solved. There are a lot of possibilities beyond indie acts.

[TheLovelyNoise]

So all we're going to be seeing is a lot of indie bands, and still not the good stuff that we've been begging for for the past 2 years.

Awesome news init? Makes me happy anyway. ;)

[kingtonyx]

I expect one of the first major acts to take advantage of this to be Nine Inch Nails

Trent will probably do the charting himself

wouldn't be surprised to see him put the songs up for 50 cents either

[stelite]

a question i have: who will decide on the price for each track??
The charter or HMX?

[Magik_Tek]

a question i have: who will decide on the price for each track??
The charter or HMX?

The Band.

[DJPooka]

I expect one of the first major acts to take advantage of this to be Nine Inch Nails

Trent will probably do the charting himself

wouldn't be surprised to see him put the songs up for 50 cents either

I wouldn't be surprised if he was part of the closed Beta :p

[SonicRocker15X]

what people dont understand is that you still need to own the music yourself before submitting songs to the RBN. This means that if Led Zeppelin still doesn't want to include their songs then they wont.

Joe Shmoe won't be able to create Led Zep song files and make a profit off of them online. So all we're going to be seeing is a lot of indie bands, and still not the good stuff that we've been begging for for the past 2 years.

Because that's what a service MADE for indie bands is going to be used for. indie bands.

[kingtonyx]

I wouldn't be surprised if he was part of the closed Beta :p

good point.

[ffwarrior47]

Full of nothing but FAIL for PS3 users.

<sigh>

Jester

Well maybe if Sony provided the correct tools to do this like Microsoft does, it would be on PS3. it's not HMX's fault that this cannot be done on the PS3, it's Sony's.

that being said, i need to buy RB2 for my 360 now.

[RockBandRocker]

There's no doubt that indie bands and labels will use this the most, but it's worth pointing out that Page's biggest problem with the game was lending out valuable master tracks. With RBN, that problem would be solved. There are a lot of possibilities beyond indie acts.

I agree with Bosco on this.

Bands that have been weary (for whatever reason) or bands that might have had licensing issues in the past can now have control over how and when their music content is added.


If Jimmy Page wants to use it, great! If Jack White wants to use it, great! If anyone in U2 wants to use it, great! If Morrissey and Johnny Marr want to use it, AWESOME! If MUSE wants to use it, AWESOME!!

[noobert]

this thing could be hit or miss and i hope its a hit!

[Sgt Pepper]

More Twitter magic: "Rock Band Network" is a trending topic, which is actually a pretty big deal.

[N-Play]

This OFFICIALY RAISES MY HOPES FOR...
Soul Coughing
Dream Theater
Kyuss
Rolling Stones
Endless Hallway
Muse
and a lot more, this is perhap the greatest thing in Rock band history, DREAM THEATER!!!

[frankieman]

Darn, I seem to be left outta the fun again as a PS3 owner.

[SonicRocker15X]

More Twitter magic: "Rock Band Network" is a trending topic, which is actually a pretty big deal.

People are still trying to get #RBN there too.
If we get two of them we rival MJ's death as one of the most popular Twittered things this past month on the trending topics, with two based on it.

[RockBandRocker]

I wonder, will we see more Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Tribe on RBN? You know, since former band members work at HMX and all that.

[ffwarrior47]

^ Yes! moar Mighty Mighty Bosstones plz :p


Darn, I seem to be left outta the fun again as a PS3 owner.

Sony's fault. *shrugs*

[SonicRocker15X]

Darn, I seem to be left outta the fun again as a PS3 owner.

Only slightly. You'll still get some of the premium content that are found in it, and eventually you'll see the whole service.

[Hysteria]

Great news for HMX and the Rock Band platform but its hard to get excited as a PS3 owner...

[aspiring]

Ripped from the other thread and i will post it here in the hopes that HMXSean or someone else could clear this up, although i dont expect it to as i am starting to think iys a placeholder to keep PS3 users at bay:


Now my question to HMX is on the creator page it states "Select songs may also appear on PS3". Now who would pick these songs? Or will it end up being like the Wii DLC, where it is a few weeks late? Answers who be fantastic to help clear this up.

Please HMX could you help clear this up?

[frankieman]

Sony's fault. *shrugs*

I really don't care who's fault it is.

I'm sure the guys at HMX will do their best but for now I'm a sad panda:(

[TheOzone]

Looks like it's time I finally get in the studio and start working on some tracks...