OMG HMX WAKE UP! you're losing all these bands!

[MrMetMrZep2087]

first Aerosmith, now Metallica, pretty soon they're gonna beat you to the punch to Zeppelin and Floyd! What happened to your deal you signed with Metallica we read about soooooo long ago around the time of last years E3. you told us we would get access to a lot of Metallica's back work, and so far we've gotten 4 songs! THATS IT! THROW DOWN SOME MONEY! LETS GO! All of you people who are *** for Harmonix and are defending them and blaming the ARTISTS for being locked up in these exclusive deals, much like you blamed aerosmith, it's not their fault! its Harmonix's fault for not throwing down money! I can't blame the artist for making as much money as possible. no wonder week after week we are getting this horrible DLC! you aren't throwing down money to secure GOOD DLC. Jimmy Buffet?! WHITNEY HOUSTON is more rock than Jimmy Buffet, what a joke, Activision and Guitar Hero 4 are gaining points and they're not even doing anything. I'm expecting to get flamed from all you Harmonix backers which is fine, and I was once a hermonix backer as well, but I'm sorry I've lost faith from week after week of Mediocore DLC at best, atleast when GH3 puts up DLC, even though it's only once a month, it's really good. and watching HMX lose great band after great band to Activision, I just can't take Harmonix and EA seriously anymore when they talk about big plans for the future, because if there really was, they would be securing these big bands, not letting them go. And all you people who are going to reply saying that you're not iritated by this and you think HMX is doing a great job. Please, be quite and wake up, enough of trying to be loyal and defend them, because they are just not getting the job done. Period. and if you think otherwise you need to wake the F up. they're gonna loose more big bands and they are doing NOTHING about it. Us as the consumer needs to step up and voice our displeasure, because they are nothing without us, the consumer. If people aren't buying their product they fail, so cmon people, wake up and say that you don't like it. because I know I'm not the only one.

[BloodyHandz]

ZzZzZzzZzZzzzzz...

[darknessmoon]

1) Not too many people are patient enough to read a wall of text (unfortunately, I do have that patience)...

2) What the heck are you talking about? Did I miss something somewhere stating that Metallica will be lost to Activision accroding to your statements? I mean, unless I see a link or proof or something, then what's the point of this thread?

[xenocide38]

How about you throw down some money and just go buy GH games? Seriously, just chill out.

[DETHBLOW]

I don't like it either, but I am sure Harmonix has a master plan they aren't sharing with us because they don't want Activision to know their plans. If I am wrong about that, time will tell, and so will my voice be heard, when I "vote" with my wallet.

[xenocide38]

Oh and how many good bands are there? You can't answer that question because it's based on opinion. I know plenty of people that hate Metallica and love Jimmy Buffett. Harmonix has balls and actually goes for diversity when Guitar Hero just goes for easy money.

Harmonix gives me hope because a lot of bands I like aren't as mainstream and even though Aerosmith and Metallica are good bands, I don't want a whole game of just them and a few side bands. Diversity and Variety = Fun.

[WhiffleBallTony]

2) What the heck are you talking about? Did I miss something somewhere stating that Metallica will be lost to Activision accroding to your statements? I mean, unless I see a link or proof or something, then what's the point of this thread?

He's not joking... (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191921.html)

[LiveWire008]

A band appearing in another game is not "losing" a band. When was it stated that Metallica was going exclusively GH? Seeing as no one has been able to land Zeppelin in 4 years, I don't think that's a punch any one's gonna get beaten to. Could you project a little harder? I can't quite make out your power points.

[Bukkethead]

I'm sorry, did you say something?

Never thought I'd be saying this, but... IBTL.

[MrMetMrZep2087]

How about you throw down some money and just go buy GH games? Seriously, just chill out.


believe me i do have enough money to buy everything i'd rather just not have 27 instruments and 56 guitars in my living room. it's just much easier to have it on one game. and who knows if GH:Metallica will use the GH4 drums and vox, cause if not that won't be as cool as metallica in rock band

[deadendchris]

Look man why you have the right to think what you wont about Rock Band or HMX I think it is bull crap that you lump anyone who likes Rock Band into the same place...Do I enjoy Rock Band yes am I happy with it yes does that mean Im a Rock Band fan boy no does that mean Ill only buy Rock Band music games no..If Guitar Hero made something that wont be the same game diffrent tracks over and over again maybe I would buy it...

But im not gonna drop tones of money one fake guitars and drums and feel my house up with it..Im also not gonna buy 500 Guitar Hero games a year...If they made one really good game ayear hey maybe I would buy it hell even if it was every two to three years I would be fine with but I refuse to buy a new Guitar Hero every other week....

Like Gta they release a full new game 2 to 4 years apart yes there where the Vice and L.City story games but they where made for psp and just got tuned and put on ps2 whih was ok bye me..But Hell if the last report is true there will around 4 new Guitar Heros in the Next year that is stupied.. If a game is bad ass people are gonna be more than happy to play that game for a year..I still play Rock Band but I also play GTA IV Call of Duty 4 Smackdown vs Raw 07 Madden 07 lots of stuff......So I mean I really dont see the point in 4 guitar heros in one year....

Anyways if your pissed at Rock Band be pissed at them but dont claim just because someone does not think like you that they are wrong of just sticking up for Rock Band...I enjoyed Guitar Hero III but I still have yet to buy it for ps3 I dont feel like I need to own to me Rock Band just offers more..I can change my chac. up they have more DLC and it is a all around fun game fore the whole family...I my little girl played Guitar Hero she would just give up because she would fail out all of the time..

I do however agree that HMX should actually let people know what is going on with Rock Band and future plains that are actually gonna happen.Maybe get some hype going because I can understand why people would be like oh well he activision is telling us all this great stuff going but HMX are not well hell Ill just have to go with the company that has stuff going on....I can like I said understand why people think like that...Me myself Guitar Hero World Tour is gonna have to be amazing for me to spend money on it not because I dont like Guitar Hero but because unless it is just amazing it doesent make sense to own it to me...

[hollowsins]

Shut up! I hope GH gets all the big name bands so maybe Rock Band will get the good ones.

[adamlathrom]

I was disappointed by the news also...just found out a few minutes ago. If your gonna rant, use correct spelling and grammar. It's hard to take someone serious when they talk like that. I understand your disappointment but if you want anybody to take you serious, slow your typing down and make it actually readable!

[Dzhokhar]

A band appearing in another game is not "losing" a band. When was it stated that Metallica was going exclusively GH?

Based on past statements by Harmonix regarding Guns n' Roses (that they feel it would be inappropriate to release songs by an artist who specifically endorses their competitor), the fact that Metallica is getting their own Guitar Hero game pretty much means we won't be seeing any more Metallica in Rock Band.

[bisq]

Ok I don't like every track that has come out for DLC either but you really lost me when you said that GH3 has great DLC. I mean did I miss something? Did some great pack come out that I didn't hear about? As far as I'm concerned , the quality of the GH3 dlc has been more uneven then the rockband dlc AND there is a lot less of it as well.

ps. I don't really like metallica that much so I'm not really upset...I would have like to get Master of Puppets and maybe 1 or 2 others but I don't think I would shell out for a whole game.

[Trueblade76]

I can only hope that Harmonix is holding back more Metallica songs for when their album drops (Sept I think?). I also hope that they are doing the same for Motley Crue (Dirt releases June 24).

I believe we wouldn't have gotten Saints of Los Angeles until then if Activision hadn't said they were releasing a new Def Leppard song first

[yelladog32]

If the deal is exclusive; we, the consumers, get hurt. No variety or choice...


Honestly, I'm getting tired of all these exclusive deals in the gaming industry. Competition is one thing, but this type of stuff is annoying.

[hollowsins]

If the deal is exclusive; we, the consumers, get hurt. No variety or choice...


Honestly, I'm getting tired of all these exclusive deals in the gaming industry. Competition is one thing, but this type of stuff is annoying.

I agree completely with what you're saying, but I still think a few big bands don't matter. HMX can pay much less for lesser known bands that are far more talented, thay just need to figure out where to look for them. I do enjoy playing metallica but there are so many bands i would rather play that probably haven't even been given a second look.

[PatrickY]

I'm expecting to get flamed from all you Harmonix backers which is fine, and I was once a hermonix backer as well, but I'm sorry I've lost faith from week after week of Mediocore DLC at best, atleast when GH3 puts up DLC, even though it's only once a month, it's really good.

GH3's download content is really good? That's news to me. It doesn't look particularly wonderful from where I'm sitting, but tastes vary, I suppose. Here's the list, incidentally: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_in_Guitar_Hero_III:_Legends_of_Rock# Downloadable_songs


I see some neat songs there, but is it really all that epic of a list?


GH: Metallica will probably be sort of fun, but I don't see how securing a license to make a Metallica game leads to fears of GH: Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin. That's a logic leap, to say the least.

[Dzhokhar]

GH3's download content is really good? That's news to me. It doesn't look particularly wonderful from where I'm sitting, but tastes vary, I suppose. Here's the list, incidentally: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_in_Guitar_Hero_III:_Legends_of_Rock# Downloadable_songs


I see some neat songs there, but is it really all that epic of a list?

I've never really looked at the GH3 DLC list before (I have the Wii version), but I'd say it has a lot fewer total songs than Rock Band DLC, but almost as many good ones...

[darknessmoon]

He's not joking... (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191921.html)

Ah, now I see what he's talking about. Thanks for the link!

Personally, I'm not a huge Metallica fan, so I don't really care. However, I know how big Metallica is, so I know for a fact that a lot of people will be extremely disappointed with this news.

2 things about this made me burst into laughter:

1) Metallica was supposed to originally debut a new single on RockBand. Whether that will still happen or not I wouldn't know for sure. At any rate, should that not happen now because of GH: Metallica, then (to me at least) Metallica only appears to be money hungry at this point.

2) GH3, GH Mobile, GH Aerosmith, GH World Tour, GH Metallica, GH ?????? LMAO! Seriously, that's WAY too much GH. WAY too much.

This brings up a good question to all the people claiming to "jump ship" to GH WT:

When GHWT comes out, does that mean that there won't be any Aerosmith DLC because of GH Aerosmith? No Metallica DLC because there will be a GH Metallica? My guess is no, because otherwise there would be no reason to even put GH Aerosmith or GH Metallica into the market.

I know that there's the issue of GH1 - 3 songs popping up in Rockband, but that's different:

1) GH1 & 2 songs were re-used to be placed in a completely new environment: Full Band. Sure, GH can do the same thing with the above mentioned artists, but at least HMX did so with GH being a few years old compared to Rockband, not a few months apart like Activision's GH is intending to do.

2) GH3 was not made by HMX, so GH3 songs placed in RockBand can't really upset people considering they are 2 different companies (I know some people own both, but that doesn't negate the fact that it's 2 different products made by 2 different companies).

[sillystou]

OMG, here comes the wahhhhbulance... :p Also, IB4L.

[Underboob]

i got to said is that if HMX doesnot do any thing big by the end of july there gong to **** in alot of ways

[stlbss]

Based on past statements by Harmonix regarding Guns n' Roses (that they feel it would be inappropriate to release songs by an artist who specifically endorses their competitor), the fact that Metallica is getting their own Guitar Hero game pretty much means we won't be seeing any more Metallica in Rock Band.

I think that for a band or two, this is a valid strategy. However, if the plan is to stick to this principle while your competitor is relentlessly signing up bands, eventually, the pool of available music that has mass appeal will go dry.

Not knowing the particulars of the various contracts that govern the band/song selections, I would urge HMX to consider whether this strategy in the long run remains a viable business path. I love RB and am not a huge fan of GH III, but I'll be buying GH IV and GH Metallica. If funds get tight, I will choose songs I like versus gameplay mechanics.

[Nobak]

I've never really looked at the GH3 DLC list before (I have the Wii version), but I'd say it has a lot fewer total songs than Rock Band DLC, but almost as many good ones...

If you scratch off any song you don't know as not good, maybe.

[Dzhokhar]

If you scratch off any song you don't know as not good, maybe.

Yes, but that's what 90% of the people who buy these games will do.

[Cassiuss]

tldr

Btw paragraphing would be nice. I aint reading that.

[Samuel346]

If a hobo went up to Lars and said "If I gave you a million dollars, could I use your music in some Hobo porn?" Lars would likely reply... "Yeah.. if you make it two million."


Rock Band didn't just lose any Metallica music for possible DLC.

[snwns26]

You guys are slow. FYI, Metallica is whoring out their music everywhere. Which means Rock Band and GH: Metallica. RB already has Metallica DLC coming out eventually, GH is just going to try to get people to buy GH: Metallica instead of use their money on DLC for the competitor.

[LancerRevolution]

yups,if you stop posting CRAP instead,and get KNOWN bands,youd be fine

[Jimmik]

Well the good news is most of your keys are broken, the bad news is the Enter button definitely is.

[litaljohn]

wow, for one a paragraphs are brothers and sisters, not Siamese twins, you can separate them.

"All of you people who are *** for Harmonix" -classy

"blaming the ARTISTS for being locked up in these exclusive deals, much like you blamed aerosmith," ---ummmm.... aerosmith are artists, so why would they be considered outside of artists and compared to artists in your point? its like describing a ball as being ball like

"no wonder week after week we are getting this horrible DLC!" --yep...12 million unhappy songs served

"GH3 puts up DLC, even though it's only once a month, it's really good"---is this sarcasm? sorry we have only gotten legendary songs from some of the biggest sellers in rock (boston anyone)...yeah i guess no doubt beats the heck out of that :rolleyes:

"And all you people who are going to reply saying that you're not iritated by this and you think HMX is doing a great job. Please, be quite and wake up,"-- wake up to your bias? boo hoo you don't like the songs, many others do, why don't you wake up and realize the world doesn't revolve around only your taste

"Period." and then you go on more, shouldn't you have said comma, since your pouting wasn't over?

"Us as the consumer " im really started to think this is a joke thread. as im sure some other of we'ses feel

"they're gonna loose more big bands" -- i understand how to loosen a shoelace and I know how to loosen a belt, how do you loosen a band?

[nicholasenj]

A band appearing in another game is not "losing" a band. When was it stated that Metallica was going exclusively GH? Seeing as no one has been able to land Zeppelin in 4 years, I don't think that's a punch any one's gonna get beaten to. Could you project a little harder? I can't quite make out your power points.

I take it you also watch the zero punctuation game reviews? funny stuff.

I agree that the OP has been offically promoted to dickhead status.

I'm happy with my Jimmy Buffet. GH:M can go f*** itself for all I care. Lars Ulrich would give his music to Rock Revolution if they offered to pick up the bill on his next Hummer, I'm not especially worried. And if they do go exclusive, oh well. less irritation with idiots who don't realise that Enter Sandman is not the only song on the game. maybe if a GH:C&C was made, people would stop playing Welcome Home, and that would be a godsend.

[shaybo]

I'd rather have the Cars album or Pixies album or Boston album or even the Judas Priest one than the whole U2 and Metallica and Aerosmith catalogue. Who cares anyway? People are so whiny these days.

[U2Phreak1969]

I think that for a band or two, this is a valid strategy. However, if the plan is to stick to this principle while your competitor is relentlessly signing up bands, eventually, the pool of available music that has mass appeal will go dry.

Not knowing the particulars of the various contracts that govern the band/song selections, I would urge HMX to consider whether this strategy in the long run remains a viable business path. I love RB and am not a huge fan of GH III, but I'll be buying GH IV and GH Metallica. If funds get tight, I will choose songs I like versus gameplay mechanics.

I couldn't have said that better myself.

One thing that will keep my DL'ing songs from Rockband though is the main reason I care so much about this game is that it has become part of what I count on to make a living. It has become an integral part of my karaoke shows. Part of what makes it great is it doesn't take any longer to load the next song than it does to change a CD (note I said, change a CD).

GH is a whole different story. To have to load a different game disc for each request I have to fill could take up to 90 seconds, with all the intro screens and even time for a new disc to spin up. I don't want to deal with that, so if that is GH's continued model is game disc based systems - I don't care how pretty it looks on the screen. . . Rockband will still be my core system.

On the flip-side of that argument though, I will still probably buy GH:WT. I can't deny all of the great bands that they are announcing (or my customers would kill me), but due to the multiple disc strategy that Activision is employing, its going to require me to have AT LEAST a second system, just for Guitar Hero. That is the only way I could see switching back and forth between discs with any kind of speed. I guess I'd probably be doing this regardlessly, but I really don't want to be handling discs. I would much prefer to use it as I do my PS3 right now. . . Just plug and play. My Rockband disc never comes out of my PS3. I would prefer it to be that way with GH, as well. I kind of hoped it would be when I saw that Game Informer article talking about GH committing to weekly DLC, like Rockband.

I know I'm in the minority here to make that kind of issue a big deal, but if Activision were smart . . . It should be a big deal to them. I think HMX sees this with their local Boston watering hole doing Rockband shows.

I guarantee you shows like I'm doing (and others are doing) will go a long way in getting new customers for these platforms. They go out to a bar and have a good time playing it - I guarantee you people that don't even have game platforms will be rushing home to buy one and Rockband to go along with it. Not only do I sense this, I've seen it happen.

Public Rockband is the best advertising mechanism ever!

If GH misses that bus by selling a disc based game, it would be unfortunate.

Then again . . . If they did a PC release of these games, I'd be all over it :-)

[KaneRobot]

I'd rather have the Cars album or Pixies album or Boston album or even the Judas Priest one than the whole U2 and Metallica and Aerosmith catalogue.

That's cute. You are in the vast minority.

This sucks ass. Harmonix has so quiet on legitimately exciting DLC over the past few months that I can hear a f'ing pin drop. What the hell happened? The first 3-4 months after release were really strong.

[Dzhokhar]

If funds get tight, I will choose songs I like versus gameplay mechanics.

Truth.

Thanks to U2Phreak1969 for quoting this post and making me notice it. I love Rock Band but the way things are going, I just might have to switch sides. Hopefully Harmonix will surprise me.

[Der_Lex]

That's cute. You are in the vast minority.


Which doesn't make his opinion less valid. Unless you consider the concept of 'tyranny of the majority' to be a good thing.

[nicholasenj]

That's cute. You are in the vast minority.

This sucks ass. Harmonix has so quiet on legitimately exciting DLC over the past few months that I can hear a f'ing pin drop. What the hell happened? The first 3-4 months after release were really strong.

I agree with him. I like Judas Priest. just because something isn't "A-List" (read: poster's favorite band), doesn't mean that it neccesarily sucks. I whined when they released Zero and the Mother Hips tracks. I have since bought all three and don't regret a penny of it. Realize that the world doesn't revovle around you. If you hate hmx and rock band so much, go to the gh forums.

[HuckleCat]

how do you loosen a band?

Alcohol and pain killers.

[Dzhokhar]

Alcohol and pain killers.

Laxatives too. Lots of laxatives.

[U2Phreak1969]

I'd rather have the Cars album or Pixies album or Boston album or even the Judas Priest one than the whole U2 and Metallica and Aerosmith catalogue. Who cares anyway? People are so whiny these days.

I just thought I'd point out (even though my above post defends HMX to a point). . .

The Pixies announcement made you and about ten other people happy. The Pixies aren't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Nor were the Cars. Nor was Judas Priest.

Obviously I'm miffed because I love U2. But honestly, you could total all three of those bands (JP, Pixies and Cars) career record sales and I don't think you would have even the total of one of those bigger bands (Boston, U2 or Metallica).

Incidentally, I saw the Pixies four times in the 80's and into the 90's. Each time they were opening for someone else. Not exactly what I would call a top tier band (BTW: The last time I saw them, they opened for U2)!

My point isn't to tell you the Pixies suck, I actually think they are okay and I will probably buy Doolittle when it comes out, but then again, I have bought all DLC to date.

I'm just saying non customers aren't going to run out and buy Rockband because they have a Pixies album. But they might for U2, Metallica, Van Halen, etc. Even current customers kind of went "yeah!" when The Pixies were announced.

I saw no one, besides you, celebrating that Rockband got The Pixies. Honestly, I've seen more people getting excited about Jimmy Buffett - A guy I thought I'd never see in this game.

Whether you like them or not, those BIG names do sell copies of this game and the only way that Rockband is going to continue to grow is to land some of them.

When all of the press is coming down on the side of GH, its hard to say that Rockband has much going for it. . . Even if you like the game, which, for the record, I do.

[Dzhokhar]

U2Phreak1969, today you have a way of saying what I'm thinking in a much less combative way than I could imagine possible. Thank you.

[nicholasenj]

I can't speak for the Pixies as I have no prior experience with them, but I disagree with you about the bands they released being insignificant.

The cars are one of THE classic 80's bands. think about the people that grew up with this music, let's face it, this is a $170 game, there is probably a higher ratio of adults to younger people here than in any other game out there. Judas Priest is also huge. Let's face it, these guys were pretty much the direct predecessor to Iron Maiden, and gave metal a fair bit of it's persona. old british metal ftw.

[U2Phreak1969]

U2Phreak1969, today you have a way of saying what I'm thinking in a much less combative way than I could imagine possible. Thank you.

I'm done being combative. I've resigned myself that I am going to end up owning both this game and GH:WT. I'm not happy about it. I expected more from HMX.

I feel like a disappointed parent. I still really love my child, but it's just not fulfilling its potential. You know what I mean?

[mchodge13]

I hope all the people like the OP, who are freaking out all jump ship when GH: WT comes out. I hope they sell all their rockband equipment and the game. And then I hope HMX announces they have exclusive permission to use the whole Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix catalogs. And then I hope all of your heads explode.

[Der_Lex]

I saw no one, besides you, celebrating that Rockband got The Pixies.

I have to admit I never realized that The Pixies aren't that big in the US until I came on this forum.
On the other hand, you probably don't realize how big they are in Europe... they're one of the best known alternative rock bands of the early 90's over here, and their songs still get a lot of airplay. There's only a very small European presence on this forum (partially because HMX/EA have completely bungled the EU release of the game, that's something I'll happily criticize them for), but you shouldn't underestimate the European influence on the DLC downloads that'll be present from now on.

[Dzhokhar]

I feel like a disappointed parent. I still really love my child, but it's just not fulfilling its potential. You know what I mean?

I know exactly what you mean.


I hope all the people like the OP, who are freaking out all jump ship when GH: WT comes out. I hope they sell all their rockband equipment and the game. And then I hope HMX announces they have exclusive permission to use the whole Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix catalogs. And then I hope all of your heads explode.

Wow, violent. I personally hope that Harmonix announces they have exclusive rights to Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix (actually I don't care much for Jimi) before everybody jumps ship.

[U2Phreak1969]

I can't speak for the Pixies as I have no prior experience with them, but I disagree with you about the bands they released being insignificant.


You read me wrong if you thought I was inferring those bands were insignificant. They just aren't U2 or Metallica (notice I didn't include The Who in my above post).

And for the record, I actually like The Cars. I would just say they aren't at all relevant to today's music fan. Kind of like other massively popular bands in the past like Loverboy, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Adam Ant, or Culture Club.

All of those bands were huge, but they aren't relevant to today's music scene. Sure Metallica and U2 are bands from that same era. . . The difference is, they are still together today, which keeps even their oldest 1981 hits relevant.

[U2Phreak1969]

I have to admit I never realized that The Pixies aren't that big in the US until I came on this forum.
On the other hand, you probably don't realize how big they are in Europe... they're one of the best known alternative rock bands of the early 90's over here, and their songs still get a lot of airplay. There's only a very small European presence on this forum (partially because HMX/EA have completely bungled the EU release of the game, that's something I'll happily criticize them for), but you shouldn't underestimate the European influence on the DLC downloads that'll be present from now on.

Fair enough. . . I didn't know that. Maybe that would explain why HMX went with The Pixies for this month's album release, seeing as they just opened up Europe. It helps to get that international perspective.

That is what the moderators need to point out. It's like me, the American customer, is not seeing the forest for the trees. Knowing that The Pixies are bigger in Europe suddenly makes perfect sense. That would sell tons of boxes there, where the focus seems to be right now.

The same way I was scratching my head over The Pixies, you must be having a similar experience over the Jimmy Buffett announcement (as I have some British relatives and they don't know who the hell J.B. is).

[Dzhokhar]

All of those bands were huge, but they aren't relevant to today's music scene. Sure Metallica and U2 are bands from that same era. . . The difference is, they are still together today, which keeps even their oldest 1981 hits relevant.

Not only are the bands still together, but the music itself has staying power.

Some bands whose songs have staying power without the support of the band itself include The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Guns n' Roses.

Lots of bands were huge in the 70s-80s but not many of them still have the popularity to actually sell games. Currently, Guitar Hero has a lot more of those than Rock Band has.

[Der_Lex]

In Der_Lex' ideal world, the following would happen: the GH franchise would get all the 'big name' bands, and those people who refuse to listen to anything but 'popular' music would play that game. Meanwhile, RB would keep doing its own thing, releasing quality songs regardless of chart success or popular opinion.

Realistically, I know this won't be financially viable... but it'd be really nice for 'elitist' music lovers like me to have DLC we can enjoy without people clamoring for 'big name' bands and 'big hits' all the time.

[Dzhokhar]

In Der_Lex' ideal world, the following would happen: the GH franchise would get all the 'big name' bands, and those people who refuse to listen to anything but 'popular' music would play that game. Meanwhile, RB would keep doing its own thing, releasing quality songs regardless of chart success or popular opinion.

Realistically, I know this won't be financially viable... but it'd be really nice for 'elitist' music lovers like me to have DLC we can enjoy without people clamoring for 'big name' bands and 'big hits' all the time.

Some of us (like me) are likely to choose sides in this battle based on big name bands, but would still like the option of buying the niche songs that we enjoy.

In a truly ideal world there wouldn't be any exclusive bands, controllers would all be cross-compatible (cross-compatible controllers would actually negate the whole platform-war all by itself), the really big-name mainstream bands would be on-disc, and the niche stuff would be available as DLC.

[PacoL250]

The band-focused games are novelties, in my book.

Now, that Activision has made a filing for the Metallica game, we need to hear something from Metallica to see where this is going. Still, I'm not surprised seeing as how Metallica loves the money. I could shake a dollar bill in front of Lars face and he'd probably beat me for it.

That being said, my only concern right now is brand recognition. GH is recognized a lot more than RB. Plain and simple. Sure it helps when there will be a ton of GH games; however, RB still needs more recognition and not at just indie and niche concert tours, etc. Plus some commercials on TV would be nice, that's for sure. MTV has the money.

Also, at this point, Who's Next clearly won't help RB's exposure. Say if RB was able to get Led Zeppelin, then that surely would be huge.

I'm still holding out hopes, but RB needs to hit with something big. Either before or after GH: Aerosmith, but not too close to it.

[pong0814]

In Der_Lex' ideal world, the following would happen: the GH franchise would get all the 'big name' bands, and those people who refuse to listen to anything but 'popular' music would play that game. Meanwhile, RB would keep doing its own thing, releasing quality songs regardless of chart success or popular opinion.

Where is this ideal world and where can I sign up to live there?

Seriously, though, this is something I'd want as well.

[AeroZeppelinSevenfold]

first Aerosmith, now Metallica, pretty soon they're gonna beat you to the punch to Zeppelin and Floyd! What happened to your deal you signed with Metallica we read about soooooo long ago around the time of last years E3. you told us we would get access to a lot of Metallica's back work, and so far we've gotten 4 songs! THATS IT! THROW DOWN SOME MONEY! LETS GO! All of you people who are *** for Harmonix and are defending them and blaming the ARTISTS for being locked up in these exclusive deals, much like you blamed aerosmith, it's not their fault! its Harmonix's fault for not throwing down money! I can't blame the artist for making as much money as possible. no wonder week after week we are getting this horrible DLC! you aren't throwing down money to secure GOOD DLC. Jimmy Buffet?! WHITNEY HOUSTON is more rock than Jimmy Buffet, what a joke, Activision and Guitar Hero 4 are gaining points and they're not even doing anything. I'm expecting to get flamed from all you Harmonix backers which is fine, and I was once a hermonix backer as well, but I'm sorry I've lost faith from week after week of Mediocore DLC at best, atleast when GH3 puts up DLC, even though it's only once a month, it's really good. and watching HMX lose great band after great band to Activision, I just can't take Harmonix and EA seriously anymore when they talk about big plans for the future, because if there really was, they would be securing these big bands, not letting them go. And all you people who are going to reply saying that you're not iritated by this and you think HMX is doing a great job. Please, be quite and wake up, enough of trying to be loyal and defend them, because they are just not getting the job done. Period. and if you think otherwise you need to wake the F up. they're gonna loose more big bands and they are doing NOTHING about it. Us as the consumer needs to step up and voice our displeasure, because they are nothing without us, the consumer. If people aren't buying their product they fail, so cmon people, wake up and say that you don't like it. because I know I'm not the only one.

wow. big wall of text dude. i read part of it, but i got what you were saying.

who says the DLC sucks! i think you just don't like it. i for one, like the DLC, if the band sucked, then why did they make so much money?

i'm tired of these complaining threads, and it seems like after the GH:Metallica, people just went crazy and have given up all hope for HMX.


and why do you make these posts anyway? do you think that HMX is gonna read this and realize, wow. i didn't know people wanted Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and AC/DC! wow, we should start trying!


well guess what? they have been trying to get these bands for a long time, but the bands haven't let them yet. you shoudn't blame HMx, or the band. they just want to make money.


who says HMX has lost Metallica? nothing has been said about that. why would a band decide to stick with one game? they make more money if they go to other games as well. thats why you saw all those drummers whose songs were in rock band in the GH:WT drum vid.


i'm done ranting. good night everybody. enjoy these GREAT threads.

[Der_Lex]

The same way I was scratching my head over The Pixies, you must be having a similar experience over the Jimmy Buffett announcement (as I have some British relatives and they don't know who the hell J.B. is).

Yes, I don't see JB selling very well over here... I'd like to think I have a pretty broad musical knowledge, but even I only know 'Margaritaville'. That and it's, and I don't want to add any negative connotation to this statement, very 'American' music. I don't know if it's fair to call JB country, but it borders on it at least...and country, like for example Southern Rock isn't that big over here.

I guess that if you'd look at it from a broader international perspective, Buffett wouldn't be popular enough to put in the game if you wanted big sellers only. And even though he's not really my cup of tea either, I think the game would be a lot poorer for it if he wasn't. Rock music is such a rich, wonderful, diverse animal that I feel you'd only see the tip of the iceberg if you concentrate on hits and hits alone.
I guess I'm just afraid that an excessive focus on hits will diminish the overall variety and quality of the music in the game, and I'd really hate to see that happen.



Some of us (like me) are likely to choose sides in this battle based on big name bands, but would still like the option of buying the niche songs that we enjoy.

In a truly ideal world there wouldn't be any exclusive bands, controllers would all be cross-compatible (cross-compatible controllers would actually negate the whole platform-war all by itself), the really big-name mainstream bands would be on-disc, and the niche stuff would be available as DLC.

I guess it's different for me, I'm not one to choose sides. If GH:WT is good enough, I'll simply get that as well. I'm with you on non-exclusivity and cross-compatibility, though, 100%.

The problem with a combination of mainstream and niche is the one we have now, though...there's only so much DLC that can be made per week, and people would still push for big name bands at the expense of the niche bands. The fact that HMX isn't giving in so far to this clamoring is why I respect them so much. I see DLC as 'in the long run, everybody should be happy'...which means that it's fine if only a small group of people s happy with the DLC in a given week, as long as each group, small or big, gets their turn. My problem with the 'all big names, all the time' crowd is that this would lead to a relatively large group of people being happy each week, but several smaller groups being left out completely...and that's something I can't agree with.

[Dzhokhar]

My problem with the 'all big names, all the time' crowd is that this would lead to a relatively large group of people being happy each week, but several smaller groups being left out completely...and that's something I can't agree with.

I agree completely. Unfortunately, Harmonix can't ignore the big names completely (which is basically what they've been doing) if they want to compete with Activision for market share.

[simmias]

who says the DLC sucks! i think you just don't like it. i for one, like the DLC, if the band sucked, then why did they make so much money?

i'm tired of these complaining threads, and it seems like after the GH:Metallica, people just went crazy and have given up all hope for HMX.
I don't know the OP, but I am very familiar with his name from the PS3 leaderboards since he's one of the few people better at mashing plastic guitar buttons than me. I also am pretty sure that he has all the DLC. That's 179 songs. If he doesn't like the majority of it after buying it and playing it enough to score well, then I'll value his opinion. At least he's given it a try.

I also have all the DLC, and I'm wondering when I'll stop that trend. I love the Pixies. I liked the Cars and Judas Priest... when I was in middle school. But like U2Phreak said before me (and much better than I can), none of those bands have that "oomph" factor that a band like U2 or Metallica does.

Finally, I think people are kidding themselves that Rock Band doesn't release or look to release "popular, mainstream" music, and that that somehow makes it better than GH. Pretty much everything released in RB that wasn't a HMX band or on a full album release was released as a single and received extensive radio play, which by definition makes it popular and mainstream. The second I see a band like Mr. Bungle or Propagandhi in RB, I'll believe that RB isn't mainstream. Until then, it's pretty clear GH and RB are fighting for the same bands... and RB is losing.

[Der_Lex]

I agree completely. Unfortunately, Harmonix can't ignore the big names completely (which is basically what they've been doing) if they want to compete with Activision for market share.

I actually agree with you that it's probably time for them to pull out a 'heavy hitter' sometime soon, if only to restore the wavering confidence of some people.

I'd also like to thank both you and U2phreak for the interesting discussion tonight. It's nice to have a debate on here that, while heated at times, still remains civil and respectful. Now let's hope HMX finds a way to make all sides happy.

[Splackavellie]

HMX's pride and elitist mentality is going to be there downfall.Releasing music based on their own obscure taste is whats going to kill this game.Wake up HMX, people dont like your "retro, or "new wave" taste in music.Give us what we ask for or our wallets go elsewhere,simple as that.

[bigdug13]

Can someone explain to me exactly what exclusivity deals Activision is signing? I know that Rockband can't (or won't) do any Guns N' Roses songs because Slash is featured in GH3.

But does that mean that we will also never see content again when Aerosmith and Metallica are "featured" in a guitar hero game like Slash was?

What are the exact deals being made?

[Der_Lex]

HMX's pride and elitist mentality is going to be there downfall.Releasing music based on their own obscure taste is whats going to kill this game.Wake up HMX, people dont like your "retro, or "new wave" taste in music.Give us what we ask for or our wallets go elsewhere,simple as that.

This fellow 'elitist' would appreciate it if people like you didn't speak for him regarding what I do or do not want. I for one can never have too much classic rock or new wave in this game (not that 'new wave' and 'big name' are mutually exclusive... The Cure and Depeche Mode are definitely A-list bands).
Thank you for providing me with an excellent example of the 'tyranny of the majority' concept, though. If I wasn't trying to be polite, I'd also offer you a suggestion on where your wallet could go :D

[Nitara]

Can someone explain to me exactly what exclusivity deals Activision is signing? I know that Rockband can't (or won't) do any Guns N' Roses songs because Slash is featured in GH3.

But does that mean that we will also never see content again when Aerosmith and Metallica are "featured" in a guitar hero game like Slash was?

What are the exact deals being made?

I think it means we can pretty much kiss Aerosmith goodbye.. They have been confirmed to only be in guitar hero exclusively..

Going by what HMX said previously about not bringing in any bands that are endorsing thier competitors.. I think Metallica can now be ruled out as well.. I mean doesn't get much bigger then haveing your own band edition on a competitors product..

So looks like those bands are now ruled out for any further content..:(

[chuckin]

The fact that we all patronize this forum means we love to play RockBand. With that said - I have some of the same feelings as the OP. I can't say that I have purchased all of the DLC the reason being I feel voting with your wallet is the best way to get HMX to provide a better product. Don't like a song - don't buy it (and that goes for the people that like to say they've purchased all the DLC too). If you keep supporting bands/songs that aren't GREAT then you'll get more of the same.

This was the first I heard of a "Metallica GH". The announcement doesn't bother me - maybe I won't have to play "Enter Sandman" every other song in online band quickplay. Bring on the "Blondie RB" or "The Mars Volta RB" please. Also not to thread jack but doesn't anyone know that Led Zep is just a glorified cover band? Most of their big hits are plagiarized. I heard that on Howard Stern a while ago.

[BlackChristAcid777]

first Aerosmith, now Metallica, pretty soon they're gonna beat you to the punch to Zeppelin and Floyd! What happened to your deal you signed with Metallica we read about soooooo long ago around the time of last years E3. you told us we would get access to a lot of Metallica's back work, and so far we've gotten 4 songs! THATS IT! THROW DOWN SOME MONEY! LETS GO! All of you people who are *** for Harmonix and are defending them and blaming the ARTISTS for being locked up in these exclusive deals, much like you blamed aerosmith, it's not their fault! its Harmonix's fault for not throwing down money! I can't blame the artist for making as much money as possible. no wonder week after week we are getting this horrible DLC! you aren't throwing down money to secure GOOD DLC. Jimmy Buffet?! WHITNEY HOUSTON is more rock than Jimmy Buffet, what a joke, Activision and Guitar Hero 4 are gaining points and they're not even doing anything. I'm expecting to get flamed from all you Harmonix backers which is fine, and I was once a hermonix backer as well, but I'm sorry I've lost faith from week after week of Mediocore DLC at best, atleast when GH3 puts up DLC, even though it's only once a month, it's really good. and watching HMX lose great band after great band to Activision, I just can't take Harmonix and EA seriously anymore when they talk about big plans for the future, because if there really was, they would be securing these big bands, not letting them go. And all you people who are going to reply saying that you're not iritated by this and you think HMX is doing a great job. Please, be quite and wake up, enough of trying to be loyal and defend them, because they are just not getting the job done. Period. and if you think otherwise you need to wake the F up. they're gonna loose more big bands and they are doing NOTHING about it. Us as the consumer needs to step up and voice our displeasure, because they are nothing without us, the consumer. If people aren't buying their product they fail, so cmon people, wake up and say that you don't like it. because I know I'm not the only one.

Okay...first and foremost....stop *****ing! HMX has clearly put together the superior rhythm and music game in Rock Band. Why the hell do you think Activision is leeching the idea of drums and vocals?! Because Rock Band kicked GH3's ass up one side and down the other, and is still kicking ass to this day. Just because you don't get one band you like as DLC every single week...does NOT mean you have to ***** about it. They are doing what they can. Sometimes it's not about the money...did you ever think that maybe HMX has approached these bands, and they were long in talks or an agreement with Activision that prevents them from allowing their material as DLC? Plus it takes so much longer to get one song ready for DLC on Rock Band than it does an entire 3-pack on GH3. So, that said, I pose this question to you. How do you even know what HMX has planned for DLC? For all you know, they have all of your favorite bands ready to go. They are just waiting for an opportune moment. Building you up with - as you call it - "horrible" DLC and then when you least expect it...BAM! There it is...all the songs you've been waiting for.


And I don't even wanna get in to this next point....so I'm just going to sit back, post this message, and pretend that you didn't bash Jimmy Buffett.

[bigdug13]

so eventually as Activision floods the market with guitar hero games from every major rock band in existance, Rock Band will be much more limited in its scope for DLC?

GH is now an inferior product that only produces 2 instruments (for now), so why should Harmonix feel threatened enough to drop those bands for DLC? All that really does is push Metallica and Aerosmith fans into Activision's hands. Wouldn't it be better to continue to get DLC from those bands to sort of diffuse the entire GH game's release?

[nightrain78]

Here's the problem that I have with GH: Metallica. Their first 4 albums are great, but what about the rest? I can't wait to play Frantic or anything else off of Saint Anger (yeah right).

This game is Metallica's ENTIRE cataloge, and for Activision to focus solely on their first 4 albums would be a slap in the face. I could see myself buying this game, and end up playing very few songs, because many would be boring to play or simply bad. Not to mention that Kirk Hammet's solo's sound very similar... but that's a completely different topic.

I still have faith in HMX, though. Remember that month or two that was awesome? Boston, Judas Priest, the Classic Rock pack? There are going to be high points and low points, and now that HMX will be releasing more DLC, I could see it getting much better.

Also, I think it was U2phanatic that said that he felt like a disappointed parent, but I think is more like a divorced family. We are the children, and HMX is the parent that knows what's best, while Activision is the parent that is just pleasing the child.

So yeah, I'm a HMX fanboy, but I'm just trying to voice a logical opinion.

[CysticManatee]

I don't like it either, but I am sure Harmonix has a master plan they aren't sharing with us because they don't want Activision to know their plans. If I am wrong about that, time will tell, and so will my voice be heard, when I "vote" with my wallet.

I agree. Activision seems to be somewhat spying on the rock band forums judging by some of their recent moves (Muse DLC, GH: Metallica.)

[Trondala]

All these posts got me thinking, and I'm not to happy about what I came up with as a likely explaination for HMX silence on this:

At E3 HMX will announce some huge bands, but for RB2. This basically means no big titles for RB DLC anymore, and also decrease the chance of RB2 beeing backwards compatible with RB.

I hope I'm wrong about this, and please correct me if I am. But in my mind this is the most plausible explaination for not bringing in the really big titles when your competition does.

[whofan]

Mods, can we please consolidate these into a big thread that says "Whiny Buggers Post Here About Stupid Things That Make No Sense"?

[MeleeMan]

This thread is

EPIC FAIL!!!

[meck77]

That ****in sucks about Metallica, If Activision is going to do this a least do it right and make it a full band platform not just guitar and bass, oh and did I mention that this is total BS. Guess I will quit asking for it now that I know we will not be getting it, dAMNT!!!!!!!!

[Bosco32]

All these posts got me thinking, and I'm not to happy about what I came up with as a likely explaination for HMX silence on this:

At E3 HMX will announce some huge bands, but for RB2. This basically means no big titles for RB DLC anymore, and also decrease the chance of RB2 beeing backwards compatible with RB.

I hope I'm wrong about this, and please correct me if I am. But in my mind this is the most plausible explaination for not bringing in the really big titles when your competition does.

Why would it make sense for a company to stop creating and selling purchase-worthy DLC for months prior to releasing another version? What kind of negative effect would that have on the next generation product? If anything, the intelligent move would be to ramp up notable DLC as a lead up to a back-compatible sequel.

[Bosco32]

This fellow 'elitist' would appreciate it if people like you didn't speak for him regarding what I do or do not want. I for one can never have too much classic rock or new wave in this game (not that 'new wave' and 'big name' are mutually exclusive... The Cure and Depeche Mode are definitely A-list bands).
Thank you for providing me with an excellent example of the 'tyranny of the majority' concept, though. If I wasn't trying to be polite, I'd also offer you a suggestion on where your wallet could go :D

Yeah, it's kind of funny how "elitist" seems to be defined as someone who opens doors, not closes them. "Stop being elitist! Now here's a short list of genres and bands that you should put in this game."

[U2Phreak1969]

so eventually as Activision floods the market with guitar hero games from every major rock band in existance, Rock Band will be much more limited in its scope for DLC?


Fortunately, nothing is forever and greedy bloodsuckers like to make more money.

So yeah, Aerosmith and Metallica have gone exclusive to Activision for the foreseeable future. I'm not sure really what that means other than 12-24 months. In the meantime, Rockband will continue to plug away. MTV won't let Harmonix fail. We'll continue to get hits here and there from different big bands, the annual software release will include HUGE titles and then one day, guess what?

Aerosmith and Metallica (and whoever else is in the GH pipeline - U2, The Beatles) will again become available as their exclusivity clause runs out.

By then Harmonix won't be putting so much effort into R & D (mostly development) and can afford to land them second time around.

[R4di4ti0n]

1) Not too many people are patient enough to read a wall of text (unfortunately, I do have that patience)...

2) What the heck are you talking about? Did I miss something somewhere stating that Metallica will be lost to Activision accroding to your statements? I mean, unless I see a link or proof or something, then what's the point of this thread?

Number 1 for me. Stopped at whitney houston. People need to lean how to paragraph.

Sheesh...

[whofan]

OH MY GOD!!! I think I'm going to scream!

Metallica is NOT exclusive to GH!!!!!!! This would violate their already existing deal with Harmonix.

God people! Get your facts straight before you start spouting off rhetoric. Activision has NOT announced Metallica as exclusive to GH, and Metallica has a pre-existing deal with Harmonix for "career-spanning" material. I would hardly call the tracks we have "career-spanning" and expect more to come.

[maverick2076]

^
+1. Activision hasn't even "announced" GH:M. Everything that you have heard about it (which is only that it is a potential title to be released in FY 09, is from an SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) brief, is speculation. No official announcement at all, and definitely no announcement of exclusivity. Even GH:A only guarantees Aerosmith exclusivity for a certain time period.

There are no "facts" about GH:M, other than that it is potentially coming in FY09. Exclusivity or not, full band or guitars only...it is all speculation. Until there is an announcement from Activision/Neversoft, I suggest that many of you really need to take a deep breath.

[toMsons1987]

You know what guys, HMX might already have Zepplin but one from thing RB doesn't do it flat out announce things to get hype. They leave suspense, while GH brand is all these announcements supposed to be to show why to switch over brands -- But I'll be honest I am bored of their news like you wouldnt believe. All this talk and promises bores the hell out of me!

And why do people forget that Metallica helped "engineer" the game as we call Rock Band. If anyone remembers that, I don't think they will throw away their support from the game just like that, help in the development and then leave to the competition. Like note chart structure and other stuff, get a clue.

Personally I think HMX can release more Metallica if they wanted to, but just putting out variety of stuff which I like more then getting pulled with Metallica over and over again.

[Apples]

OH MY GOD!!! I think I'm going to scream!

Metallica is NOT exclusive to GH!!!!!!! This would violate their already existing deal with Harmonix.

God people! Get your facts straight before you start spouting off rhetoric. Activision has NOT announced Metallica as exclusive to GH, and Metallica has a pre-existing deal with Harmonix for "career-spanning" material. I would hardly call the tracks we have "career-spanning" and expect more to come.

I largely agree with this statement (Without the OMG, caps, and exclamation points). While I am not privy to anything about anything, I don't believe this new game would interfere with any pre-existing relationships, song tracks, or projects that may/may not be in the works for Rock Band.

In the meantime, stay tuned as Rock Band continues to ramp up, and worry less about an on-paper project due out next year.