Inevitable RB rip-off/clone eminent?

[Mistersh0w]

So i've been thinking about what's gonna happen to the Guitar Hero series once RB is out full swing. It seems like a no brainer that consumers would go for RB over GH hands down, (I know I will!), mainly because of the instrument choices, and the overall value and lasting appeal. All GH really has going for it is DLC, and future song updates. There's no doubt in my mind that the GH suits are getting a little nervous about their property, and drastic times, may call for drastic measures... As we've seen in the past with video games, ripping off or cloning peripherals, and game play is not a new concept, and it's generally accepted amongst the gaming community. With that said, how possible do you all think it would be for GH to start implementing other instrument peripherals into their property? I remember a while back (I could dig for the source, if needed), there was an article that mentioned Activision and RedOctane had put a trademark on the names: "Band Hero", and "Guitar Villain". And I also seem to remember this information was discovered some time before we ever even heard about RB. Not to say that RB doesn't deserve the right to be the first full band video game experience, but imo, I would say a "Band Hero" game doesn't sound too unlikely at this point. And with RB undoubtedly making a killing this holiday season, I wouldn't put it past Red Octane, or even other developers, to bust out with a possible rival band game. Thoughts?

[CableCarrier]

I'm pretty sure there's a Drum Hero in the works, but I really think that there's enough room in the market for both brands.

[tf5_bassist]

You're right, I wouldn't be surprised to see a "Band Hero" game, although that's just the most ******ed name evar. Even "Guitar Villain" is weak-sounding, and I have no clue what they could do for it.

But I'm fairly confident that GH or someone will start to rip off RB.

[tucsonovernite]

Well mestahshow I don't know about that, but did you know that sad songs are nature's onions?

[Doshin]

i think guitar hero might try, but something i've always expected and still hasn't happened, is for konami to bring Guitar freaks and drum-mania to the us, i think they've tried but it didn't work, with both rock band and Guitar Hero doing real well they could probably sneak into the market, and they've been doing it for years, i remember goign to arcades back in high school to link up drum-mania 5 and guitar freaks 6 so we could play a 3 person drums/guitar/bass version of "you give love a bad name" by Bon Jovi

[Mistersh0w]

Well mestahshow I don't know about that, but did you know that sad songs are nature's onions?

Hahaha! YES! And, sad songs are the key that get our tears out of eye jail!

[Xanthous]

I'm pretty sure there's a Drum Hero in the works, but I really think that there's enough room in the market for both brands.

I remember reading awhile back, shortly after the original GH launched, about the name "Drum Hero" being copywrited. Don't remember if HMX or Red Octane own the rights.

I also remember reading about an Activision exec stating that adding instruments to the GH formula is an option they are looking into, and that they may go in different directions that just a mic, bass guitar and drums.

I do agree that it's inevitable that someone will try to cash in on RB's success.

[toefer]

You're right, I wouldn't be surprised to see a "Band Hero" game, although that's just the most ******ed name evar. Even "Guitar Villain" is weak-sounding, and I have no clue what they could do for it.

But I'm fairly confident that GH or someone will start to rip off RB.

I can definitely see a Drum Hero coming out, but if it's anything like GH III, its going to stress difficulty over fun-factor.

I think that's why there's a market for both RB and GH III. I'm one of those that wants the fun multi-player/band feel, but I know there are people that prefer the "so hard it's almost not even fun anymore" type of game.

[tucsonovernite]

Hahaha! YES! And, sad songs are the key that get our tears out of eye jail!

I propose that this Rock Band Ripoff is like a milking machine, and unless we shut it down it's gonna rip our dicks right off!!!

[SmokaCola]

GHIII Will do something I was really hoping it wouldn't but Acitivision is the KINGS of doing it. and that's making games WAYYYYYYYYYY too arcadish and "unrealistic". Even though GH was never meant to represent a real guitar, now it's just getting into the "PMG ARCADE POWERS UPS!" That takes the whole "Guitar" feeling GH was giving everyone. Rock Band will be there for the people that want that true "Band" feeling like you're really playing. And GH will be the game for the "Hardcore" Arcade kids. So I don't really think GH will die out.

[Mistersh0w]

I'm pretty sure there's a Drum Hero in the works, but I really think that there's enough room in the market for both brands.

Doesn't anyone else see this as a problem if so? I mean, I like GH don't get me wrong! I will never forget that GH single handedly brought guitar based rock out games to mainstream popularity in the US. But do you really want to fork out more money for MORE instrument controllers?! I mean, I know it's a little early to be speculating, but let's just say GH does come out with a drum based game. Do you honestly think it would be compatible with RB's drum controller? I mean, guitars are one thing, there's already too many guitar controllers out there, the fact that next gen guitars will be compatible with all future guitar based music games makes sense. But i'm not sure about drums, especially if Red Octane hopes to keep competitive with RB, which would be the only way to survive the demand.

[Mistersh0w]

I propose that this Rock Band Ripoff is like a milking machine, and unless we shut it down it's gonna rip our dicks right off!!!

Hahaha, nice! Classic sketch. THESE HOLES THREE ARE NOT FORRR THEEEE! :D

[CableCarrier]

Doesn't anyone else see this as a problem if so? I mean, I like GH don't get me wrong! I will never forget that GH single handedly brought guitar based rock out games to mainstream popularity in the US. But do you really want to fork out more money for MORE instrument controllers?! I mean, I know it's a little early to be speculating, but let's just say GH does come out with a drum based game. Do you honestly think it would be compatible with RB's drum controller? I mean, guitars are one thing, there's already too many guitar controllers out there, the fact that next gen guitars will be compatible with all future guitar based music games makes sense. But i'm not sure about drums, especially if Red Octane hopes to keep competitive with RB, which would be the only way to survive the demand.

Nobody's forcing us to buy them. If they release a drum game that's only playable with their proprietary controller and costs some exorbitant amount of money, then I won't buy it. Much like how I'm planning to buy the PS2 version of GHIII if the Les Paul ends up not working with RB.

[Apples]

I would actually be curious to see their take on a drum game. They would be at a decided disadvantage following up Rock Band IMHO. First, they would be bringing a "copycat" game to market, so they'd always be in RB's shadow to a certain extent.

Second, the periperal design is troublesome. They can either steal the Rock Band controller and risk looking like a sad rip off. Or they can build/design something radically different, where they face backlash from consumers having to buy new instruments.

[Doshin]

I would actually be curious to see their take on a drum game. They would be at a decided disadvantage following up Rock Band IMHO. First, they would be bringing a "copycat" game to market, so they'd always be in RB's shadow to a certain extent.

Second, the periperal design is troublesome. They can either steal the Rock Band controller and risk looking like a sad rip off. Or they can build/design something radically different, where they face backlash from consumers having to buy new instruments.

if i remember correctly, the controller was the main reason Drum-mania had trouble here, the controller was basically just an electronic drumset, and a bajillion dollars (roughly)

drumming is pretty straightforward, so there isn't much varriance that you can have, more drums, but thats about it, i can't imagine too much innovation coming through, and honestly if there is going to be innovation in the concept, i see HMX hitting it before activision/red octane.


Edit- Also, your sig is amazing.

[Mistersh0w]

Nobody's forcing us to buy them. If they release a drum game that's only playable with their proprietary controller and costs some exorbitant amount of money, then I won't buy it. Much like how I'm planning to buy the PS2 version of GHIII if the Les Paul ends up not working with RB.

That's true, but if the game has decent songs, it would be a tough decision.... I think, sadly, I may have moved on from GH. I may still buy their games, but probably not controllers... The RB one's are just too awesome!

[tf5_bassist]

I can definitely see a Drum Hero coming out, but if it's anything like GH III, its going to stress difficulty over fun-factor.

I think that's why there's a market for both RB and GH III. I'm one of those that wants the fun multi-player/band feel, but I know there are people that prefer the "so hard it's almost not even fun anymore" type of game.

Agreed. I'd play the sh!t out of a Drum Hero game, that's for sure! They'd have a lot more freedom with a Drum Hero game, more pads, double-kick, etc... Plus, it could influence the drums on RB2, allowing them to create a more indepth drum set, especially if the two controllers would be compatible.

I'll own both RB and GH3, easily. I know that there's a market for both, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of GH3, but the RB jamming with my family and friends that will be unequaled by anything else.

[tombrady]

They have the rights to Drum Hero.

If they made Drum Hero and made it compatible with RB's drumkit, they'd make a damn fortune. I won't be dropping 90+ bucks on another one of these games for a long time...I think between GH3 and RB I'll have years of entertainment...if Activision was smart they'd do a drumhero in cooperation with EA or something to utilize the RB kit.

EA is perhaps the most money hungry publisher around though, so even if Activision wanted to get the rights to make it compatible, EA wouldn't do it.

Gotta love EA...exclusive NFL rights until 2010, ruined the best football game series ever made so they could pump out Madden rehashes for 60 bucks (though 08 is a step in the right direction)

As for the whole difficulty thing. I think GH3 is doing the right thing. Rock Band is more designed for the overall experience and GH3 is designed to make you work for it and actually have a challenge in beating a game.

I don't see why people need to choose one or the other; I've preordered both...if I feel like having some fun with friends I'll play Rock Band, and if I feel like wearing my fingers down and making people think I'm a badass for being able to play a plastic guitar, I'll play GH3 :)

[sporkBrigade]

My only problem with the idea of Activision/RedOctane entering the drum market is that all reports say they're against the idea of open controllers. While I agree it's very likely Drum Hero or some version of adding instruments to Guitar Hero will happen, I'm very strongly saying I refuse to continue to re-buy the same instruments over and over again just because Activision doesn't want to play nice.

I guess what I'm really saying is that my 2 Xplorer guitars are the last RedOctane produced items I will ever buy for the Music Gaming genre unless they change their philosophy. No matter what it is, if Activision/RO tries to get me to buy yet another instrument for one of their games, I will simply pass and stay with Rock Band.

[tf5_bassist]

Yeah, I'd hate to HAVE to buy new controllers each time one of the publishers puts out a new game, but if there were the OPTION to buy a NEW controller with NEW FEATURES, then I'm in.

[MartyMcFly]

Because the two sides are marketing against each other, I think we'll never see compatibility with each peripheral. Whether it's drums or what have you. RedOctane is all about making their own peripherals, they don't want people using theirs for other games, or other peripherals being used for their own game.

I'd like to see a Drum Hero game, it would be more hardcore about the drumming and definitely create an enormous challenge. The only question would be design, if they rip off HMX' design, or innovate their own.

Band Hero, however, is stupid. First of all, Band Hero, the name itself implies one "hero". Band Heroes would be more suitable, but still ******ed. And for Activision, or Neversoft or whatever, to do it, will just have to ripoff Rock Band completely.

[tombrady]

My only problem with the idea of Activision/RedOctane entering the drum market is that all reports say they're against the idea of open controllers. While I agree it's very likely Drum Hero or some version of adding instruments to Guitar Hero will happen, I'm very strongly saying I refuse to continue to re-buy the same instruments over and over again just because Activision doesn't want to play nice.

I guess what I'm really saying is that my 2 Xplorer guitars are the last RedOctane produced items I will ever buy for the Music Gaming genre unless they change their philosophy. No matter what it is, if Activision/RO tries to get me to buy yet another instrument for one of their games, I will simply pass and stay with Rock Band.
I wouldn't throw Activision or RO under the bus on this one...we're dealing with both parties here. Both parties would have to make this work, and do you really think Electronic ****ing Arts would go for that? I think EA is just as much to blame as Activision if that happens, if not moreso knowing their history of screwing people over and buying people out.

[MartyMcFly]

Everyone is throwing EA under the bus. This is HMX's game. EA just slaps their logo on it and throws it on the shelf.

It's HMX's decision to make their peripherals, compatibility, and to create new games. HMX said they have an open door policy on the compatibility of peripherals. It's RedOctane that doesn't want their baby working with other games.

[tombrady]

EA has a lot more power than that IMO, but no use arguing about it because you clearly know what the best movie ever is :)

[MartyMcFly]

lol thanks.

I see what you're saying though. In most cases, games put out by EA, yea they're very controlling and stingy.

But this is a HMX game. And if you want to get real technical. It could very well be MTV Games also. They now OWN HMX, so it is MTV Games that can make them do whatever they want.

[toefer]

Thoughts?

For what it's worth, I think you meant "imminent" in the thread title.;)

[BathTub]

Yeah I would certainly be interested in a Drum Hero game, if it worked with my Rock Band Drum set.

[JackBNimble]

I think GH will still do well, they still have a large fan bass[fools].And it's good if they can come up with a Band Hero or Drum Hero because it gives us more choices.And that just means that RB and GH both will have to evolve and make better games.Since RB was announced GH had to pull up the slack and startcoming up with more ideas for there games,like Drum Hero and Band Hero.Hopfully we'll see a Band Hero just to keep RB honnest.

[sporkBrigade]

I wouldn't throw Activision or RO under the bus on this one...we're dealing with both parties here. Both parties would have to make this work, and do you really think Electronic ****ing Arts would go for that? I think EA is just as much to blame as Activision if that happens, if not moreso knowing their history of screwing people over and buying people out.

I share your deep down hatred for EA, however as pointed out, they actually have a shallow role here. EA hasn't bought MTV games yet, though I'm sure they will eventually. Along with all our children into slavery, of course.

As far as has been reported, HMX has clearly stated that all HMX periphals will be open door and will work with any music genre game that wishes to use them, and the Rock Band franchise will work the same way, compatible with any music peripheral out there that they can manage.

Also clearly stated in an interview with Red Octanes head honcho, Activision/RO is taking the exact opposite stance. Their view is that "Imitators", aka Rock Band, are trying to piggyback on the success of Guitar Hero, and they will take steps to keep their peripherals seperate and try not to allow that to happen. Nevermind that Harmonix is the company that created Guitar Hero's success, and it's Activision that's actually trying to win over that crowd with a Guitar Hero "clone" created by a third party... But I digress.

So I truely am not trying to be biased here, it's simply two seperate philosophies. I agree with Harmonix and will support them with my money. I will boycott any future peripherals Activision/RedOctane releases until they change their tune. No hard feelings, I just refuse to buy twice. I hope eventually I can just choose the peripheral that meets my needs best and go from there, but if Activision wants me to simply buy the same drums set twice, I absolutely refuse.

[Mistersh0w]

For what it's worth, I think you meant "imminent" in the thread title.;)

By George you're right!! Well, in my defense, it was still early....:p

[LongDarkBlues]

Well, eminent is a word, just a different one

1. high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished
2. conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy
3. lofty; high
4. prominent; projecting; protruding

[JustinCredible]

I would play the hell out of a North American release Guitar Freaks/Drummania bundle. Rip-off it is not.

[toefer]

Well, eminent is a word, just a different one

1. high in station, rank, or repute; prominent; distinguished
2. conspicuous, signal, or noteworthy
3. lofty; high
4. prominent; projecting; protruding

Thanks, but I know eminent is a word. It just didn't work in the context of the title. 'Eminent domain' has been in the news a fair bit in the past year, and I had to read more than I cared to about it in law class.