Harmonix Interview

[Feigned]

Tomorrow I have the pleasure of heading over to Harmonix Studios and hanging out with some of the HMX crew. I know we've all seen a lot of interviews in the past, but I'd like to make this one a little different. The community is a huge part of what Rock Band is all about, so I'd like to see what questions you guys want answered.

Obviously they aren't going to be revealing new tracks or DLC pricing, so I'm not going to try and squeeze these things out of them. I've only just found out at the last minute that I'm going, otherwise I'd have given this thread a little more time to grow.

Anyway, I'm really stoaked about this trip and have been dying to get my hands on the game again since the Tour was in Chicago. Yea, I've played the demo in Best Buy, but it's just not the same. I'll check on this before I head out tomorrow, and I'll try to get a few of your burning questions answered.

[AdamBomb629]

Maybe you can try and get some info about the leaderboard or linking of gamertags to online standings (like GH3)?

[monstrado]

How does the DLC work online? If one person in the band doesn't have the song for example, thanks

[peachpunker63]

yeah try and get some info about the online stuff and ask them some questions about the single player mode because we havnt really heard much about that. i would like to know what all you can do in single player mode aside from BTW.

[MdubMedia]

Cool. Can you find out if there will be any sort of contests once it's up and running on Xbox Live?

A way to view performances, either your own, or online games?

[Tigerbot]

How about something along the lines of how long it would take to go through all of the Band World Tour mode...I'm sure it's much longer than GH, but it'd be nice to have a good estimate...

[Bakkster]

Comments on the failures of Best Buy guitars: prototypes, abuse, or just fragile?

Will DLC be handled through the common marketplace, or through a unique GUI?

Is an online BWT patch confirmed, or simply desired?

Will there be inventory to replace broken peripherals in a timely fashion near launch?

[Schultzy]

Can you customize the other members in your band in single player, cause it would be weird if you have a rock style going and the rest of your band is in emo styled clothing.

Also, will there be clothes and stuff as DLC?

[85_SWB]

Will ps2 GH1 and 2 SGs work with the adapter for ps2 controller to usb?

[MaineDrummer]

Single player mode
Guitar durability?
View player performances?
Free form practice?
Plans for DLC other then more songd/albums?

..are a few Q's going around.

[HeXcoda]

Can you customize the other members in your band in single player, cause it would be weird if you have a rock style going and the rest of your band is in emo styled clothing.

SECONDED. This is my number one request, too. I want to know more about the solo tour, and its customizability -- band logos, band names, designing NPCs. The video evidence says we're SOL but I'd like confirmation from HMX that we're SOL (or hopefully, otherwise!)

Also, is BWT entirely playable on Easy? Short of the "hard/expert only extra challenges". I want to make sure if I go Bass+Vocals to lone wolf it that I can drop down if something's kicking my butt, instead of being flat out stuck.

Edit: I missed it in my rush to post but I also heartily second Bakkster's "Will online BWT be a patch, confirmed?" question. I'm guessing they'll dodge the issue because they don't want to promise and then possibly fail to deliver, but please, pose it anyway... this is very important for adult gamers.

[Apples]

Coolest feature that made it in the game?

Coolest feature that was not feasible/reasonable to add?

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Chances for a gong / cowbell peripheral? :D

[Eman311]

Will there be inventory to replace broken peripherals in a timely fashion near launch?

don't bother with this one, it's definetly no.

anyways, ask about online stuff, what the single player is like, dlc price etc. I'm sure you already have a good idea anyways.

[Bakkster]

don't bother with this one, it's definetly no.

I think it's still worth asking, even if the expected answer is a 'no' or a dodge.

[JackBNimble]

will all DLC from RB1 be playable with RB2? Just something to think about for the future!

[ThePaska]

I would love to find out more about the single player career, how its set up and what aspects it shares with World Tour Mode if any. I think that is the main thing we haven't had any info on.

[Nazriel]

Single player mode functionality is a good topic.

Also, the blog post detailing the design process of the drums were a good in-depth look and very reassuring that they are resilient. Was a similar effort put into the guitars?

More specifically, are the guitars in Best Buys an earlier Revision Model? Can we expect a guitar which in theory could withstand multiple play-throughs of "Through Fire and Flame" with downstrums only? (And still be responsive of course)

I have not played GHIII past the demo, but the online videos show that that one song looks to be a good source of stress-testing for any peripheral.

[TreoRock_]

Could you ask how much is it going to cost for each DLC song and album? For the PS3 and Xbox (I guess..)
Also, will all the GH songs be available for DLC?

Thanks,

Al

[gobacktogo]

any info on the Canadian release situation, that'd be amazing. ;)

[wes_jett2008]

I have a ps2 version question...

1.Since the ps2 is coming out later then the other versions,Will it have some bonus content on the disk? Like some of the currently released DLC or somthing? Since we cant get DLC?...Or do they plan to do a rock the 80's type thing?.

2.Is a double bass pedal for the drums possible in the future?...just to get that one out of the way.

3.Another ps2 question...Is everything intact from the ps3/xbox versions(minus online) or did a feature or two have to be dropped to get all that awesome on the ps2?

All I got...

---Wes

[Quinarvy]

Can we use the same created characters in all game modes (as in, not having to remake every single rocker you've made in BWT to use them in Quickplay)

[SmokaCola]

I wish they would come out and confirm the Mic is USB, post it somewhere or something. I already know it's going to be a USB and plugged into the USBHub but so many people fight it and say it's plugged into the controller. That's all I really want settled.

[Seroth]

Wii version?

[LogunnsBlade]

The number 1 thing I would love to know is the region coding for the 360 version, as alot of gamers outside the US want the game & do not want to wait 4+ months to get our hands on it. I just really want to know if it works on a UK 360 as if it does not I will have to get a US console before the game arrives. If they do not have an answer for this question it would be nice to know if after the US launch if they plan on workin on a PAL version or get some DLC out in the US first & start work in the new year for other countries?

[dodgyknees]

As above. and a release date for UK please.

[visualdeity]

Compatibility of the PS3 Strat with older GH titles, yes/no?

If no, is it because it's a PS3 limitation, or because of a software limitation? If it's a software limitation, is it something which can be fixed in the future, say, through a Sony firmware update?

If the ultimate answer to all of this is no, and we'll never be able to play our copies of GH1/2/80s on the PS3, do they think it's possible, even likely, to have those songs as DLC in Rock Band?

These are questions for which the PS3 community dearly needs answers :(

[LesPaul5391]

whether or not the demo guitars that seem to be defective are the same guitars as the ones in the actual special edition bundles.

[Terranova]

Will us PS3 owners have the same lag problems with the strat that the GH3 Les paul is having, which is not video or audio related ie it's the dongle, and will there be a wired version of the strat released so we are at least on par with 360 owners.

[Chris_Gonzalez]

Ask them if you can use the PS3 Strat to play the PS2 games. Please? I've been wondering this for a while, and the journalism places with full coppies haven't tried it and posted it yet (but they did post that it wouldn't work with GH3).

[HeXcoda]

I wish they would come out and confirm the Mic is USB, post it somewhere or something. I already know it's going to be a USB and plugged into the USBHub but so many people fight it and say it's plugged into the controller. That's all I really want settled.

Second. I want to know if those USB mikes and headsets from Karaoke Revolution can be used here -- the headset especially is key for folks who want to make an attempt at solo (voc+bass) BWT mode.

I know the XBL voice chat headset can be used (but at lower quality) but what about a generic, off the shelf USB mike?

[Coldplayer]

Obviously they aren't going to be revealing new tracks or DLC pricing, so I'm not going to try and squeeze these things out of them.

Well, but it's about time the reveal this, since the game comes out very soon. But..hm... you could at least ask them when they reveal this info.

What I really want to know is, since the PS3 guitars of GHIII have lagging issues, will the Rockband guitars have similar problems?
AND will the PS3 (!) (We know about X360 guitar from IGN) guitars from GH3 work with the Ps3 version of Rockband? (Since the guitar won't be available seperatly at launch)

Oh, and about the timing when hitting the chords - Will there be a bigger time window where you can hit the note like it is in Guitar Hero 3? I think this would be good, since it's easier then to play with beginners.

I'd also like to know something about BWT. For example:
You and your brother want to play this game together. So you are only two people. You start a new band. Will you be able to create a whole band or just two characters? (And the CPU is creating the rest of the bands) As far as I know, you have to create a singer and the singer will stay the singer in this band and can't change to guitar, right?
But you will have the possibility to join another band with this character and there he can be the guitar player, right?
Ask them this, please. :p

[milesodanglers]

Tomorrow I have the pleasure of heading over to Harmonix Studios and hanging out with some of the HMX crew. I know we've all seen a lot of interviews in the past, but I'd like to make this one a little different. The community is a huge part of what Rock Band is all about, so I'd like to see what questions you guys want answered.

Obviously they aren't going to be revealing new tracks or DLC pricing, so I'm not going to try and squeeze these things out of them. I've only just found out at the last minute that I'm going, otherwise I'd have given this thread a little more time to grow.

Anyway, I'm really stoaked about this trip and have been dying to get my hands on the game again since the Tour was in Chicago. Yea, I've played the demo in Best Buy, but it's just not the same. I'll check on this before I head out tomorrow, and I'll try to get a few of your burning questions answered.

if there will be hyperspeed?
i would love to see what they have to say about all the best buy demo instruments breaking.
What size tv do they suggest to play the game on?

[eldoctorg]

........................If the game is delayed in canada........ and if so, whats the new release date.........................................

[CrazyIvan]

Just to reiterate what someone mentioned above, any kind of information on the PS2 version? Anything at all would be fantastic. They've kinda' left us in the dark after they made the announcement. Makes sense, since I'm sure they're focusing on the launch for the next-gens... but still.

[Bakkster]

I wish they would come out and confirm the Mic is USB, post it somewhere or something. I already know it's going to be a USB and plugged into the USBHub but so many people fight it and say it's plugged into the controller. That's all I really want settled.

From wired:

http://blog.wired.com/games/images/2007/10/31/dsc04203.jpg
And here is the Logitech USB microphone with Rock Band branding!


Second. I want to know if those USB mikes and headsets from Karaoke Revolution can be used here -- the headset especially is key for folks who want to make an attempt at solo (voc+bass) BWT mode.

I know the XBL voice chat headset can be used (but at lower quality) but what about a generic, off the shelf USB mike?

Didn't Chris say that every USB mic they used worked? I don't think they were able to be any more specific, because some USB mics may not follow the USB audio standard. If it follows the standard (a.k.a. doesn't need a new driver) is should work.

[Smidget]

Though they may not be able to reveal this yet, how do they plan to interact with gamers after release. I'm sure we'll see a lot more about this when the new site launches but I'm really hoping for more than just online tournaments. I'm also kind of expecting more since they'll constantly be battling with GH3 to win the market. So, are they planning some on-location events/tournaments or other ways to interact directly with the gamers and give RB players across the nation opportunities to gather?

further explanation of the question...
[They could of course try to hop on an existing e-sports franchise to get the tourneys accomplished but having events specifically for RB I think would be a great way to continue to connect with gamers, grow the community (and actually create one that exists offline), and give more reason for people to purchase the game. This is more possible for RB (than GH) because judging tournaments can easily include categories like dress, performance, crowd participation, etc. So even if one band scores better, they might have sucked in the non-gameplay categories, bringing their score down and possibly losing. idk, I just see a lot of potential there]

[KingofQUEEN48]

Ask Harmonix if they are thanking the RB community (us) because i wanna feel special!

[stiper327b]

Okay, one thing that I really want to stress, and this is probably needless, but just in case...always ask follow up questions! I'm tired of videogame journalists giving devs a free pass on questions. They ask one question, get a pat, PR approved answer, and then don't follow it up with another question. Don't be a dick about it, but don't let them just tow the company line.

For instance, ask about the single player mode, and then when the inevitably tell you that it's just like the GH modes, ask why it couldn't be more in line with the BWT mode? Even though the game is built for the multiplayer experience, why limit the risk/reward, decision making, and RPG like experiences to just BWT? Ask if it was a technical limitation that kept them from allowing BWT to be played with only one player, or a design choice? And ask them why they made that choice, how making that choice would benefit the gamer. Or simply ask them if single player was just an afterthought.

Other than that, I'm just curious about DLC, and whether or not it would be compatible with future versions of the game. Oh, and how will DLC be handled on the PS2? Expansion discs?

I guess an inquiry into the Wii version wouldn't be bad, but you'll get a pat PR response. But ask them why they didn't just farm out the development for the Wii like they did for the PS2 version. And ask them if GHIII being the only guitar based music game on the Wii will give them pause in bringing RB to the Wii in the future.

I don't really care, but the region issues are a big unknown right now, especially for those overseas who are looking to import. It would be cool to get a final answer on that one.

Oh, I had a question about the masters. Were there any songs that were on the A or B list that got knocked off because of the absence of masters? Or were they willing to re-record anything that required it?

Ask them if anybody has put in some good time with GHIII, and how they honestly feel about the game. Not as a critique or anything, but how they feel now that their former baby has shipped.

Oh, and ask them who did the covers for RB. Was it Wavegroup or another studio?

[Kluv32]

Compatibility of the PS3 Strat with older GH titles, yes/no?

I, too, am dying to find out this answer!

[miketoast]

Will there be inventory to replace broken peripherals in a timely fashion near launch?

That's definitely a valid question and even though I expect the answer to be no what am I supposed to do if I open that box on the 20th and one of the many pieces to this game is broken, damaged or not working correctly?

This is an issue I (and alot of others) had with GH3, brought the whole thing home and set it all up and I couldn't sync the guitar to the dongle, after a half hour of messing with that and finally getting it working I found that the blue fret on the controller wasn't working. I then had to pack the whole thing up and go back to Best Buy for a new bundle

Now, I saw the note in the packaging telling people not to bring it back to the point of purchase if something wasn't working and to log onto some website, so how long do I have to sit around with a game I now can't play until I get a replacement and I now have to pay to ship a large guitar or drums back to HMX or some replenishment center to get a new one? That would completely suck if I have to open that box on the 20th and find out I can't even play and now have to wait weeks for a replacement and then having to lay out additional money just to get something that works.....

Here's another question...

When will DLC first become available, is it a launch day thing, or is it's gonna be a few days or a week?

Also, will DLC be released only on a weekly basis and if so is there a specific day of the week that new songs will drop?

TIA

[nicko68]

Given that Activision has proven that the Wii is a viable platform with its sales of Guitar Hero III, I'd like to know if they are seriously considering a Wii version of Rock Band, and a rough estimate of when it might be released.

[nicko68]

I'm assuming the Karaoke Revolution mic will work since HMX was involved with that game, and the mic looks identical to the picture above.

[tbradshaw]

For instance, ask about the single player mode, and then when the inevitably tell you that it's just like the GH modes, ask why it couldn't be more in line with the BWT mode? Even though the game is built for the multiplayer experience, why limit the risk/reward, decision making, and RPG like experiences to just BWT? Ask if it was a technical limitation that kept them from allowing BWT to be played with only one player, or a design choice? And ask them why they made that choice, how making that choice would benefit the gamer. Or simply ask them if single player was just an afterthought.

This is a biased question. While it would be interesting to find out the answer, it's better suited for a post-mortem developer document than a pre-release interview. Until then, it should be pretty clear. Single player is like GH, because that's exactly the way that they wanted it to be.

Your other questions all seemed great though, I'd like to know answers to any/all of them.

[HMXChrisCanfield]

From wired:

Didn't Chris say that every USB mic they used worked? I don't think they were able to be any more specific, because some USB mics may not follow the USB audio standard. If it follows the standard (a.k.a. doesn't need a new driver) is should work.

Yup. It works with standard USB mics. In addition, you can use the headsets that plug into the controllers (360) or Bluetooth headsets (PS3), but I'd recommend a USB mic for clarity / response time.

[Quastor]

Some words that Chris typed

Hey, isn't this cheating? Getting an idea of the questions that will be asked a head of time? So you can script your answers? :p

[HeXcoda]

This is a biased question. While it would be interesting to find out the answer, it's better suited for a post-mortem developer document than a pre-release interview. Until then, it should be pretty clear. Single player is like GH, because that's exactly the way that they wanted it to be.

The 'What's your intent with solo and why didn't you do it this way' aspect is biased, yes, but I think given solo is only vaguely explored right now ("It's like GH!") there's ample grounds for further probing. Notably, how do created bands relate to solo mode, created band art, what if any decisionmaking is done, etc. Yes, it's a tiered setlist grinder ho hum, but there may be some nuggets lurking in there that haven't been disclosed and this is our chance to get them.


Hey, isn't this cheating? Getting an idea of the questions that will be asked a head of time? So you can script your answers? :p

OMG HAX

[tbradshaw]

The 'What's your intent with solo and why didn't you do it this way' aspect is biased, yes, but I think given solo is only vaguely explored right now ("It's like GH!") there's ample grounds for further probing. Notably, how do created bands relate to solo mode, created band art, what if any decisionmaking is done, etc. Yes, it's a tiered setlist grinder ho hum, but there may be some nuggets lurking in there that haven't been disclosed and this is our chance to get them.

Yeah, I completely agree. After all the light that BWT has gotten, I think questions about the solo tour would be great. There's a lot there that hasn't been explored, especially compared to other topics.

[Feigned]

Thanks for all of the input guys, obviously I didn't get to ask all of the questions, but I've got plenty of answers. I wish I had the chance to post everything right now, but I've been on the road for about 25 hours in the last two days and am in some serious need for a little rest. I'll get it all written up and posted as soon as humanly possible.

I will leave you with a little something though. For those of you nonbelievers, Sean's tattoo is very much real.

http://community.rockband.com/file/pic/gallery/1370.jpg

[Eman311]

so why did you get the honor of checking out the studios?

[SmokaCola]

Yup. It works with standard USB mics. In addition, you can use the headsets that plug into the controllers (360) or Bluetooth headsets (PS3), but I'd recommend a USB mic for clarity / response time.

Yeah, no matter how many times you guys say it though. Believe it or not, there are people still out there that think the mic plugs into the controller. I keep trying to tell them the mic is plugged into the USB hub but if you really wanted to, you could plug one into the controller as well.

[Eman311]

Yeah, no matter how many times you guys say it though. Believe it or not, there are people still out there that think the mic plugs into the controller. I keep trying to tell them the mic is plugged into the USB hub but if you really wanted to, you could plug one into the controller as well.

Around E3, it appeared the mic plugged into the controller. thats where the misconception comes from. I dont see how any old usb microphone could work though, but that's awesome.

[Coldplayer]

Cool. Looking forward to the interview, hope you'll post it soon! :)

[Bakkster]

I dont see how any old usb microphone could work though, but that's awesome.

The wonderful world of standards :D

[juiceman23]

any info on the Canadian release situation, that'd be amazing. ;)

YES... please ask about the canadian delay situation

[TreoRock_]

Any updates on the review? Can't wait

[Coldplayer]

Any updates on the review? Can't wait

Yeah... will we see it someday?

[Feigned]

Sorry for the delay guys, I'm a long way from home and spending a lot of time on the road. It will likely be Monday afternoon before I'm able to publish it. The good news is that I've got some videos to go along with the interview.

The videos have taken up much of my time, as I've had to heavily edit them for the public eye. They aren't ready to announce any new tracks, so I had to make sure that I didn't accidentally do that for them :p

Before you ask, yes I have seen and played some new DLC. No, I'm not allowed to tell you. :(

[Yasihiko]

any info on the Canadian release situation, that'd be amazing. ;)

Wurdddd. Need answers now.

[undertow]

Feigned, can appreciate that you are not allowed to tell us about the new DLC. Since you say it's "new" can you tell us that it is new in the sense that it was not apart of the 24 or so songs recently announced through OXM and also, that it is neither The Who, Nirvana, Metallica or the Grateful Dead?

Again, you do not (obviously) have to give specifics at all, just a clear plain english line of yes or no. :)

[That_One_Dude]

Pics or it didn't happen, lulz.

[MdubMedia]

can't wait for more details :)

[masterx1918]

Sorry for the delay guys, I'm a long way from home and spending a lot of time on the road. It will likely be Monday afternoon before I'm able to publish it. The good news is that I've got some videos to go along with the interview.

The videos have taken up much of my time, as I've had to heavily edit them for the public eye. They aren't ready to announce any new tracks, so I had to make sure that I didn't accidentally do that for them :p

Before you ask, yes I have seen and played some new DLC. No, I'm not allowed to tell you. :(
uh.......we know all of the new DLC so i'm sure you don't know much more then we do, unless of course this is DLC not from the magazine

[admanimal]

uh.......we know all of the new DLC so i'm sure you don't know much more then we do, unless of course this is DLC not from the magazine

He still may not be allowed to reveal it in a harmonix-sanctioned interview since OXM doesn't officially come out until december.