Why no Rock Band for PCs ?

[WildWalker]

Curiously,

this is one potentially huge market is not being exploited, the PC market. PCs are simple to go online with, have huge processing power and have plenty of storage for downloaded content. Although like the PS3 it would require someone to set up a dedicated server, having said that people like Steam or the numerous server providers could easily support it.

Why is there no interest in this market? The instruments are bluetooth are USB so would fit straight on to computers (all be it with different plug fitting). Hell you can even run multiple monitors on a PC for party gaming.

WW

[infamous_gof]

Good idea, but my cpu doesn't have 4 USB cables. No matter the case, they should definantly make it for other game consoles. If not, that's a dumb decision. Most people can't afford ps3 or 360. I know I can't. They should make it for last generation consoles also (xbox, ps2, gamecube (not so much gamecube)) but pretty much everyone who has a game system has an xbox and ps2.

[freakonate]

Umm... Let's see...How many of your friends could you cram into your room, all gathered around your desk, holding plastic instruments and squinting to see the monitor?

Sounds like a GREAT idea!

[Seattle_Sound]

Good idea, but my cpu doesn't have 4 USB cables. No matter the case, they should definantly make it for other game consoles. If not, that's a dumb decision. Most people can't afford ps3 or 360. I know I can't. They should make it for last generation consoles also (xbox, ps2, gamecube (not so much gamecube)) but pretty much everyone who has a game system has an xbox and ps2.

Comeon guys, lets get serious. There is no way this game would work for PC. The post above me pretty much sums that up. Also we dont need this for xbox and ps2, quit being cheap and upgrade. I'm just gonna pretend you didnt say gamecube seeing as it doesnt even have online. 360 and PS3 is fine.

[infamous_gof]

I'm not being cheap. I just don't have the money.

[decoyoct]

I can think of many, many, many reasons why RB won't be coming to the PC.

1. Piracy: It's fairly well known that PC piracy is rampant. It's why id went multiplatform http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/id-software-ceo-piracy-pushed-us-multiplatform/

2. Modification: It's easy to edit anything on a PC, and with all of that licensed music, it could be easily ripped and/or replaced. This not only puts the musicians music out there for anyone, it also kills the chances of a sequel.

3. Support. There's only one spec for a 360, or for a PS3, or a wii. There's many many many specs for PC. Developing a PC game is way more costly than developing on a console. There are way too many variables, and the ends really don't justify the means.

infamous_gof: USB hubs are cheap. I have 6 USB devices connected to my computer right now, and the standard can support over 250 per port IIRC. Also, the previous game systems may not be able to handle the new technology used in RB.

freakonate : That's what the internet is for, that is if I didn't want to use the TV out capabilities of my video card and plug it into my TV.

It won't be coming to the PC because it wouldn't be finically or legally responsible to do so.

[Seattle_Sound]

I'm not being cheap. I just don't have the money.

Well I dont know what to tell you, your in a tough boat.

[WildWalker]

Umm... Let's see...How many of your friends could you cram into your room, all gathered around your desk, holding plastic instruments and squinting to see the monitor?

Sounds like a GREAT idea!


Well, frequently we have 8 player network PC game sessions in my room (well, its my office, but its big enough for 8) so elbow room for four persons bashing away is plenty :)

WW

[WildWalker]

Comeon guys, lets get serious. There is no way this game would work for PC. The post above me pretty much sums that up. Also we dont need this for xbox and ps2, quit being cheap and upgrade. I'm just gonna pretend you didnt say gamecube seeing as it doesnt even have online. 360 and PS3 is fine.



What do you mean there is no way this would work for PC???? Most 'modern' pcs (ones bought in the last 2 to 3 years) have at least 4 USB ports.

Lets try not to forget ALL consoles nowadays are just PCs crammed in to small boxes with custom OS's. Even the Xbox runs a cut down windows 2000 kernel. (not sure wot they did with the 360)

You offered absolutely no reason what so ever for this game to not work on the PC?? (unless your entire justification was based on someone not having 4 usb ports?)

Two words USB HUB. Doh!

To be honest, the PC would be the BEST platform. Most PC games get installed to the Hard Disk, just need the DVD for authentication, so loading would be well speedy. Download material could be huge, PCs have had at least 250GB hdd for the last couple of years. Intenet connections are simple, most PCs have built in NICs too.

Thinking on, creating the characters for the new game with a mouse and keyboard would be easier, using a mouse driven interface could improve game navigation, PCs can have multiple sound outputs, allowing finer control over audio levels, the list goes on.

WW

[WildWalker]

I can think of many, many, many reasons why RB won't be coming to the PC.

1. Piracy: It's fairly well known that PC piracy is rampant. It's why id went multiplatform http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/id-software-ceo-piracy-pushed-us-multiplatform/

Um, not heard of Executer chips then? What about all the modded bios versions available for the 360? PS2 Mod chips-a-plenty? ANYTHING on the market is hacket, or is soon hacked after release. That is not a great reason. Also, look at games like BF2 and Counterstrike, they have their servers tied town pretty well so no illegal copies can play (for long). I think Piracy affects all platforms fairly equally.



2. Modification: It's easy to edit anything on a PC, and with all of that licensed music, it could be easily ripped and/or replaced. This not only puts the musicians music out there for anyone, it also kills the chances of a sequel.


Oooh kay. So on my 360 I couldnt stick the game on easy, play each song 100% with the audio going in to my PC and record it that way? Cmon, any 10 year old could have the music off in a flash, whatever the platform.



3. Support. There's only one spec for a 360, or for a PS3, or a wii. There's many many many specs for PC. Developing a PC game is way more costly than developing on a console. There are way too many variables, and the ends really don't justify the means.


Yeah, thats why there are no games for the PC, because the ends dont justify the means, oh but hang on, there are hundreds? Well I guess that is becasue the end did justify the means. Wake up dude, think about that statement.



infamous_gof: USB hubs are cheap. I have 6 USB devices connected to my computer right now, and the standard can support over 250 per port IIRC. Also, the previous game systems may not be able to handle the new technology used in RB.


Agreed, USB Hubs a no brainer. As for older systems, only devs will really know that.




It won't be coming to the PC because it wouldn't be finically or legally responsible to do so.

It may not come out on the PC, but if it doesnt it wont be for legall reasons, the licensing for music is irrelevant to the platform. It might be that HMX just dont have the resources or manpower for another platform.

WW

[copasetic]

PC would have some advantages over a console, but IMO too many disadvantages to make it worthwhile. There's really nothing you could do on a PC with this game that you couldn't do on a modern console. Besides that Rock Band is a game to play with other people in the same room, it just wouldn't be the same playing by yourself even if you're playing online.

I just really hope HMX makes new songs available for download in the future, even if I had to pay 50 cents to $1 for each track it'd be worth it if they're good. Or hell just release a new copy of the game every 6 months with different tracks, you buy the peripherals once and buy an expansion every now and then for $30 or whatever they want to charge.

[WildWalker]

PC would have some advantages over a console, but IMO too many disadvantages to make it worthwhile.


Perhaps you could elaborate on the disadvantages.



There's really nothing you could do on a PC with this game that you couldn't do on a modern console. Besides that Rock Band is a game to play with other people in the same room, it just wouldn't be the same playing by yourself even if you're playing online.


What? the platform is irrelevant. You can play RB in a room with other ppl at the same time, or on your own online whether its an XB, PS3, PC, Wii or whatever!!!!


WW

[copasetic]

Perhaps you could elaborate on the disadvantages.
Sure.

First off is the hassle with 4 wireless controllers, a lot of computers don't have 4 USB ports available (even if it has 4 at least 1 is usually used up by USB mouse/keyboard/whatever) so you'll have to buy a hub. Depending on what kind of connectors are used with the controllers HMX might have to design a whole new series for use on PC.

I'd venture a guess and say most people don't have their computer set up in their living room, and it's not nearly as easy to move around the house as a console. Maybe you'd like cramming a bunch of people flailing about with instruments into your room, but I'd rather not.

TV Out is a possibility, but again it can be a hassle to set up and video quality is almost always degraded due to differences in resolution. S-Video cables aren't cheap, and they're generally not very long, so you'll have to keep your computer next to your TV.

A release for PC will be much easier to crack and modify, though this is put off somewhat because you have to buy the peripherals you're still going to have modified versions of the game out there playable without the hassle of a mod chip or anything like that. Kind of screws any plans to release more content later when people can very easily just download and install new stuff off the 'black market'. Yeah, I know you could do that on a console too, but it's a lot more work.

Opens the door for people to use 3rd party peripherals to play the game, nice for consumers but could cost HMX a lot of money.

Add at least 6 months development time to develop and test support for PC's, probably a lot more than that.

You could overcome most of these disadvantages, but why bother? It's so much simpler to release it on consoles, and you can bet HMX has something worked out with Microsoft and Sony to make this the "must have game exclusive to consoles" to boost sales.

[TheRocker]

Pc Er No

[Seattle_Sound]

What do you mean there is no way this would work for PC???? Most 'modern' pcs (ones bought in the last 2 to 3 years) have at least 4 USB ports.

Lets try not to forget ALL consoles nowadays are just PCs crammed in to small boxes with custom OS's. Even the Xbox runs a cut down windows 2000 kernel. (not sure wot they did with the 360)

You offered absolutely no reason what so ever for this game to not work on the PC?? (unless your entire justification was based on someone not having 4 usb ports?)

Two words USB HUB. Doh!

To be honest, the PC would be the BEST platform. Most PC games get installed to the Hard Disk, just need the DVD for authentication, so loading would be well speedy. Download material could be huge, PCs have had at least 250GB hdd for the last couple of years. Intenet connections are simple, most PCs have built in NICs too.

Thinking on, creating the characters for the new game with a mouse and keyboard would be easier, using a mouse driven interface could improve game navigation, PCs can have multiple sound outputs, allowing finer control over audio levels, the list goes on.

WW

Ok, you may have 8 player sessions on your PC's but for the general public the PC is in a non-spacious area, much less an area with enough room for 4 people to jump around and rock out. Why didnt GH come out for PC if it was so capable?

[SoraRikuVGM]

Comeon guys, lets get serious. There is no way this game would work for PC. The post above me pretty much sums that up. Also we dont need this for xbox and ps2, quit being cheap and upgrade. I'm just gonna pretend you didnt say gamecube seeing as it doesnt even have online. 360 and PS3 is fine.

And Wii. >_>

Don't be a hater.

As for PC, I dunno, Harmonix would get cheated with piracy and Limewire.

EDIT: NVM. I'm up for it but a lot of people with good computers have a NextGen console. Lord knows my PC isn't good (All I have left on my HDD is 1 gig.)

[benjamin]

It also has to do with the fact that Harmonix is a Console developer and they always have been.


Might as well ask why The Legend of Zelda is not on the PC. Or why S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is not on the 360, Some things are exclusive.

[sa_nick]

freakonate made a very good point mentioning the size of most computer monintors. Have 4 peripherals running off PC is possible but would get anoying have 2 remove other things like printers and scanners to plug in instruments each time.

But yeah I cant see 4 ppl sitting around a 20 inch monitor.

[benjamin]

freakonate made a very good point mentioning the size of most computer monintors. Have 4 peripherals running off PC is possible but would get anoying have 2 remove other things like printers and scanners to plug in instruments each time.

But yeah I cant see 4 ppl sitting around a 20 inch monitor.

That problem would be circumvented by the oft lauded Online play.

It really does just come down to what the programmer wants to do. Plus this game is the exact kind of game that is played on the console.

As RTS games are almost entirely a PC genre rhythm games have there home on the console.

[WildWalker]

freakonate made a very good point mentioning the size of most computer monintors. Have 4 peripherals running off PC is possible but would get anoying have 2 remove other things like printers and scanners to plug in instruments each time.

But yeah I cant see 4 ppl sitting around a 20 inch monitor.


Well, more and more people are buying HD screens, and HD screens have the 15 Dsub inputs and some have the newer DVI connectors too. So a PC runs a HD screen no problem, and yes, I do use one of my PCs on my HD screen and it looks ace.

The guitars are gonna be wireless, shove a blutooth adapter on the PC, simple. A USB hub costs fuk all so its not gonna break the bank.

People who use PCs for gaming place them in the same comfy positions that they would put a console in, its a gamer thing. Sure mrs and mrs Smith that only use Word once a month will have their PC tucked away.

Like a lot of PC gamers, I also have a console, well several now as I've been buying them for a few years lol.

The point is, the PC market is huge, and while HMX is a console developer (ports from consoles to PC and back again are not that difficult depending on the language used) I can see why they might not dev a PC version, but they could sub out that job if they wanted.

Anyone who has been baning on about piracy really needs to wake up, just fire up Limewire or eMule or bit torrent and there are hundreds of Nintentdo, PS1, PS2, Xbox/360, Gameboy and PSP games on there for download, as well as PC games. The reason I buy my games is because I want to play them online with other people, and have to get a legitimate version. People will always copy stuff if they can, regardless of platform. Look on ebay at how many chipped consoles you can buy with a few hundred 'preinstalled' games!

Look on youtube at people who play GH with a controller, they certainly didn't buy the guitar, and I doubt they even bought the game (else they would probably have a guitar)

WW

[benjamin]

There are people who honestly prefer the controller for GH. This discussion has been had already on many GH boards.

[WildWalker]

There are people who honestly prefer the controller for GH. This discussion has been had already on many GH boards.

I am not sure I understand this statement? The controller for GH for the Xbox would work on a PC, whether it be wireless BT or the wired USB version. An Xbox is a PC in a little box remember? Yes it has custom chipsets, but its basic architecture is the same.

Im sure this has probably been mentioned before. I was simply pointing out in my original post that the PC market is a big market that could be tapped in to. PC games such as Quake, Counterstrike and Battlefield 2 have all made it on to consoles. And other games have come out as multi platform, Tomb Raider for example.

There is no reason why this game would not be successful on a PC, especially when you consider that PC sales far outnumber consoles, all be it that not all PCs are used for games of course, I accept that.

WW

[Maposaurus]

He's talking about using a Dual Shock over an SG, and alike for the XB360.

[WildWalker]

Aha, I see ;)

I did do a song using the controller a few weeks ago, just out of curiosity, and I was surprised that the game still was quite satisfying, although no where near as good as using the guitar.

WW

[Maposaurus]

I don't enjoy the game on the controller, if just for the fact that I can pop in Gitaroo Man for superior fun.

[newwaytodie]

PC owners are never going to have it all. I love PC games and console games but there are some that just work better on thier respective platform. FPS, Strategy, and MMORPG's will always be at home primarily on PC where as platformers and the like will always be better suited for consoles.

[WildWalker]

PC owners are never going to have it all. I love PC games and console games but there are some that just work better on thier respective platform. FPS, Strategy, and MMORPG's will always be at home primarily on PC where as platformers and the like will always be better suited for consoles.

I totally agree todie, but the reason these games suit there respective platforms is because of the controls used (gamepad vs kyb/mouse).

However, the GH controllers are unique, and would work equally as well on either platform.

Until Xbox Live came along, network gaming was also the preserve of the PC as well. (ok, the dreamcast had a go, but was shortlived)

WW

[Apples]

iD claims that piracy was really hurting their bottom line... I contend that having stale IP and producing crappy games was the real cause of their hurting bottom line.

But that is slightly off topic.

Will Rock Band come to the PC? I dont see why it couldn't, but I don't see why it would want to either... there are a lot of pro's and con's to a move of that nature. From a cost/benefit analysis, it is probably more effective to crank out a new title, than port something over to the PC.

And for the record, modding, piracy, etc. does affect the PC market more than consoles... just for the simple fact that the PC is a much more open platform and much more difficult to lock down. Contrast with the latest gen of consoles: The most popular Xbox 360 hacks got truckloads of consoles banned from the XBLive network, and MS has a strongarm over the platform with the ability to push out new firmware on a whim. Combined with the closed platform architecture, its no simple task to circumvent--far more difficult than "download ISO and cracked PC executable".

[WildWalker]

The most popular Xbox 360 hacks got truckloads of consoles banned from the XBLive network, and MS has a strongarm over the platform with the ability to push out new firmware on a whim. Combined with the closed platform architecture, its no simple task to circumvent--far more difficult than "download ISO and cracked PC executable".

Its pretty much the same for the PC when it comes to 'online' games. Yes its easy to copy a game and play it single player, same as modding the xb bios and playing single player games on it cos your never going to take it online.

However, online games are much harder, and most companies now have very tight control on their authentication servers. Same as XBL bans suspect 360s.

So, couple the fact that you couldn't go online with a copied version of RB with the fact that RB would be pointless with no controllers, and it wouldnt be worth copying :)

That statement rings true for any platform, PC, XB, PS3, Wii etc etc.

WW

[webmaster2089]

I think one of the problems is that PCs just don't lend themselves to this type of gaming. The PC gaming position is usually hunching over a keyboard grinding a mouse into a mousepad and glaring at a monitor at retina-scarring range. (Not to say that this is negative, as i have personally spent countless hours in this position.)

A lot of PCs are on desks cluttered with papers which are surrounded by chairs or walls or what have you. There isn't usually a couch around for your friends to chill on or a wide open space for you to rock that face melting guitar solo while doing a triple backflip in.

Consoles are really the primary platform for multiple people using the same machine, which is going to be a lot of what RAWKK BAND is about

[Electric_Zen]

At around the 1:10:00 mark on the latest 1UP Yours podcast, they have a segment on Rock Band. They mention that someone from Harmonix suggested there may be PC support for Rock Band in the future.

[sa_nick]

At around the 1:10:00 mark on the latest 1UP Yours podcast, they have a segment on Rock Band. They mention that someone from Harmonix suggested there may be PC support for Rock Band in the future.

Like being able to play the whole game? Or would that be part of their package they might release to allow people to making custom charts?

[Holy_Diver360]

try frets on fire

[TheRocker]

try frets on fire

Blaaargh , i Despise Frets on Fire but its Still an Alternative to not having Guitar hero