PS3 Guitar Compatibility - UPDATE 12/12/2007

[hmxowlbear]

Hi Everyone,

As we have said in the past, Harmonix and MTV Games believe in an open standard philosophy of hardware and game compatibility. We think that there should be interoperability between music instrument controllers across all music games. This is clearly in the best interest of consumers, game developers and console manufacturers and will only help to grow the music game genre as well as inspire innovation and creativity.

Two weeks ago, Harmonix created a software patch for the Sony PLAYSTATION 3 version of Rock Band that allowed for guitar compatibility and support for third party peripherals, including enabling use of Activision's Guitar Hero III controller with Rock Band. The compatibility patch was submitted, approved and had been scheduled for release by Sony on Tuesday, December 4. Unfortunately, Activision objected to the compatibility patch's release. The patch remains with Sony, but we have been told that it will unfortunately not be released due to Activision's continued objection.

As is the case with the Microsoft Xbox360, we believe that Sony PLAYSTATION 3 users should be able to use the peripheral of their choice with Rock Band. We sincerely hope that Activision will reverse its decision and allow release of the compatibility patch and further, that Activision will allow Guitar Hero III to support Rock Band guitar controllers as well. We welcome all third party developers who wish to support our controllers and will provide any required support in order for them to do so.

We believe that when consumers have choice, everyone wins. Harmonix and MTV Games hope that Activision and others will also adopt this philosophy.

Sincerely,
The Harmonix Team

[Blijack]

Come on Activision, stop being biotchez

[sweett310]

...as the rest of the country continues to wait for replacement guitars....

[carlnorum]

How do I contact Activision to express my displeasure?

[cmckay1]

What could they possibly gain by holding that back for PS3 users?

[Cyndair]

Wow.... Thanks Harmonix for trying to set this right. This has to be frustrating for you.

I just don't even know what to say. I'm so totally disgusted with Activision right now. If there was a way for me to return GH3, I would in a heartbeat. I'm going to send a letter and give them a phone call and let them know how upsetting this is but I don't think it is going to do a whole lot of good unfortunately.

[boardumb]

Great, and with the warranty replacement guitar I received not functioning, I have no way of playing the guitar on the ps3 now.

[MrE]

I'm curious as to how Activision is able to hault compatibility on the PS3 but not the 360.

[MF-PO'd]

EVERYONE needs to contact Activision over this disgusting action. I plan to send e-mails daily. I can't even put into words how (re-)angered I am once again over this situation.

[sweett310]

How do I contact Activision to express my displeasure?

I agree....we need a sticky with a phone number or email address for Activision.