Looking to start up a charting group in Australia, but...

[Maghook]

Is it possible / feasible?

At the moment, Australians can create XNA content, but they can not access it due to some silly illogical laws. Also, the RBN T&C states that members must live in the US. Will HMX ever look into broadening their membership base any time soon?

I live in a fairly musical part of the country (psssst, Silverchair's hometown) and I associate with a few retired rockers who, with a little persuasion, wouldn't mind having their old, classic Aussie songs in a video game.

So, HMX, any word on a possible expansion to include another incredibly musical nation?

I've contacted the XNA team to see what they're up to, I'll post the response if I ever receive it. Hopefully it's not too complex.

[Coach Z]

...silly illogical laws...

...Hopefully it's not too complex.

Once you utter the word "law", "too complex" is virtually certain.

[TubaDude49]

and I associate with a few retired rockers who, with a little persuasion, wouldn't mind having their old, classic Aussie songs in a video game.
.

AC/DC, INXS? Yeah, I know, neither are retired.

[HMXLachesis]

We would like to open up RBN access in a wide variety of countries (Australia among them), but there are complicated legalities involved, as you indicated. We don't have any timeline on further expansion at this time.

We don't currently have any plans for extending the program terms for creators.rockband.com to non-US residents.

[UnknownLefty95]

Can someone please tell me what is the law is that is restricting RBN in general from reaching our (virtual) shores?

[Maghook]

AC/DC, INXS? Yeah, I know, neither are retired.

Nah, nothing too huge, but you would know their songs. Take a look at any general "Great Aussie Songs" or "Best Beer Songs" compilations. They'll be on there. Well, I figure there's no harm in saying it, but the likes of the original Screaming Jets, Ted Mulry Gang, Rabbit (which featured Dave Evans from AC/DC), and their members' side-projects and other contacts they have.

It sucks that there's laws preventing such awesomeness from occurring. Hopefully one day this won't be an issue. I'd love to bring more Aussie talent to Rock Band.

Thanks for clarifying, HMXLachesis!

Can someone please tell me what is the law is that is restricting RBN in general from reaching our (virtual) shores?

No idea, I wish I knew what it was too.

[TalkieToaster]

I think I'm the official answerer of that question

Basically, it's because it's illegal to sell unrated media, that is media that hasn't been submitted to the OFLC (ratings board) for classification. It wouldn't be worth submitting every indy game that goes up on XNA, so we don't have access. That's why we can create, but not purchase.

Back to the initial topic though, I seem to remember early on something about the possiblilty of doing all the work outside the US, but then sending it to a US based authoring group for submission.

If that idea got shot down, you could always just act as a middleman between the bands and an American authoring group. No matter how much I'd love more Aussie music, you have to wonder though if it'd be worth it though for everyone involved, since the bands' biggest market would have to jump through hoops to actually purchase the songs...

That being said, if Rabbit made it into Rock Band, I'm pretty sure I would start having problems with my mum constantly wanting to play.

[Maghook]

Since MMO games can't be rated, how is it any different to downloadable content? Especially since the content is going by the original game's guidelines? That is, Rock Band is rated PG or M, therefore the content created for it must stick to being what is considered PG / M rated.

Silly Australian laws. Making no sense and such. We are such a backwards country.

I'd prefer to do the authoring myself, with other Aussies. No disrespect to authoring groups in the US, but I feel they would not appreciate Aussie music as much as we do.

[Bront20]

Can someone please tell me what is the law is that is restricting RBN in general from reaching our (virtual) shores?

Probably international business laws. That and the potential tax situation.

[TubaDude49]

I'd prefer to do the authoring myself, with other Aussies. No disrespect to authoring groups in the US, but I feel they would not appreciate Aussie music as much as we do.

There is a group that will submit for you and pay you everything you would have got, but I can't remember if it's Fairwood or TAG