Rock Band in 2013 and beyond

[Foos036]

With 2013 only a month away, I'm a little surprised that I haven't seen anything posted on here about what may happen with Rock Band after the calendar year ends.

Five straight years of DLC is extremely impressive, and I'm proud to say that I've spent ridiculous amounts of money on the franchise since day 1. That being said, I'm curious to see what people on here think about DLC continuing over the next year.

I know a lot of people (on here, and everywhere else) have proclaimed Rock Band to be dead multiple times, such as when GH died, when Harmonix became independent, when they put 1,000+ songs on sale, when Blitz came out (no instruments wat?!) and when Green Day songs came out as DLC (which I found to be the most hilarious reason of all to proclaim the end is nigh,) but they've kept on pushing out new content, which is damn impressive. So what do you guys think about 2013? Do they go on for another year, or is the end upon us?

I -- and a lot of others as well -- really don't expect a new core RB title to come out until the next generation hits. As far as DLC, I personally feel that they'll keep going, especially if they're still making a profit, which they appear to be doing.

Your thoughts, please.

[CanuckGamer]

I predict in 2013, that Harmonix will announce the 4th, and final game in the Rock Band series, to be released in Spring 2014. And that the fans will get to choose what song they want to see in the game.

[www1221]

And that the fans will get to choose what song they want to see in the game.

ha

[SheSaidSheSaid]

Your thoughts, please.

Much preferable to "Discuss." Thank you =)

Basically it's gonna continue like this until it doesn't anymore. I don't see HMX making any big changes. As long as RB DLC is even close to profitable, it'll continue. They've got the DC hog to ride high on (until they don't anymore, but that day's not in sight either).

[TheStuddz]

Is it pretty much universally agreed upon that the world will see a fourth DC game before a fourth RB game?

I know it's true, but it hurts my heart.

Even though I totally love Dance Central, that game is nifty!

[CanuckGamer]

This reminds me, how about a special edition of Rock Band 3 for the Wii U? Where you can either play with either the instruments, or with the new tablet controller's touch pad. You can use your fingers on there to play drums, or guitar, bass, or key parts. And all the DLC from the Wii days will be compatible.

[Runesmith]

I think we'll see Rock Band DLC support drop for about a year (maybe not completely non-existent, but less than what we have now), from Summer 2013 to Winter 2014, until HMX decides to release another Rock Band game for the next gen systems around the Holiday 2014 season.

[hiddenzombie013]

I personally think that Harmonix will stop putting out DLC around the end of 2013, but then again, a year ago I thought they would end it in 2012. Regardless, I hope they keep it around as long as humanly possible (without breaking their bank). I also believe that we likely won't see any new RB title in 2013, but if we do, there's two possible options I can see:

1. A Rock Band Blitz sequel. If RB did well for HMX, I can totally see this happening around next summer. 25 new songs (don't think there'd be more), plus new power-ups, a "career" mode of sorts (or at least more in-game implementation of RB World), an updated RB World app, and some kind of online Vs. mode, with power-ups that can mess up your opponent. I really hope this comes out.

2. Rock Band 4: Final Encore. Ok, maybe not with that cheesy title, but if they do RB4, it will probably be established that it is the last one. They could go the Rocksmith route and allow you to use any guitar, but I'm guessing it would probably be an updated version of their current system. In fact, I think the game would mainly be an update of RB3, but still really damn good (like RB2 was for RB1). I think HMX would do a great job at getting the last of the most-requested features from fans, and give the series quite the send-off. Hopefully, playlists (different from setlists, more like an iTunes playlist), jukebox mode (will never happen), and being able to change the tierings of songs to your desire (also will never happen)would be included. I do think the likelihood of this game is less than RBB2 though.

Regardless, my main hope is that Harmonix gives fans a clear end in sight, rather than just cut it off for good one day. It has to end someday, but I would much rather have time to cherish each and very last DLC announcement and hype surrounding it. I've been here since the first GH, and still buy DLC a much as I can. No matter what though, it's been an incredible ride.

[SheSaidSheSaid]

Is it pretty much universally agreed upon that the world will see a fourth DC game before a fourth RB game?

Well yes, but only because there's never ever ever (x Taylor Swift) going to be a fourth RB game. At the very least, not on the current gen, but I don't see why they'd do it for the eighth gen either.

[crash13]

I expect to see Rock Band 4 as a next gen tittle with dlc till then.