Beatles Game Announced: Fans Will Rock Plastic Instruments, Just Not In Rock Band 2
We previously reported that The Beatles would be coming to Rock Band 2 based on what the Wall Street Journal Online deemed information from “several people familiar with the matter”. Unfortunately, those individuals apparently weren’t familiar enough.
The reality of the situation is still pretty cool for gamers and hardcore fans of the group, as a deal for an undisclosed amount has been struck between MTV and Apple Corps. Ltd. to create a stand-alone Beatles game due to come out during next years holiday season.
While an exact amount was not revealed, Martin Bandier, CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing shared the following:
“We signed a deal that would be considered very rich by the videogame company but fair for the artists. It will have online implications that will be enormous.”
This marks the first official digital licensing of the groups catalog, so one can assume that it didn’t come cheap, and Variety reports that discussions between all parties involved began over 17 months ago.
No comment was made regarding the potential remastering of the tracks, which are said to have not been touched in over 20 years. What is known at this time, is that developers will be able to select 45 songs for inclusion into the Beatles game.
When asked for comment, Apple Corps CEO Jeff Jones, did little outside of confirm that the game was already under development.
“The game is in development … We don’t want to talk about how it will turn out a year from now. We’re in the process of creating the game.”
This is great news. I’m thinking “Rock Band: The Beatles Edition”. Now if only someone could convince Zeplin to drink some video game Koolaid.
Source: Variety
