MTV, Harmonix To Create Beatles Inspired Music Video Game
As Sgt. SausagePants reported yesterday, MTV and Apple Corps. had a nice little press conference this morning to announce something big; however, there wasn't very much talk of Rock Band during the meeting. In fact, no clear message was given as to whether we;d ever see Beatles songs on Rock Band. What they did have to announce, nevertheless, is very exciting.
Turns out that Apple Crops., the company founded by The Beatles to manage their growing empire, has been talking with MTV and Harmonix exclusively about putting out a music video game based upon The Beatles music. The idea's conception was inspired, in part, from input by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and is billed to be an 'unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles.' Apple Corps. said that they went with Harmonix partially due to the fact that they have been working in the interactive music game genre for as long as they have.
From the meeting this morning, it was learned that the game should be compatible with current Rock Band peripherals, but will not be just some expansion pack to the game. It will be a separate and unique game all together. The game is also an exclusive deal, so don't expect to see a Activision Blizzard or Konami clone popping up anytime soon. Also, they seemed to stress that the game will also have a visual exploration focus in the game that is very much different from Rock Band or previous titles, and that exploration will be a journey from their first album to their last.
Overall, this is pretty big news and I know plenty of gamers, young and old, that have been waiting to rock out to many of The Beatles songs. Hit the jump to read the full press release.
Exclusive Agreement Set to Bring The Beatles Music to Fans for the First Time in Interactive Form Here, There and Everywhere in 2009New York, NY - October 30, 2008 - The Beatles' extraordinary music and phenomenal legacy is set to rock across the universe in the form of a video game through an exclusive partnership between Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
This partnership marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. Published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world's premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band, the game will be an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles. The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.
"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out," Sir Paul McCartney said.
"It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership," said Ringo Starr. "The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence."
"It's cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades," said Yoko Ono Lennon.
"People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate," said Olivia Harrison. "If you like the music, it doesn't take much persuasion to get you to play."
"Introducing the genius of The Beatles to a whole new generation of music lovers through original and inspired ways is extremely exciting to us at Apple Corps," stated Jeff Jones, CEO, Apple Corps. "We are truly pleased to be working with the innovative forces at MTV and Harmonix as they embody our mutual passions for music and creativity."
"Many of us have been part of a generation that has long enjoyed an enduring love affair with The Beatles and now we're looking to extend that love affair for future generations to enjoy," said Van Toffler." "Our inspiration for this project comes from a keen sense of history and a place of utmost reverence and respect for the band, their music and their heritage."
"The impact of The Beatles is forever ingrained in the hearts, minds and souls of millions the world over," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "The Beatles are the reason many of us are WHERE we are, and some of us are WHO we are."
"We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover the timeless music and art of The Beatles - the most creatively and commercially successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band in the history of popular music," stated Paul DeGooyer, MTV's Senior Vice President of Electronic Games & Music.
"By presenting their music and artistry through the creative filter of a groundbreaking video game, we are giving legions of fans and music lovers all over the world a profound, new way to experience The Beatles," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix. "This game will be a celebration of the Beatles undeniable legacy."
PixelPoet
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 30 October 2008
· Comments (5)
Other stuff like this: apple crops, beatles, harmonix, mtv, music game
WOW. This is very great news. Now, hopefully they will be able to pull of something tremendous. If not, it's going to disappoint many - to the point of blasphemy.
I gotta say, it sounds like "Rock Band: Beatles but we can't call it that because the ego behind the Beatles won't let themselves be regarded as a spinoff or expansion pack", which is kind of off-putting to me. It also sounds like they want to aim this at the Wii Granny Gamer audience, at least slightly.
@Klubby: Agreed, as a long-time Beatles fan, if this game isn't epic, then I don't know what'll happen...
@Zeta: While it does sound a little like that, I'm willing to chalk it up to press release wording. They're not going to say "This game will be only accessible to 18-24 year old gamers." That being said, and also in reference ot Klubby's post, the fact that Apple and MTV/EA/Harmonix are working together is good news, even if the Beatles game isn't what we're all looking for... because it means the door is open for all sorts of Beatles DLC. That being said, there's no way my favorite Beatles songs, the later, experimental stuff, will ever make it to the game, but I'd rock out on "Love Me, Do," or "Hard Day's Night," in a heartbeat.
If it lets you play Sgt. Pepper's or Abby Road, I'll buy it. Possibly my two absolute favorite albums ever, those...
@Shin Gallon: See, I'm the singer for my group of Rock Band friends, so I'd be down with pretty much ANYTHING they could throw at me. Well, aside from "Revolution No. 9" that is. Repeating "Number Nine..." over and over again would be boring.
That said, "I Am The Walrus," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", and "Happiness is a Warm Gun" would be fantastic, but I have to cross my fingers and hope the most for "Let it Be" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." Yes. I'm a sap. Leave me alone!