The AbyssThe Abyss

Posted on Dec 13th 2007 at 05:52:58 AM by (TraderJake)
Posted under Modern Gaming, President Skroob, Ebenezer Scrooge, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Playstation 3


So, you're a PS3 owner and you happen to own both Guitar Hero III and Rock Band. Harmonix said that the Guitar Hero III Controller would work with Rock Band. Almost a month after release though, it still does not work. Blame Harmonix? Don't be so quick to blame, as this release by Harmonix explains:

Quote from: Harmonix
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

Well, ain't that a crock of shit. If I was impacted by this situation, I'd be pretty ticked off right now. Seriously, how can a PS3 Rock Band have a bassist right now? Certainly, they can not. This is a pretty douchy move on Activision's part, and I hope they realize that they are angering a lot of people who have previously been buyers of Guitar Hero. I guess they don't care about future sales of GHIV. With the Wii Mono situation, the exorbitant price of DLC and this dilemma, GHIII owners have some things to be ticked about.

More as this story develops.

Rock Band Forum Thread.


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Comments
 
not only PS3 bassists TraderJake, what about the people who didnt get the 'special edition' rock band (ie - the rock band full bundle) and just went out to buy the game itself.  they cant even play the game at all! because Harmonix isnt selling individual instruments until next year.  so everyone that bought the single game for PS3 has to put it on the shelf to obtain dust.  Unless they just return it and decide to spend the money on the bundle, that is.  :p
 
Wait a sec, wouldn't this also affect the use of the 360's Guitar Hero controllers on Rock Band too?

 
You would think so, but no, for some reason the 360 guitar hero controllers work fine with rock band.
 
So, by the looks of your Spaceballs pict, does this news "suck" or "blow?"  Wink

I was on my way to buy a Rock Band....seems silly that all this stuff isn't compatible...and why in the world would they sell the game only version if there aren't any instruments to buy?  I can answer that....money.  Yeah, that sucks AND blows...

 
@Pop Culture Portal:

I was going for the play on screwed.

PRESIDENT SKROOB!
 
looks like Activision says that it was Harmonix that declined their offer to make GH guitars available in Rock Band.

To Music Gaming Fans:

The recent announcement by MTV Games/Viacom’s Harmonix division that Activision is blocking Sony from releasing a patch and their plea to enable Rock Band software to work with Guitar Hero hardware paints a very misleading picture.

In fact, Harmonix and its parent company MTV Games/Viacom recently declined Activision’s offer to reach an agreement that would allow the use of Guitar Hero guitar controllers with Rock Band.  We have been and remain open to discussions with Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom about the use of our technology in Rock Band.  Unfortunately for Rock Band users, in this case Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom are unwilling to discuss an agreement with Activision.

Activision’s top priority is to provide consumers with a seamless marriage of best-in-class hardware and software.  We are focusing our efforts on innovating hardware and software that are designed to work together, work flawlessly and provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

Best regards,

Activision

http://www.destructoid.com/the-battle-rages-on-activision-speaks-out-about-ps3-rock-band-patch-59448.phtml

I know Activision hasn't been working towards making Rock Band Guitars compatible with GH III due to their manufactured flaws, but this reversal doesn't seem to make sense for RedOctane.  Don't they want to sell more guitars, or is the real money in the software?
 
@OatBob:

This is all about the $$$. Activision, in their unending quest for printing money, of which only Nintendo can do efficiently, is going for mass money, and in doing so I severely ticking off any potential buyers of Guitar Hero IV. Talk about fan service!
 
What a load of shit.
 
Was in a GameStop today and overheard the manager say that they will be releasing a version of Guitar Hero (or some sort of adapter) so Rock Band and Guitar Hero can be played together....said sometimes in Jan/Feb...a customer asked why the two didn't work together now and the manager said what we all think...$$$.  Interesting to see if this is true and not some rumor.

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