Sex, Drugs, Rockband

It appears that Viacom, MTV, and Harmonix are losing money on every Rock Band bundle sold based on the cost of the game’s peripherals. Ouch.

Thankfully, the game itself turns a profit for the company. Remember back before Rock Band launched and Harmonix would continually say that they were selling a platform, not just a game? Turns out they were right.

The metaphor used by the company is:

“It’s the razor, razorblade phenomenon. You’ve got the razors out into the marketplace and sold now we have to push the razorblade through.”

The DLC sales can’t hurt, either. Also, call me crazy, but I’m pretty sure that new-fangled Beatles game will sell a LOT of copies. Speaking of DLC, it’s almost time for Pearl Jam’s Ten to be released for Rock Band!

calgaryherald.com - NEW YORK — MTV Networks announced on Thursday a deal to use songs by 60s band The Beatles in a custom video game similar to its popular “Rock Band” video, marking the band’s first key plunge into digital music.

MTV Networks said there was no release date or sale price for the game, but that it was due to be ready for release around the holidays next year. Jeff Jones, chief executive of The Beatles Apple Corps Ltd, said the game would include “samples of the whole (music) catalogue.”

MTV Networks, owned by Viacom said the game was creatively conceived by former Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr and the wives of late Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison.
Read the rest of this entry »

This is a good second-hand view of what is happening behind the scenes at MTV/Electronic Arts. There still seems to be quite a bit missing from the Rock Band 2 release. I’m sure the manufacturers have to balance between user experience, and actual revenue. I am still anxious to see what new instruments will be with the release. Harmonica? Cowbell? Maraca? Of course, read all about it @: multiplayerblog.mtv.com