Harmonix and MTV Games Join With The Beatles
The ongoing battle for dominance of the music video game market took a major turn today, as MTV Games and Harmonix, the force behind the hit Rock Band games, announced they’ve entered into an exclusive deal with Apple Corps, Ltd., the company formed to manage the multimedia rights to the vast works of legendary band, The Beatles.
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 new 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.”
One of the more interesting tidbits from the press conference was the declaration that the upcoming Beatles game will NOT be an expansion pack for Rock Band, but rather a brand new game built from the ground up. The involved parties all stressed that, although the game will make use of the Rock Band peripherals, it won’t necessarily be considered a Rock Band title. While there was no discussion as to whether or not this partnership included a provision to bring songs from The Beatles’ extensive library to the hit Rock Band series, it was emphasized that this is an exclusive deal to use Beatles music in video games. So don’t expect to be rocking out to “Twist and Shout” or “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” on Guitar Hero anytime soon.
“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.”
