Apple Corp and MTV announce a "Beatles music project".

[Rock Bandit]

The rumor mill has been running hot ever since it was revealed that Apple Corps and MTV would be holding a conference call to announce an "Exclusive Agreement to Develop Unprecedented Global Music Project." Well the confence call is in and it has delivered both the expected and the unexpected. Yes, Harmonix will be developing an exclusive game featuring the Beatles' music. No, it's not for Rock Band. From Joystiq's report on the call: (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/rock-band-the-beatles-now-official/)


Notes from the conference call:


"This will not be a Rock Band title, this will be a custom title "

Journey through their first album through their last – "samples" from their whole catalog

"A number of new dimensions" that you haven't seen from Harmonix before.

Just in time for the holidays ... 2009

Based on UK releases – re: remasters, idea is to play the songs through the Beatles career (so not remixed/remastered we think).

Imagery tied to songs/albums? Not prepared to talk about specifics but "visual imagery" is a big part of the project

Interoperability is not something they're talking about yet.

"Very little" they can say about the game itself today. "MTV and Harmonix was clearly the innovator in this category of games." Apple was really impressed with their creative and musical approach.

This is an exclusive arrangement for Beatles music in video games.

No hardware platforms announced

"It's not a Rock Band game, it's a Beatles game. They deserves a fully dedicated title. Takes advantage of the Rock Band platform in many ways ... going to be compatible with existing Rock Band peripherals."

Digital distribution of Beatles catalog (e.g. iTunes, etc.) – still working out the details, no announcement to make nor date nor anything else.


Everyone got that? The Beatles are going to be in a game that is going to "take advantage of the Rock Band platform in many ways" and is "going to be compatible with existing Rock Band peripherals." but it's not a Rock Band title per say. Tom-ay-to/tom-ah-to, it still means The Beatles are coming soon to a console near you.

[Telefrog]

Press relase:

THE BEATLES INSPIRE NEW MUSIC VIDEO GAME; APPLE CORPS LTD., MTV AND HARMONIX COME TOGETHER FOR UNPRECEDENTED DEAL

Exclusive Agreement Set to Bring The Beatles Music to Fans for the First Time in Interactive Form Here, There and Everywhere in 2009

New 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."

It means you will pay $60 for this track pack.

[Sandman]

Money hats were exchanged....that's the only way to explain this being a full game.

[Telefrog]

Money hats were exchanged....that's the only way to explain this being a full game.

Well, to be fair, I'm sure the license wasn't cheap. Also, I'm pretty sure there are a zillion Beatles songs that could be turned into tracks for the game.

[Rock Bandit]

No, this sounds to be a fully featured, stand-alone game focused on The Beatles and their career. It's not Rock Band: The Beatles. It's Beatles: The Game. And honestly? I'd pay $60 bucks just for a Beatles DLC 10-pack so this is a bargain and a half to me.

Also it's a full stand-alone game because IT'S THE GODDAMN BEATLES! *girlish squeal*

[Cyndair]

Thanks for clarifying the points of the press release Rock Bandit. I'm excited about this even though I think I'd rather just have the music be part of Rock Band. In any case, I'm sure this will be very good with Harmonix at the helm.

[Mdot]

I'm with JAL on this one. I'm hoping we can at least rip the songs to the HDD and use them in RB, but from my quick interpretation of the press release, I don't think that is likely.

[Purple Santa]

The Beatles? It's 1964 all over again...instead with screaming gaming fans. Well I am anyway...now when will this see release?

[Rock Bandit]

The Beatles? It's 1964 all over again...instead with screaming gaming fans. Well I am anyway...now when will this see release?

Holiday 2009.

[Squidbot]

Never have liked the Beatles.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/linvuiet/Animated/g-a-f_meter.gif

[Sandman]

No, this sounds to be a fully featured, stand-alone game focused on The Beatles and their career. It's not Rock Band: The Beatles. It's Beatles: The Game. And honestly? I'd pay $60 bucks just for a Beatles DLC 10-pack so this is a bargain and a half to me.

Also it's a full stand-alone game because IT'S THE GODDAMN BEATLES! *girlish squeal*

This is how I feel about Guitar Hero : Metallica.....now if only we could get a stand alone NIN game.

[Rock Bandit]

This is how I feel about Guitar Hero : Metallica.....now if only we could get a stand alone NIN game.

From my experience with the NIN tracks in Rock Band, if there was a whole game dedicated to them there would have to be some new way to interact with the music (keytar?) because for the most part the standard band setup doesn't do the songs justice. Drums and vocals are fun but the music just doesn't transfer well to little, plastic guitars.

[Sandman]

From my experience with the NIN tracks in Rock Band, if there was a whole game dedicated to them there would have to be some new way to interact with the music (keytar?) because for the most part the standard band setup doesn't do the songs justice. Drums and vocals are fun but the music just doesn't transfer well to little, plastic guitars.

I'm sure they could come up with a peripheral for a NIN game.

[Zero]

No, this sounds to be a fully featured, stand-alone game focused on The Beatles and their career. It's not Rock Band: The Beatles. It's Beatles: The Game. And honestly? I'd pay $60 bucks just for a Beatles DLC 10-pack so this is a bargain and a half to me.

Also it's a full stand-alone game because IT'S THE GODDAMN BEATLES! *girlish squeal*

I agree whole-heartedly with this. Man, a year is gonna feel like forever.

[Vandabo]

Rock Bandit, you now have my favorite avatar ever. One of the best characters from possibly the best MST3k ever. Thank you.

As far as the Beatles game goes, I'm intrigued. The nice thing about them being their own game, is that their catalog has so many different types and styles of music, that it would stay interesting a lot longer.

There needs to be a keyboard peripheral though, that would be so awesome.

[King3567]

Did anyone really expect this to be anything other than a full blown retail game? I am surprised that it doesn't carry the Rock Band name though. Hopefully they will allow the tunes to be played on Rock Band...

[TheDancinMan]

Fuck. Yes. I will gladly plunk down $50/$60 for a serious Beatles music game. They are the single greatest music act of all time, in my eyes at least. And considering it has the blessing/input of the Paul, Ringo, Yoko and Olivia, well, I cannot wait.

[Rock Bandit]

Variety says: (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117994943.html?categoryid=19&cs=1)

[Harmonix] will be able to select 45 songs from the Beatles catalog recorded during their 1962-69 tenure within EMI for inclusion in the game.