Full Text:

A new Beatles release is coming! Only this time it’s coming to a gaming console, rather than a record player. In late October, it was announced by MTV Networks and Harmonix, the developers of “Rock Band,” that they are working with Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd on their own game. This would be an all-new interactive video game based on the music of the entire Beatles catalog.
These details came out on October 30th, 2008 and the executives behind the project are still very stingy on providing many specifics in regards to the game. The project is still in early development. Rumors of the Beatles getting involved in the video gaming industry have been circulating for some time. More speculation occurred this past June when representatives of the band met with Activision, of “Guitar Hero,” and MTV. They are looking to broaden the licensing of the band’s catalog. Little is known about the structure of the deal. It has been implied that all involved with the project will essentially “own” a part of it. This appears to be anything but a typical licensing deal, but then again, it is the Beatles.
The title has yet to be determined, but a release date in the fourth quarter of 2009 has been projected. It is not under the “Rock Band” name, but will be based around that type of game-play. Several departures from the core “Rock Band” style of play have been discussed. Chief Executive of Harmonix Music Systems, Alex Rigopulos, says this will be a “full-blown custom game from the ground up.” It will include “new creative exploration” and a “music-making game” based on the Beatles music. The game is designed to take players through a journey of the band’s career, music, and vision.
MTV has gotten the go-ahead from practically every individual and company involved with the Beatles. Surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have made input on the direction and vision for this game along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, widows of John Lennon and George Harrison. All have given their blessings towards the project. Giles Martin, son of original Beatles producer George Martin, will serve as the music producer for the game. The tracks used will be the original UK master recordings and will not be remixed or remastered. Sony/ATV Music Publishing, EMI Music, and Apple Corps Ltd all have given their approvals, as well.
Choosing MTV/Harmonix over Activision could have been due in part to the “Rock Band” developers introducing the idea of a full-band interactive game, as well as MTV’s history of working with artists. This deal comes at a time where more bands are looking to the video game industry to reach fans in new ways. “Rock Band” recently secured the catalog of rockers AC/DC in a “Rock Band Track Pack.” Guitar Hero has raised their competition by creating games featuring Aerosmith, as well as their new release, “Guitar Hero World Tour,” which adds a microphone and drums. This puts Activision’s game in more direct competition with “Rock Band.”
Licensing the Beatles music to video games raises questions about why their music remains to be available on digital music retailers such as iTunes, Amazon, and others. You would imagine that if the Beatles are looking to find new and creative ways to reach current and newer fans using this new technology, wouldn’t they want their catalog to be available for purchase online?