Beatles Music Video Game Announced
MTV Games and Harmonix to Release The Beatles Computer Game in 2009
Nov 4, 2008
MTV Networks officially announced their new music game on October 30th with a press release that cites a partnership with Rock Band creators Harmonix and The Beatles license-holders Apple. Set for a 2009 release, the game has received creative input from ex-Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as contributions from Beatles spouses Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison.
Speaking in the MTV press release, Sir Paul McCartney said: “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.”
Beatles Game Not Just Another Rock Band
Harmonix stress that The Beatles video game will not simply be a band-specific version of their Rock Band franchise such as the AC/DC edition of the game that launches later this month. Rather, it will be a unique interactive music-making game unlike Rock Band or Guitar Hero. While the game features have not yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that The Beatles game will be compatible with Rock Band instruments.
The Beatles Music Legacy and Video Games
CEO of Harmonix, Alex Rigopulos, is keen to emphasise that the computer game will be a new and innovative way to explore the musical heritage of The Beatles. Speaking to MTV, he said: “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. This game will be a celebration of the Beatles's undeniable legacy.”
While the Harmonix project will be the first time The Beatles have featured in their own computer game, their “undeniable legacy” has seen them referenced in many other video game titles.
The Super Nintendo roleplaying game EarthBound features many references to the band's music and to Beatles members themselves. For example, in the Japanese release of the game, suggested names for the game characters are John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Similarly, in the Team 17 game Worms, one of the default worm teams is called “The Fab Four”, comprising of worms John, Paul, George and Ringo, named for the respective members of the Beatles.
Neversoft's Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock features a character called Xavier Stone. Three of his “Captain X” costumes are named after the Beatles members John, Paul and George, and the costume bears a resemblance to the uniforms featured on the Beatles album cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Ringo Starr comments on the continuing development of the musical heritage of The Beatles through the video game in the official press release: “The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’s legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”
While no specific completion date for the game has yet been set, Harmonix suggest that The Beatles music game will be released around mid-2009.
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