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Activision objects to release of Rock Band compatibility patch

4:25 PM on 12.12.2007, Dale North 61 comments

Activision objects to release of Rock Band compatibility patch photo
     Controversy

Harmonix is aiming for harmony in the music game world, but some sour notes are coming from Activision as of late.

Last week, one of our sources said that Activision could be behind the delayed release of the Rock Band controller compatibility patch, which would let gamers use their Guitar Hero III controllers with Rock Band on the PS3. And then, things started to come together when we witnessed Red Octane's snarlings a few days back. Now we get the full story from a statement from Harmonix, sent to us today.

Two weeks ago, Harmonix created a software patch for the Sony PLAYSTATION 3 version of Rock Band that allowed for guitar compatibility and support for third party peripherals, including enabling use of Activision's Guitar Hero III controller with Rock Band. The compatibility patch was submitted, approved and had been scheduled for release by Sony on Tuesday, December 4. Unfortunately, Activision objected to the release of the compatibility patch. The patch remains with Sony, but we have been told that it will unfortunately not be released due to Activision's continued objection.

Harmonix would like for Activision to reverse their decision, and would like to see Rock Band controllers work with Guitar Hero III. They go on to say that they welcome third-parties to join in, and will "and will provide any required support in order for them to do so."

Red Octane has stated their reasons for not allowing Rock Band controllers to work with their game, but why block GHIII controllers from working with Rock Band? That just seems mean. C'mon, you used to be buddies!


Next page: More Rock Band stories




BFeld13's Avatar
BFeld13 at 12/12/2007 16:31
Thank goodness for the 360 X-Plorer
Samit Sarkar's Avatar
Samit Sarkar at 12/12/2007 16:37
This is a pile of crap, and it makes it seem like Activision/RedOctane just have a grudge against the PS3—you can already use the Les Paul controller on the 360 version of Rock Band, and I bought the game assuming that they’d eventually release a patch (considering, again, that this isn’t a goddamn issue on the 360). Well, you know what? Fuck Guitar Hero IV: The Series Is Stale By Now. I’ll stick to Rock Band.
ShadowXOR's Avatar
ShadowXOR at 12/12/2007 16:38
This is so stupid...not that I really play either of these but they need to get over it.
The Timely Howard's Avatar
The Timely Howard at 12/12/2007 16:40
Activision might still be hung up on Rock Band being an "imitator" of Guitar Hero, despite the fact that Guitar Hero is an imitator itself.

The problem is that we all just haven't learned to love each other yet.
loki d20's Avatar
loki d20 at 12/12/2007 16:42
Used to be buddies, and one of them kind of needs to realize that they only have what they do currently because of the work of the others.

Well, if I have to invest money in another guitar so I can have a full band for Rock Band, that's just one step further from me ever putting GH3 (or any other GH game) into the ole PS3 again.

So far, the song selection for Rock Band is way more up my alley than GH3.
Logstain's Avatar
Logstain at 12/12/2007 16:44
And on top of that.. How does Activision have the power to block an EA / Harmonix game patch? As far as I'm concerned, Activision shouldn't have any say in the matter. It should be between Harmonix and Sony.
Tino's Avatar
Tino at 12/12/2007 16:44
Oh look, Activision releases the worst iteration of Guitar Hero ever conceived and then thinks their hot shit.

/facepalm
burgerdog's Avatar
burgerdog at 12/12/2007 16:46
Considering i special ordered GH3 just to get a second and frankly better constructed guitar, it seems kind of stupid that they'd be pricks about this as it can only add sales to their end. My GH3 game is still in the shrinkwrap, but Activision can clame +1 on their sales cos of me.

Pricks.
Zanch's Avatar
Zanch at 12/12/2007 16:46
Is there really anybody out there who would want to use Rock Band's guitar instead of the superior GH3 Les Paul? I have trouble imagining that. Who's really complaining about this?
timmet's Avatar
timmet at 12/12/2007 16:49
Activision is just scared. They want a monopoly off the guitar hero game.
Corncobtacular's Avatar
Corncobtacular at 12/12/2007 16:57
@Zanch,
This is about letting people use the GH3 Les Paul guitar INSTEAD of the Rock Band guitars. So people would obviously want to use the better guitar.

Also, their original excuse of not wanting Rock Band guitars to work on GH3 is an obvious cop out now that they are trying to block this patch as well.
loki d20's Avatar
loki d20 at 12/12/2007 17:07
My question for this is if they don't let this patch go through, would it also be blocking the ability to use 3rd-party GH guitars as well.

I can understand, from a legal standpoint (aka Jealous Prick Standpoint), on not allowing the use of a controller specific to GH3 for use with the game, but what if their refusal of this prevents other controllers from being used since updating their use with Rock Band might thereby enable the use of the GH3 controller since the code would be the same?
Tino's Avatar
Tino at 12/12/2007 17:14
After enough use of the Fender I kinda prefer it to the Les Paul. On some songs at least.
Clockwork's Avatar
Clockwork at 12/12/2007 17:16
What a Baby Back Bitch.
Knives's Avatar
Knives at 12/12/2007 17:19
That sucks for PS3 owners.

Is there any risk of Activision making Harmonix block the Les Paul on the 360 version?
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 12/12/2007 17:21
Yeah get a 360 and be happy about it. hell.
crowebert's Avatar
crowebert at 12/12/2007 17:29
Activision's just jealous they got the crap end of the deal when they bought the controller/brand half of GH instead of the team of awesome people who make awesome games.

Is it just me, or are these childish hysterics endemic to the videogame industry?

@loki_d20: I would take this to mean yeah, 3rd party controllers are hooped for the time being until Activision grows up.

@logstain: Damn skippy! What business is it of Activision's if Harmonix wants to patch their OWN GAME?

Gah. Angry.
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar
ArrestedDeveloper at 12/12/2007 17:30
Red Octane is coming off as such a little bitch.
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 12/12/2007 17:31
:[
Im OK's Avatar
Im OK at 12/12/2007 17:33
Wow. Makes me glad I care about neither of these games.
No shutdown's Avatar
No shutdown at 12/12/2007 17:42
Goodbye hopes of a rock band 4-piece.
Hello personal activision boycott.
flaming burrito's Avatar
flaming burrito at 12/12/2007 17:42
seriously, i dont understand why activision even has a say in a patch for a game made by harmonix. blah
Corak's Avatar
Corak at 12/12/2007 17:44
I know this has been getting some press here lately, but I was curious why this is some big huge deal? So one says we don't want you to use our controllers on a competitors product. Even if both companies were "friends" at one point when it comes to money it always changes things. If activision predicts that they would somehow lose money over this then some part of you has to realize the reasoning. Even if you don't understand it because everything should work with everything, always, in the real world shit doesn't work that way.

Was it because they promised that you would be able to and now they are backing out?

From some of the comments it sounds like a rep from the company literally came to your door and pissed on your foot. OMG they aren't going to be compatible, if you pre-ordered these 2 titles expecting that, without any kind of guarantee in writing, you have no one to blame but yourself. Why? Because no company, ever, has promised something only to back out at a later date right?

Do I think it would be nice if they would be interchangeable, you bet, but come on /endbitching before someone here buys you a tampon.
Logstain's Avatar
Logstain at 12/12/2007 17:44
If you wish to express your displeasure to Activision, please use the form on this page.

Contact Activision
DanielMachine's Avatar
DanielMachine at 12/12/2007 17:49
Kiss and make up!
No shutdown's Avatar
No shutdown at 12/12/2007 17:52
@ Corak
I'm pissed that gh3 sucked, and now they're basically being dicks.
Sorry, didn't know people here had a problem with other's opinions.
HungLaser's Avatar
HungLaser at 12/12/2007 17:55
this may not seem like a big deal to some but being an Expert at guitar hero i can see why it is. i mean personally i dont like the rock band guitar. it doesnt do a great job when playing faster songs. those of you stuck on medium on guitar hero will have no problem with the transition. the rock band guitar is just not made well. Activision knows this and is using it keep and gain new customers who want a more user friendly guitar. its stragety and i think its smart at that.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 12/12/2007 18:11
I just sent an e-mail to Activision entitled, "Douche Bags!"

The contents of this e-mail are between me and Activision. It has a lot to do with cuss words and bitching.
Corak's Avatar
Corak at 12/12/2007 18:55
@shutdown

I have no issues with people having an opinion about something, the only thing I would take issue with is complaining about something that was not guaranteed from the start. From what I remember this compatibility was never promised before the 2 were released, I could be wrong though.

I guess I'm more of a realist when it comes to companies saying they would do something and then not doing it. If you've been in the work force a while you get used to it real quick. But if you haven't experienced that yet then you have a whole new world that is going to open up. That and I guess I'm amused at the things people take issue with. Argueing over a plastic guitar compatibility issue seems really useless.
Scape's Avatar
Scape at 12/12/2007 18:56
It makes absolutely no sense for Activision to do this, because in the end it only helps them.

If people want to use their superior guitars with Rock Band, that means that more people are going to be buying GH3 to use with Rock Band, people who went with Rock Band instead of GH3 will no be buying both.
Tino's Avatar
Tino at 12/12/2007 19:12
@HungLaser:

I'm talking about expert personally.

Solo's are 100x easier on the Fender. Proven fact. (Provided you can get the positioning correct.)

Plus you look SO much cooler with it.
Shade's Avatar
Shade at 12/12/2007 19:30
@BFeld13

The 360 X-Plorer controller doesn't work on the PS3 version of Rock Band either, found that out the hard way.
No shutdown's Avatar
No shutdown at 12/12/2007 20:03
@corak
Sure this whole thing won't mean much in the long run, and activision is still a rather faceless company that's making a business decision.

however...

The problem here, is not that activision isn't following up on something they promised. The problem is that activision is going out of their way to screw a lot of people over. And it just so happens that the majority of the people they are screwing over are investors in one of their most popular products. its kind of like shitting where you eat. It's really just a poor business decision on their part.
Ichigo Style's Avatar
Ichigo Style at 12/12/2007 20:09
Zanch: I, for one, like the feel of the Strat much better than the Guitar Hero 3 Banjo with replaceable faceplates. (The body feels a bit small to me, probably because I'm used to my Rick >.>)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Activision. Wants. Your. Fucking. Money. They know that if they block you from using the Strat, you're going to be forced into going and buying their Guitar Controller. Effectively gouging you for an additional $100 (cause you can't buy individually right now.) Don't pin all of this on Activision though. Even though they're raking in the money from this as well, think of their hardware supplier, Red Octane. I'm sure they're not making their bread and butter from selling their Ignition Pad's anymore, Guitar Hero controllers are selling like hot cakes, and they sure as hell don't want anyone else cashing in on this. Harmonix, well they're not as greedy, and are willing to support this "open platform".

Point in case: Activision, Red Octane, you're being douche fags. STFU.
The Johnggernaut's Avatar
The Johnggernaut at 12/12/2007 20:15
I guess this is another example of a company unable to handle healthy competition. Make us buy 2 guitars and only have 1 game? Does it matter?
Lethal Dosage's Avatar
Lethal Dosage at 12/12/2007 20:19
Is there really anybody out there who would want to use Rock Band's guitar instead of the superior GH3 Les Paul?

Me, for one. The Les Paul is a piece of shit toy compared to the Strat.

Fuck Red Octane and Activision. I don't even own the PS3 Rock Band, but I refuse to put any money towards the Guitar Hero series again. Chances are I'll soon be boycotting Call Of Duty, as I'm sure IW will no longer be developing the series.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 12/12/2007 20:32
This is just scummy. Way to be douchbags, Activision.
TheStripe's Avatar
TheStripe at 12/12/2007 20:36
I don't understand the preference for the fall-apart- ehm, I mean two-part GHIII monstrosity vs. the strat with the solo buttons. The Rockband peripheral is clearly superior, provided you have one that works.
kapshhh's Avatar
kapshhh at 12/12/2007 20:36
Cock block
Ichigo Style's Avatar
Ichigo Style at 12/12/2007 20:40
TheStripe - People enjoy playing on their GHIII Banjo's because it's easier to tell where the buttons are probably, that and they have to work less to move the strum bar, saving them from (OH NOES) having to down AND up strum.
fluc02's Avatar
fluc02 at 12/12/2007 20:48
@Ichigo and others
Activision isn't blocking the Strat from working with their game, they are preventing the Les Paul (their guitar) from working with Rock Band (the other guys' game). So it's not a matter of selling more of their guitars.

Also, I like the Strat a lot, lot better than any of the Guitar Hero controllers. It feels much more realistic to a real guitar in terms of the fret buttons not having a giant rift between them and being raised off the surface of the fret board. I also love the non-clickity-clack strum bar too.
Ichigo Style's Avatar
Ichigo Style at 12/12/2007 21:03
fluc02 : HAHAHAHA XD HAHAHAHA.
You're funny. Go boot up Guitar Hero III, and tell me what that warning screen says.
"ONLY OFFICIAL GUITAR HERO GUITARS WILL BE SUPPORTED". By "supported" they mean "work, leik at all. Gimme all your money". This isn't anything new. Do a tad bit of research on a company called "The Ant Commandos", they were one of the first companies to release a 3rd party controller for Guitar Hero, and Activision had fucking conniptions over it, because how dare someone else make an accessory for their game, and in standard panty twisting manner, sued. When Guitar Hero II was released *gasp* you needed to get an adaptor to get your old 3rd party controller to work. This happens with every release, they adapt the "current" copy protection method, and they are un-usable by the next release. I understand quite well that this current issue is that they refuse to allow their (shitty) Les Paul (which sound like shit compared to a fender, I always thought) to work with Rock Band. Why? To be pricks. Why won't they let it happen the other way? Because they're pricks.

The cock block of this patch is nothing new, because Activision and Red Octane have been up to this faggy behaviour for quite some time.
Ichigo Style's Avatar
Ichigo Style at 12/12/2007 21:06
The issue that we strike with this is that Harmonix is willing to accept an "Open Guitar Policy", where-in anyone can make a guitar to play with Rock Band (or any other instrument for that matter), and when they go to add support for the Guitar Hero III controller, Activision goes and throws a hissy fit and postpones it. Faggy behaviour, and it's completely retarded.
TheStripe's Avatar
TheStripe at 12/12/2007 21:08
Activision is just trying to kill Rock band, because no second guitar is available yet. If they let you use their guitar with Rock Band, they're losing money on one guitar, as well as letting you play the competition's game. They're afraid that the guys who developed the product they're using to make money right now are going to run them over with the new hotness.

And they're right to be scared.
fluc02's Avatar
fluc02 at 12/12/2007 21:12
Ichigo, I was talking about this particular article, not in general, but yea, I didn't word that quite right. I'm well aware that Activision also doesn't allow the Strat to work with their game. That's not new, them specifically taking action to prevent their controller from working with Rock Band is new.
Ichigo Style's Avatar
Ichigo Style at 12/12/2007 21:19
I think we're all in agreement that Activision is a bunch of douche fags.
Next thing we'll see is that the new Tony Hawk Game will brick your 360 if it sees a skate. save. Because Activision is like that.
sik witted's Avatar
sik witted at 12/12/2007 21:46
if this shit is true im never buying a guitar hero game again
Ichigo Style's Avatar
Ichigo Style at 12/12/2007 21:53
sik witted: Get ready to not buy Guitar Hero :D
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