What lag? There's practically no data being sent. Seriously, each package during gameplay can probably be reduced to a few booleans and integers, and then all scoring, timing, and calculations can be done locally.

this is gonna be impossible to pull off, its gonna take like 300 dollars in accessories if you want a full set

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23941

:D

here's what it says for you lazy people:

Sony, EMI, Warner and Universal sign up

Electronic Arts has officially announced new PS3 and Xbox 360 title Rock Band, revealing that several key music publishers have already agreed to supply tracks for the game.

News of the title emerged earlier this morning, when it was reported that Rock Band is being developed with Harmonix and MTV and will use four instrument-themed controllers.

Now Electronic Arts has released an official statement confirming that "unprecedented deals" with record labels have already been signed. As a result, the game is set to feature "master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time", spanning "all genres of rock".

Several major music publishers will offer access to their track catalogues, including EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell. Along with EMI Music and Warner Music Group's Rhino Entertainment, labels which have agreed to supply songs include Hollywood Records and Sony BMG plus Universal Music Enterprises.

"Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love," said MTV executive Jeff Yapp.

"By joining forces with EA and the music industry’s largest record labels and publishers, we are striving to create a groundbreaking new platform that allows people to connect with their favorite music and artists in ways they never have before."

Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos commented, "Harmonix was founded to create new ways for everyone to experience the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from playing music. Our work on Guitar Hero was an instrumental step toward that goal.

"But Rock Band is Harmonix’s most ambitious project to date, and it will take music gameplay to an entirely new level. MTV has given us the freedom and the resources to really swing for the fences and make the game we’ve always wanted to make."

Rock Band is due out on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Christmas.

and here's another article from Game Industry.biz

New game to work with four instrument-based controllers

Electronic Arts has signed a deal with MTV and Harmonix, the developer behind Guitar Hero, to produce a new game titled Rock Band.

According to USA Today, the game will mix rhythm action gameplay with karaoke, and is due for a release on PS3 and Xbox 360 this Christmas.

Rock Band will work with four instrument-based controllers - lead and bass guitars, a drum kit and microphone. Online features will include the option to form bands with gamers in other countries.

Players will also be able to buy songs online, and tracks used in the game will be performed by the original artists rather than cover bands.

An official announcement is expected from EA later this morning.






the difference between this article and destructoids being that the instruments are specified here to be Bass, Guitar, Drums, and vocals.

i'm gonna go play guitar hero II now. still have 14 songs in Hard to get 5 stars on! then onto expert! woohoo!

a microphone?.?.?.?.?.?.?.?

...

meh I say.

No Wii EXACTLY. My wii is a dust collector. I am excited to see a company try and innovate things. We need more things like this to come out. Even if you do not like the idea or do not want to fork over the cash I think the main thing is realizing the risk this company is taking and applaud them for doing so, otherwise we will just get another fps that has some new cover system.

vocals is friggin lame, they should of gone with keyboard

The lag isnt caused by the amount of data being sent, its caused by the speed of light, the actually time it takes the signal to get across. Although its true you can't stop the signal, it can get laggy, though, it may not be noticable. I guess we will ahve to wait and see. Though I echo the "What, no wii?"

yarr, now I HAVE to buy a 360. don't they realize how easy to is to create something 'wireless' for the Wii? Just plug it into the remote, even have a place for the remote to clip into the instrument!

but it is interesting to find out how they get guitars working on the PS3.....will they work with GH1 and 2? finally?

[quote]Danzuke says:
04/02/2007 09:39
keyboards aren't lame? [/quote]

Rainbow in the Dark FTW