The wide, wonderful world of videogames can be rather confusing at times, especially when you’re talking about the nebulous area of release dates. Here’s a follow-up to our original post on Rock Band and how it finally got a European release date. If you remember, that story explained that EA had set a May 23rd release date for the Xbox 360 version of the game; they would only say that PS3, PS2, and Wii versions would come “later this summer”.
Earlier today, VideoGamer.com reported that EA had told them of a definitive date for those three console versions of Rock Band: August 29th. Apparently, the date had been discreetly inserted at the bottom of a fact sheet for the European release. Of course, that would mean that Rock Band would effectively be a three-month timed exclusive for the 360 in Europe, which is quite a coup on Microsoft’s part.
However, VideoGamer later updated their article with a retraction from EA:
Update: VideoGamer.com earlier contacted EA regarding the date following the presence of an August 29 release date on a Rock Band fact sheet.
EA's confirmation has now been retracted. The publisher telling [sic] VideoGamer.com that the European release date for Rock Band on PS3, Wii and PS2 "isn't confirmed, and is on the factsheet in error".
All EA is willing to confirm is a "later this summer" date, which is back where we started.
Curious, eh? Either way, if you’re a European PS3, Wii, or PS2 owner who’s excited about Rock Band coming to your town, you can probably expect two things: (1) you’ll be waiting for a while, and (2) you’ll be paying through the nose.
[Via VideoGamer]
-icon.gif){kind=icon}
21 comments + 95764 views
How hard is it to get a game out in the UK that the US has had for months? I don't get it.
Doesn't matter anyway, after the obscene delays and laughable pricing I'd say interest in Rock Band is probably about 0 about now.
I think most people would be playing Rock Band II by the time the first one hits the U.K.
anybody in europe who buys this game in europe is definitely making a mistake. they should definitely import from the US... it'll be MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper!! about $130 or so cheaper i believe...
does the 360 have region restrictions for games bought from different parts of the world? if it does, then you're only in luck if you have a PS3 or a hacked PS2...
@thisissami: Yep...as far as I know, 360 and Wii games are region-locked, while PS3 games aren’t.
This is madness! I was thinking about importing it but maybe I'm not giving my money to them at all. What a bunch of wankers. Indeed how hard is it got a game to Europe? I might have to get Guitar Hero after all.
they are selling the game seperate so you could import the instruments. but if they break down you probly cant send em back to Ea
I couldn't give a shit about this game and don't think anyone in Europe should anymore.
Oh damn, you went there.
I went down the import road seeing as i have a PS3 and couldnt wait for the 360 version any longer, its totally worth it, even with the import charges i still got it for less.
It getting fucking retarded now how their inability to release this game in Europe is concerned.
@Jim
I know that dont care about this game man but you have to have sympathy for the thousands of people who have been waiting almost a year for this game. Were a rabid bunch.
Just imagine DW6 still not being out, one year on from the American release...Enraging isint it now that I've put in terms you could truly appreciate.
Continents aren't isolated as they were 20 years ago. These arbitrary market segments have to go away. I think digital distribution is really what we should be looking to as a solution to this issue.
The internet is what unites Americans and Europeans as if they were the next town over; let's use that same strength for our games! Boxed copies of games work in Japan and the US because manufacturing and distribution is localized to these markets; but they break down when they have to be shipped overseas and are subject to tariffs, and other shipping expenses.
Steam is trying to do the best of both worlds, but the online versions of games get region locked when they become a cheap loophole that undercuts the rape-priced box copy.
Continents aren't isolated as they were 20 years ago. These arbitrary market segments have to go away. I think digital distribution is really what we should be looking to as a solution to this issue.
The internet is what unites Americans and Europeans as if they were the next town over; let's use that same strength for our games! Boxed copies of games work in Japan and the US because manufacturing and distribution is localized to these markets; but they break down when they have to be shipped overseas and are subject to tariffs, and other shipping expenses.
Steam is trying to do the best of both worlds, but the online versions of games get region locked when they become a cheap loophole that undercuts the rape-priced box copy.
To be frank, they're doing us a favour by puting this overpriced, overcomlicated Guitar Hero clone out of the reach of the common man.
Ok, Common man will probably pick up Fifa or other such anti-game but yeah.
Bet you frets on fire gets a band option soon enough.
JAPAN = EA'S FEUDAL OVERLORDS
AMERICA = EA'S PEERS
EUROPE =EA'S BITCHES
@thisissami:
It isn't really that much cheaper to import because importers like to cash in and the shipping costs are pretty steep because the box is so big.
One the bright side this may mean that EA won't release the game after 29th August right? Either way I for one won't be buying Euro Rock Band. Don't know if I can afford it right now but I will eventually import it.
Sucks to be you, Europe!
Returning Dtoiders: login now to post a comment
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just Create an avatar now - it's fast and free: PLUS you also get your own gaming blog and begin posting stories and uploading videos in our open community area that may also appear on our home page. Sign up and we'll guide you through it, it's easy and 100% anonymous.