Recently, Harmonix released the full track list for Rockband 2, stated that 20 additional songs would be released as free DLC. In addition, they stated most Rockband songs from the disc can transferred to the hard drive. This should reduce disc swapping for those taking advantage of the feature. This was either going to be for free or a nominal fee.
We spent some time with Dan Teasdale, senior designer of Rock Band 2, and asked him several questions — but we really wanted to know what’s the deal with transfers of Rock Band tracks to the new game. We wanted to know a little bit more about what Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos’ meant at the Microsoft press conference when he said most songs would be available for import. Teasdale tells us that the final list of songs not transferable to RB2 is still up in the air and it all comes down to licensing issues. We heard from a separate source that “it should only be a couple songs” and, although the company would love to just do the whole set from the first game, there may be some exclusivity issues. Harmonix apparently had to re-license every song over again for the RB2 transfers.
We spent some time with Dan Teasdale, senior designer of Rock Band 2, and asked him several questions — but we really wanted to know what’s the deal with transfers of Rock Band tracks to the new game. We wanted to know a little bit more about what Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos’ meant at the Microsoft press conference when he said most songs would be available for import.
Teasdale tells us that the final list of songs not transferable to RB2 is still up in the air and it all comes down to licensing issues. We heard from a separate source that “it should only be a couple songs” and, although the company would love to just do the whole set from the first game, there may be some exclusivity issues. Harmonix apparently had to re-license every song over again for the RB2 transfers.
All of these Rockband 2 announcements are spreading consumer goodwill. In fact, instead of just obtaining customers, they are building a loyal fanbase. Harmonix should be applauded for their commitment to the rhythm game genre. As a player of Rockband, I have no issues with paying a small fee for Rockband tracks. It will be really exciting this holiday season with Rockband 2 going against Guitar Hero; World Tour.
Source: Joystiq
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