Can 'Rock Band' Unplug 'Guitar Hero'?

RedOctane and Activision wanted to advance their Guitar Hero franchise so there was a divergence of priorities there. Harmonix and MTV also wanted to work with EA because they have the largest and [most] unparalleled distribution network, including internationally.

You have said that you see Rock Band as not just a game, but a platform for consuming and experiencing music. Can you elaborate?

Normally when a consumer buys a game title they are spending $40 to $60 for accessing just the exclusive content they have purchased. But when they invest in the guitar or the drum, it will be a platform-like investment. It will be like making an investment on the lines of buying a console because the consumer can continue to capitalize on it.

Our intention is to be very aggressive in building out the music library for our platform. We will have downloadable content made available on the Rock Band platform. After the launch, we will have new music every week. Long term, we view Rock Band as a platform through which users can consume new music. Say, a favorite band releases a new album. They will have it out on CD, iTunes and then they might release it for Rock Band.

Have you decided on the pricing for the game?

It's not that the pricing for the game has not been disclosed. It hasn't been settled yet. What you see on Web sites taking preorders is just a placeholder.

[Amazon.com(AMZN) has listed the price of the Rock Band game and its peripherals at $199.99.]

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