Special Beatles Video Game Planned

Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks, made it official today that Harmonix/MTV Games and Apple Corp will “create a brand new video game featuring the music of the iconic Beatles.” Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos also said that it’s not just a “Rock Band” song expansion pack; it will be “a new, full-grown, custom game built from the ground up.”

I repeat, this is not a "Rock Band" game, there are several erroneous reports floating around the web that this will be based on Rock Band. Both MTV and Harmonix are strongly stating that this game is a stand alone game, it will be compatible with Rock Bands instruments but that's it.

"It's not a 'Rock Band' game," Rigopulos said during a conference call, speaking for the MTV-owned studio behind the original "Guitar Hero" and the "Rock Band" series. "It's a new creative exploration of their music and a celebration of their legacy in a way that hasn't been done before." The developer added that it will be a "music-making game. ... There will be interactive performance of the music ... and stuff you haven't seen from us before."

Published by MTV Games and distributed by Electronic Arts, the game will be an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles. It will cover the entire Beatles catalog, from their first album, Please Please Me (1963), to their last album, Let It Be (1970). The game will also incorporate elements of their career, but neither MTV nor Apple Corps. would comment on whether or not Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, or John Lennon would be playable.

According to the press release on the MTV Mulitplayer Blog the game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing.

“The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out,” Sir Paul McCartney said.

“It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership,” said Ringo Starr. “The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”

Further details on the game itself were kept to a minimum, but the parties revealed that it is already in development and will be compatible with "Rock Band" instruments.

More details can be found at MTV News