Beatle Fever Felt By Activision

[lost]

It looks like Activision had their shot at creating a dedicated Beatles music game but that their arrogance pushed record labels away. Not surprising considering the publisher's attitude towards DLC revenue which we have witnessed in the past. From Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com).

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has argued in the past that record labels who are asking for increased song royalties from rhythm titles, like Activision's own Guitar Hero franchise, aren't "respectful" of how much the games bring new audiences to the featured bands.
...
"It was presented as if [Activision was] doing the music business a favor," says Sony/ATV CEO Martin Bandier. "It's true you can choose other types of music, and somewhere along the line someone's going to do it for free for the exposure ... When it comes to The Beatles, the leverage changes. We're very happy with the terms of our arrangement with MTV."


Full article, with some very candid opinions of the new king of the hill, right here (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20926).

It's as if Activision has been possessed by the ghost of EA-past.

[Wyrm]

They need to figure out quick that artists like the Beatles with mass appeal are far more lucrative than another Dragon Force song.

Indeed, games like Guitar Hero DO the music business a favor, but that does not give them the unilateral power to decide that they deserve all musics AND compensation. Remember, the song list is a big part of what sells the consumer on these rhythm games, and the power of them to bring new listeners into the fold is incredible, but these games would be less than nothing without the tracks to play.

If you're going to make something with someone else's intellectual property, you need to be willing to pay for it. Getting high and mighty because your sales numbers are astronomical causes what I like to call the PS3 syndrome.

[Chaos Machine]

the demographics that like the Beatles are not the same ones that are going out and buying millions of copies of rockband and guitar hero, first of all they are on the softer side of rock, their songs arent technically challenging to play, and their music doesnt have the powerful guitar solos that are a staple of rock rhythm games. I cant think of one person i know that would rather have a beatles edition of RB/GH over say... led zeppelin. I bet mtv is going to get fucked in the ass on this one.

[Syl]

They need to figure out quick that artists like the Beatles with mass appeal are far more lucrative than another Dragon Force song.
Have you seen the Guitar Hero: World Tour soundtrack? It has songs that EVERYONE knows and loves on it. It's easily the best rhythm game soundtrack released so far. The only thing that could have made it better was the inclusion of certain songs that were already on previous versions of guitar hero/rockband.

[Wyrm]

Have you seen the Guitar Hero: World Tour soundtrack? It has songs that EVERYONE knows and loves on it. It's easily the best rhythm game soundtrack released so far. The only thing that could have made it better was the inclusion of certain songs that were already on previous versions of guitar hero/rockband.

I've seen the list, and it is great. But they seem to believe they're entitled to an entire range of music for free, and that is not the case.

And for the record, I was a Guitar Hero fan before Rock Band ever came along, and I've always enjoyed those games. But in the spirit of competition and business decisions, losing the Beatles is a big fuck up.

[Demo_Boy]

I think the Beatles were asking for ridiculous royalties.
Activision said no thanks, MTV said sure.
Case closed.

[Xzyliac Noise]

Have you seen the Guitar Hero: World Tour soundtrack? It has songs that EVERYONE knows and loves on it. It's easily the best rhythm game soundtrack released so far.

I have to pop in and disagree. I think WT has one of the worst list since GH1. It feels fluffed. I get the impression that they went after chart toppers without doing any research. I think they blew all their effort on Jimi, Eagles, Halen, Tool and The Doors. Great bands but 5 bands does not a good game make.

[Syl]

I have to pop in and disagree. I think WT has one of the worst list since GH1. It feels fluffed. I get the impression that they went after chart toppers without doing any research. I think they blew all their effort on Jimi, Eagles, Halen, Tool and The Doors. Great bands but 5 bands does not a good game make.
It does when it's combined with 50+ other good bands.

[grimgore]

The Beatles are always after that little bit extra.:mad:

I agree with what Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in his full interviewwith gamasutra, "the bands should be paying them to put their music in his games".They could be exposed to a whole new generation.:cool:

The young gamers of today don't know who the beatles are therefore wont know what they are missing.

I for one won't be buying the beatles version (greedy barzids)

[Froggy]

the demographics that like the Beatles are not the same ones that are going out and buying millions of copies of rockband and guitar hero, first of all they are on the softer side of rock, their songs arent technically challenging to play, and their music doesnt have the powerful guitar solos that are a staple of rock rhythm games. I cant think of one person i know that would rather have a beatles edition of RB/GH over say... led zeppelin. I bet mtv is going to get fucked in the ass on this one.

Hm. I thought they had drums in the new Guitar Hero.

You're right. Nobody wants to play or listen to Beatles music. Sales will suffer. It's hard to even be sarcastic, considering that you, Mr. Machine, aren't the creator of music that is being considered for a rhythm game; let alone anything on par with The Beatles (To make the understatement of the year)

Regardless, two words negate your argument and put it to rest indefinately: Helter Skelter.