Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games, and distributed by EA Distribution. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was released in the U.S. on December 18, 2007. The game was released in Canada for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on December 27, 2007 and for the PlayStation 2 on January 2, 2008. EA's CEO confirmed plans to launch a Wii version. Rock Band allows players to perform in virtual "bands" by providing up to four players with the ability to play three different peripherals modeled after music instruments (a guitar peripheral for lead guitar and bass guitar gameplay, a drum peripheral, and a microphone). These peripherals are used to simulate the playing of rock music by hitting scrolling notes on-screen. Players using the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and possibly Wii consoles can interact through both online and offline multiplayer capabilities. In addition to the songs shipping on the game disc, hundreds of new tracks will be made available as downloadable content. It is unknown if the Wii will distribute downloadable content for the game. The game has received universal critical acclaim and has sold over 1.5 million units over all platforms. Unlike Guitar Hero, Rock Band has no specific characters. Instead it lets you create your own by using parts you unlocked in the store.



Rock Band 2 is an upcoming music video game being developed by Harmonix Music Systems, as the sequel to Rock Band. The game will be released in North America on Xbox 360 in September 2008, with Wii, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 2 versions released later in the year.