Guitar Hero developer Harmonix, together with MTV and Electronic Arts, have announced Rock Band, an upcoming game that will allow players, either in person or online, perform music from the rock artists. According to [url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2007-04-01-rock-band_N.htm]a USA Today report[/url], players will create music using a set of four instrument-based controllers, including drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals.

While details are still somewhat sketchy, the parties involved have revealed in an official statement that Rock Band will include music that spans “all genres of rock and include many of the master recordings from the biggest songs and artists of all time.” The game is in development for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for release this holiday season.

Online connectivity will also play a key role in the game, though what remains to be seen at this point is the price, considering the number of peripherals that will apparently be employed by Rock Band, as well as how the single player game will work. Playing with an online band with members all over the world sounds awesome, but sometimes it’s nice just to rock out by yourself.

Music publishers EMI Music Publishing and Warner/Chappell Music are allowing the developers access to their catalogs of incredible songs for use in Rock Band. The record labels – EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group’s Universal Music Enterprises and Warner Music Group’s Rhino Entertainment – have agreed to supply master recordings by their artists for use in the game.

As previously announced, Electronic Arts will serve as the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band, managing distribution for the game in US, Europe and Australia.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause …and he’s fraking metal!

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