20 August 2009, New Zealand – Harmonix Music Systems, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) have confirmed that The Beatles™: Rock Band™ will hit New Zealand shores on the 9 September 2009 as previously announced, in keeping with the worldwide simultaneous release date.

 

The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle (including a large scale replica of the Höfner bass controller famously used by Sir Paul McCartney, a Ringo Starr inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drum set, microphone, microphone stand, game software and special game accessories) will be available for PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® and Wii™ for NZ$399.99 through all leading game retailers.

 

Furthermore, The Beatles: Rock Band software (which can be used with existing all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero^® and other authorised third-party music video game peripherals and microphones) will be made available via all leading game retailers nationwide on PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® for NZ$99.99 and Wii™ for NZ$79.99.

 

With fans across the country already gearing up for the true ‘Limited Edition’ experience, pre-ordering is already taking place, and is recommended for enthusiasts wanting to avoid disappointment.

 

The Beatles: Rock Band allows New Zealand fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums to experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. From the early touring days in 1963 Liverpool to the immortal, final performance on the Apple Corps rooftop, fans can follow in The Fab Four’s footsteps as they traverse the globe during the height of Beatlemania.

 

For the first time in a music videogame, The Beatles: Rock Band introduces three-part vocal harmonies to gameplay, allowing players to revel in the unparalleled vocal stylings of The Beatles. 

 

As previously announced, the entire Abbey Road album will be available for future download purchase. In addition, “All You Need Is Love” will be released Sept.9, 2009, exclusively through Xbox LIVE for a limited time as a downloadable song for The Beatles: Rock Band, with all Apple Corps Ltd, MTV Games, Harmonix and Microsoft proceeds benefitting Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

 

In conjunction with the release of the entire, original, digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalogue, The Beatles: Rock Band will be available Sept. 9, 2009, simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360^® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION^®3 computer entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), and the Wii™ system from Nintendo. The game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero^® and other authorized third-party music video game peripherals and microphones. 

 

The Beatles: Rock Band marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. The Beatles: Rock Band will be published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band.  Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) will serve as distribution partner for the game. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE album project, is providing his expertise and serving as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

 

For more information on The Beatles: Rock Band, as well as art and video assets, please visit http://www.thebeatlesrockband.com/press.