14 DAY TRIAL // Harmonix confirms what was already rumored in recent weeks: it's bringing an all-new Rock Band 4 experience onto the PS4 and Xbox One platforms this year, and what's more important, the new title will support all the DLC released for past games in the series and even possible peripherals, although that's still a work in progress.
A few years ago, in the early stages of the PS3 and Xbox 360, rhythm games like Rock Band or Guitar Hero ruled the gaming landscape, offering not just big profits for their developers and publishers, but also getting people used to buying DLC in the form of new tracks that could be played in the game.
Since then, however, things have taken a serious downturn and both major franchises went on hiatus.
Rock Band 4 is officially coming this year
Now, Harmonix confirms that it's going to debut this year a brand new title in the Rock Band series called, what else, Rock Band 4. The new title is set to launch for the PS4 and Xbox One.
However, what's really important is that it supports all the DLC tracks released for past games in the series, and possibly their old peripherals. Harmonix is teaming up with mad Catz to debut special instruments specifically made for the new game, but they won't be mandatory, as the studio is working with Microsoft and Sony to ensure that old peripherals still work.
"With Rock Band 4, we’re doubling down on the energy and excitement of playing music live with your friends," says Harmonix Chief Executive Officer Steve Janiak on the official forums. "Focusing on the core experience that our fans have told us they love allows us to evolve established gameplay in meaningful ways that we can’t wait to share with everyone later this year."
At launch, Rock Band 4 will boast a solid lineup of songs on its own disc, and hundreds of the 2000+ DLC tracks already released for past games will be available. Afterwards, Harmonix will work to include all past songs in the new title, while simultaneously releasing fresh DLC tracks.
Until then, Rock Band 3 and Rock Band Blitz owners will be able to download a brand-new free song for their title on the PS3 and Xbox 360, in the form of "I Still Believe" made by Frank Turner.
Check out a song showcasing the creation process of the new title below.
