Rock Band
News, coverage and analysis tracking Rock Band across the outlets.
"Sony waited for Rockstar to make the first move": Founding Xbox member warns against PlayStation's all-digital future, says "I trust" Steam games won't just disappearIndustry veteran Laura Fryer, a founding member of the original Xbox, warns about the risks of an all-digital future for gaming, citing PlayStation's move away from physical discs. She shares a personal anecdote about losing hundreds of dollars in Rock Band songs due to delisting, highlighting the impermanence of digital ownership and the potential loss of the second-hand market. Fryer suggests Sony is waiting for major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 to normalize digital-only sales before fully committing.
Plastintstrumentens gyllene eraThe article reflects on the golden era of plastic instrument rhythm games, primarily focusing on the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series. It highlights how these games, with their unique guitar controllers and accessible gameplay, allowed players to live out rockstar fantasies. The piece also touches upon the genre's eventual decline due to market saturation and the attempts at comebacks in 2015.- The Games That Defined Our Childhood: A Generation-by-Generation Guide | TAGThis guide breaks down distinct gaming generations within the millennial demographic, highlighting the defining consoles, cultural moments, and games for those born between 1984 and 1998. It explores the impact of console wars, the rise of online multiplayer, and the unique experiences of growing up with different gaming eras, from the SNES and Genesis to the N64, PlayStation, PS2, and Wii.
Epic Games layoffs serve as a timely reminder that accountability is deadEpic Games has announced layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees, despite Fortnite remaining a highly successful live service game. The company also secured a $1.5 billion investment from Disney for a new entertainment universe. The layoffs have raised questions about accountability within the company, particularly concerning its acquisitions of Harmonix and Mediatonic.
"The player base never disappeared; they just didn't have anything to play" – Echo Foundry on reviving the rhythm game genreEcho Foundry Interactive, a studio founded by veterans of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, is aiming to revive the rhythm game genre with their upcoming title, Sound System. CEO Marcus Henderson and President Lennon Lange discuss the genre's past oversaturation and their approach to creating a sustainable, community-driven platform with modern technology. Sound System is set to launch on October 16th with a focus on user-generated content and affordable microtransactions.- Echo Foundry Interactive Announces Launch Date for Sound System: October 16, 2026 – Priced at $24.99Echo Foundry Interactive announced that their new rhythm game, Sound System, will launch on Steam on October 16, 2026, for $24.99. The game features a community-driven content catalog, custom note chart creation tools, and various multiplayer modes. It aims to revive the rhythm game genre with a mix of classic and new music.
- ‘Next-generation rhythm game’ Sound System launches in Early Access for PC on October 16The rhythm game Sound System, developed by industry veterans behind Guitar Hero and Rock Band, is launching in Early Access for PC on October 16. The game is described as a 'next-generation rhythm game'.
Sound System Launches October 16 on Steam With Custom Chart CreationEcho Foundry Interactive announced that its new rhythm game, Sound System, will launch on PC via Steam on October 16, 2026, for $24.99. The game features classic rhythm gameplay, multiple modes for different skill levels, and a robust in-game chart creation tool called PulseMap Editor for community-driven content.- Indie rhythm game Beat Weaver looks like a mix of Amplitude and ThumperBeat Weaver is an upcoming indie rhythm game from solo developer Christopher Lerch, inspired by Amplitude and Thumper. Players control a ship on tracks, hitting notes to activate and maintain instrument tracks, with a unique energy system that disables tracks if depleted. The game is slated for release on Steam later this year and supports Steam Deck.
RedOctane's 'next evolution in rhythm gaming' sure looks a lot like 2007's Rock BandRedOctane Games has announced Stage Tour, a new rhythm-action game that heavily resembles Harmonix's Rock Band. The game aims to revive the plastic-instrument rhythm genre with new features and a focus on long-term content and live events, rather than sequels. Sign-ups for a closed alpha test are expected soon, with a holiday season release planned for PC.