Harmonix during a recent livestream on Twitch announced plans to bring back Rock Band Network in Rock Band 4. The Rock Band Network arrived in 2010 during the height of the rhythm video game craze. It was essentially a peer-reviewed platform in which content creators could upload and sell their own music to gamers and get a cut of the revenue. The platform allowed Harmonix to continue to grow its ecosystem of tracks without having to massively scale up development resources and was much faster than if Harmonix had to do all the work itself. Support for the network was scaled back in 2013 and by the following year, it shut down completely as Harmonix shifted focus to other projects. The return of the Rock Band Network isn’t without a bit of controversy, however, as purchases made on older systems won’t carry over to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. This, according to Harmonix, was a necessity due to royalty agreements and whatnot. Also worth noting is the fact that Harmonix … [Read more...] about Harmonix is bringing back Rock Band Network in Rock Band 4
Harmonix
Harmonix is reviving Rock Band Network in ‘Rock Band 4’
Now the network will reopen its doors inside Rock Band 4 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (crowdfunding for a PC version never materialized) however, there is some bad news for fans still sticking with the games -- apparently due to royalty agreements, purchases made on older systems won't carry over. Harmonix is apparently prioritizing songs that had been the most popular before on RBN, but it is still taking requests via an online form. … [Read more...] about Harmonix is reviving Rock Band Network in ‘Rock Band 4’
Viacom may owe $383 million to Harmonix shareholders
Viacom Inc. may owe $383 million to former shareholders of Cambridge-based developer Harmonix Music Systems, best-known for the Rock Band series. There are apparently a handful of legal battles going on between Viacom and shareholders over their $175 million acquisition of the developer back in 2006. An arbitration team ruled Dec. 19 that Viacom still owes money to shareholders based on sales targets which were met in both 2007 and 2008. The $383 million stems from the legal dispute over those unpaid bonuses for sales targets. However, Viacom filed suit in the Delaware court in hopes of overturning the ruling. According to reports, Viacom had paid $150 million in bonuses previously, but ended up suing shareholders for a refund saying they had overpaid. The arbitration ruling said that the game had sold so well that the contract would call for a much higher payout anyway. Currently, Harmonix owns their IPs, Rock Band and Dance Central. About a year ago, Viacom sold off Harmonix, letting … [Read more...] about Viacom may owe $383 million to Harmonix shareholders
The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time
100. Hotline Miami (2012) Platform: Microsoft WindowsHotline Miami is violent—really violent—but in a way that makes it ooze atmosphere: pulsing neon, pumping electronica, and blood splattered on the walls, and the floor, and you. You play as a thug fighting his way through room after room of men with guns and knives and every other murder-tool you can think of. You're not timed, but you must move quickl, because every room you enter requires mowing down enemies in a matter of seconds — lest the hail of bullets leaves you as the one splayed on the ground. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Advertisement - Continue Reading Below 99. TowerFall (2013) Platform: OuyaOne of the only games to make buying an Ouya worthwhile (at least until it came to Steam and PS4 in 2014), TowerFall proved that multiplayer gaming could thrive on the couch, not just online. Inspired more by Super Smash Brothers than Street Fighter, this 2D arena fighter takes fighting games and … [Read more...] about The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time
Why the Apple TV won’t revolutionize gaming
By the time Apple began its event on Wednesday, we already knew most of the basics: leaks had soured the surprise of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the iPad Pro, and certainly the long-awaited Apple TV refresh. However, one pre-show rumor didn’t come true, which left some people disappointed: The new set-top box isn’t a gaming powerhouse. It plays games, certainly. The addition of the App Store means that the new Apple TV is designed to run big-screen games, with Apple demoing a multiplayer version of Crossy Road, a new Rayman, and a rhythmic, family-oriented sports game from Rock Band maker Harmonix. And with the touchpad remote, iOS devices, gamepads, and other peripherals all supported, there’s some versatility to what developers can do with it. But the idea that the Apple TV could challenge the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 in any serious way seemed off-base, and Apple’s brief presentation didn’t inspire belief that gaming will be a tentpole focus for the … [Read more...] about Why the Apple TV won’t revolutionize gaming