Harmonix and EA have announced that their forthcoming game, Rock Band will feature musical instruments from the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). The game will also have the Roland Corporation and BOSS brands.
Harmonix and MTV have gotten into an agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation that will let Rock Band game controller peripheral to be modeled after the legendary Fender Stratocaster. FMIC is one of the biggest manufacturers of electric guitars and amplifiers in the world. Their guitars have been used by music legends such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.
Bill Mendello, CEO, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation explains, “Fender is pleased to be part of Rock Band and the thrilling opportunity it offers passionate music fans and gamers. Our friends at Harmonix have done an astonishing job of capturing the power and style of legendary Fender products within the virtual gaming experience and delivering it all in the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Alex Rigopulos, President & Co-founder, Harmonix comments, “The Stratocaster has been the weapon of choice for many of the world’s legendary guitarists. Giving players the opportunity to rock out using a guitar peripheral modeled after the Strat really adds to the authenticity of the experience. Many of the staff here at Harmonix plays Fender and Roland instruments and use BOSS effects pedals in their own bands, so we are delighted to be able to work with these companies.”
Rock Band will release for the PS3 and the Xbox 360 in late 2007. The game will also let gamers play solo or recruit band mates and jam side-by-side or virtually online. However, there are rumors that the whole Rock Band package will cost $300 (approx. Rs. 12, 000). That could make it as expensive as the Nintendo Wii console!