With the perception that Rock Band 4 has not been generating the buzz of its predecessor’s and Harmonix partner Mad Catz suffering from major financial issues, Harmonix has taken some steps to ensure that the brand will indeed be viable for the next 11 years. Today the company announced that they signed an extension with Fender guitars to keep the Fender Guitar brand as part of Rock Band through the year 2027. The extension keeps in-game Fender branding in place through the duration of the agreement.
I like the agreement, and it seems to be keeping with the plan that Harmonix has for a slow, measured roll-out and expansion of the Rock Band 4 IP since it debuted last year. By signing with Fender, the company has one less obstacle to worry about as they decide the path for the future of the franchise.
HARMONIX AND FENDER® EXTEND SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP INTO THE NEXT DECADE
Legendary Duo to Keep Rocking into 2027
BOSTON, MA, June 3, 2016 – Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. today announced the extension of their agreement with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) to have the brand’s iconic instruments featured in its popular music video game series Rock Band until 2027. One of the most respected brands in music, Fender® guitars, basses and amps have been an integral component of the Rock Band franchise since its inception in 2007 and this agreement ensures players can enjoy that same level of realism and authenticity for another decade of interactive play.
“Rock Band is all about living out your rock n’ roll fantasies, on stage, under the lights, in front of a crowd,” said Steve Janiak, Harmonix CEO. “For decades, Fender’s iconic designs and signature sound have made them the guitar and amp of choice for many of rock’s greatest stars. Naturally Fender has also been the guitar of choice for many of Rock Band’s aspiring rock stars dating back to the series’ introduction in 2007. I’m thrilled that they’ll continue to be a part of Rock Band well into our next decade.”
Adds Mark Van Vleet, CLO & SVP Business Development of FMIC: “We are pleased to continue our successful relationship with Harmonix. Harmonix continues to impress us with their attention to detail and precision in faithfully recreating our classic instruments. The experience they create of being a rock star ensures their global audience feels the passion and excitement of being in a band when they strap on a Rock Band guitar or bass.”
Following last year’s launch of Rock Band 4, Harmonix has worked closely with the Rock Band community to bring new features and content to the game. Most recently, Harmonix announced a Rock Band 4 Expansion Pack coming this fall, which includes highly anticipated features like synchronous online multiplayer, at the sold-out PAX East expo, one of the largest consumer lifestyle shows in the U.S.
Fans interested in being notified when new Rock Band products are available for pre-order can sign up at www.rockband4.com/first-to-know.
