For those about to Rock Band, Wii salute you

by: Randy - posted: 6/21/2008 2:18:00 AM

One gaming audience that's already got a toybox full of peripherals -- and is likely to be receptive to more -- is the Nintendo audience.  And this Sunday, June 22nd, Rock Band is taking center stage on the Wii.  "Mark your calendars," instructs Bob Picunko, MTV's VP of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, "because 'Family Rock Band Nite' is going to replace the traditional board game and movie night..."  Later, on July 15th, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1 is a 20-song stack with groups like Boston, Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, and 30 Seconds to Mars headlining the $29.99 supplement.

Cambridge, MA – June 20, 2008-- Harmonix, the leading developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts, Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced that Rock Band™ Special Edition Bundle for the Wii™ home videogame console from Nintendo is shipping to retail stores across America and Canada, available starting Sunday, June 22^nd for the suggested retail price of $169.99.

Rock Band for Wii features over 60 songs ranging across all genres of rock, including five extra bonus tracks exclusive to the disc for Wii gamers!  Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for Wii includes game software, wireless drums, drum sticks, microphone, guitar strap and a wireless guitar.  Standalone instruments and software are also available.

"The addictive fun of Rock Band and the social phenomenon of Wii combine to make this release an essential addition to the family entertainment collection," stated Bob Picunko, Vice President of Electronic Games and Interactive Products, MTV.  "Mark your calendars because "Family Rock Band Nite" is going to replace the traditional board game and movie night starting June 22^nd."

In addition, Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1 for Wii and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will be shipping to retail on July 15, 2008, for a MSRP of $29.99.  The 20-song pack features an electrifying mix of classic hits and current favorites, including songs by Boston, Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, and 30 Seconds to Mars.

Rock Band is an all-new platform for music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before. The game challenges players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune – all while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals. Featuring the most master recordings of any music game ever by the world's biggest rock artists, Rock Band includes tracks that span every genre of rock ranging from alternative and classic rock to heavy metal and punk. Rock Band has garnered more than 40 awards including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007 and three awards at The 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards including Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Family Game of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack.

Rock Band is rated "T" for Teen (lyrics, mild suggestive themes) by the ESRB.

Rock Band is also currently available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the PlayStation 2 system.

EA is the exclusive distribution and marketing partner for Rock Band.

For more information on Rock Band and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.