Apple Corps, MTV Games and Harmonix have announced a deal to create a new videogame based on The Beatles, the first time in history that the band’s music will be available in an interactive medium.
Despite the tremendous popularity of the music game genre, the project marks The Beatles’ first foray in the world of videogames. The “unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles” is being developed by Harmonix, the company behind the hugely successful Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, with input from Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison. Giles Martin, the Grammy award-winning son of famed Beatles producer Sir George Martin who in 2006 remixed and and rearranged the band’s music for the Cirque du Soleil production of Love, will be the game’s Music Producer.
Ringo Starr, the band’s drummer, said, “It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles/Apple and Harmonix/Rock Band partnership. The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”
“The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music,” added Sir Paul. “I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out.”
“Introducing the genius of The Beatles to a whole new generation of music lovers through original and inspired ways is extremely exciting to us at Apple Corps,” said Jeff Jones, CEO of Apple Corps, the company formed by the band in 1968 to handle its business interests. “We are truly pleased to be working with the innovative forces at MTV and Harmonix as they embody our mutual passions for music and creativity.”
Few details were released, although Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos said the game would be a stand-alone title rather than a Rock Band expansion. “We are giving legions of fans and music lovers all over the world a profound, new way to experience The Beatles,” he said. “This game will be a celebration of The Beatles’ undeniable legacy.” The as-yet-unnamed project is currently targeted for release in late 2009.
