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'{{Infobox VG |title=Rock Band 3 |image=[[File:Rb3 box art.jpg|256px]] |caption= ''Rock Band 3'' cover |developer=[[Harmonix Music Systems|Harmonix]] |publisher=[[MTV Games]] |distributor=[[Electronic Arts]] |designer=Dan Teasdale, Sylvain Dubrofsky, Brian Chan, Casey Malone |series = ''[[Rock Band]]'' |engine= |released= {{vgrelease|NA=October 26, 2010<ref name="pre_order_press_release">{{cite web | url=http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3868088 | title=Rock Band 3 Pre Order Promo Info | first=Harmonix | date=2010-07-19 | accessdate=2010-07-19 | publisher=[[Harmonix Music Systems]]}}</ref>|EU=October 29, 2010}} |genre=[[Music video game]] |modes=[[Single-player]], [[multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] |ratings={{vgratings|ESRB=T|PEGI=12+}} |platforms=[[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Wii]], [[Nintendo DS]] |media = [[DVD]] (Xbox 360), [[Blu-Ray]] (PS3), [[Wii Optical Disc]] (Wii), [[game cartridge]] (DS) |requirements = |input= [[Guitar controller]], [[Drum kit|drum]] controller, [[keyboard instrument|keyboard]] controller, [[microphone]], [[gamepad]] }} '''''Rock Band 3''''' is an upcoming [[music video game]], and the third main game in the ''[[Rock Band]]'' series. As with previous games in the series, ''Rock Band 3'' allows players to simulate the playing of [[rock music]] and other genres using special instrument controllers mimicking [[lead guitar|lead]] and [[bass guitar]], [[drums]], and vocals. ''Rock Band 3'' expands upon previous games by including three-part vocal harmonies, previously used in ''[[The Beatles: Rock Band]]'' and ''[[Green Day: Rock Band]]'', and support for a keyboard instrument; Harmonix will be providing a [[MIDI]]-compatible 25-key unit with the game. ''Rock Band 3'' will also feature a new "Pro" mode, which are designed as a learning tool to accurately mimic playing of real instruments: guitar and bass players will have to match specific fingering on frets and strings, drummers will have to strike cymbal pads in addition to snare and toms, and keyboardists will use precise fingering across the whole keyboard. [[MadCatz]] and [[Fender]] will be manufacturing controllers and add-ons to support the Pro mode. The game disc will include 83 songs, many designed to emphasize the keyboard instrument. Existing game content, including [[downloadable content]] and songs from the [[Rock Band Network]], will carry forward into ''Rock Band 3'', with the full ''Rock Band'' library expected to be more than 2000 songs by the end of 2010. ''Rock Band 3'' is designed to take advantage of players' existing libraries by providing user-created set lists and challenges and tools to easily search and select songs from the library. ''Rock Band 3'' will ship worldwide between October 26 and 29, 2010 in North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand for the [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Wii]] consoles; a [[Nintendo DS]] version is also being developed.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.plasticaxe.com/2010/06/11/5-things-we-didnt-know-about-rock-band-3/ | title = 5 Things We Didn’t Know About Rock Band 3 | first =Joe | last = Rybicki | date = 2010-06-11 | accessdate = 2010-06-11 | publisher = [[Plastic Axe]] }}</ref> ==Gameplay== {{seealso|Rock Band#Gameplay|l1=Common gameplay Elements of Rock Band}} ''Rock Band 3'' allows for several players, locally or through online game services, to use various instrument controls to simulate the playing of music. In addition to the four instruments from previous ''Rock Band'' games&mdash;[[lead guitar]], [[bass guitar]], [[drums]], and [[singing|vocals]]&mdash;''Rock Band 3'' adds support for three additional players, two through backup vocal [[harmony|harmonies]] with the lead singer (a feature previously introduced in ''[[The Beatles: Rock Band]]''), and one playing an [[electric keyboard]]. The overall goal of the collective band is to successfully complete a song by using their controllers to strike correct notes in time with note tracks shown on the game screen; or, in the case of the vocalists, to sing in relative pitch to the original artist. Each player has a performance meter, which increases when correct notes are hit and falls when notes are missed; a band performance meter represents an average of all players. If a player's meter should drop to zero, that player will temporarily drop out, silencing their part, and the band's performance meter will start to drop. If the band's meter hits zero, the band will fail the song, and depending on the game mode, either be required to start over or to opt to continue on after allowing for players to change difficulty levels. A dropped player can be saved up to two times by the use of "Overdrive" collected by any other player. Overdrive is collected by correctly matching a series of specially marked notes. Certain sections of songs provide "unison moments" where if all players successfully complete the section, they will all get a boost of Overdrive. Overdrive is triggered through various means on the controllers: by tilting the guitar controller vertically briefly, striking a specific drum pad at an indicated time, hitting a controller button on the keyboard, and making a loud noise during marked sections for vocalists. Prior to a song, each band members selects from one of four difficulty levels, Easy, Medium, Hard, and Expert, which influence the number and rate that notes appear on the note track. As the band performs, they score points. Subtle changes have been made to tracking of fast-moving parts such as [[trill (music)|trill]]s, [[tremolo picking]], and [[drum roll]]s, rewarding playing for being exactly on cue but not penalizing for small differences.<ref name="plasticaxe interview"/> Each player can build up a multiplier by hitting consecutive notes correctly, up to a 4x value except in the case of the bassist who can go up to 6x through "bass groove". Overdrive can be unleashed separately by each player to temporarily boost a band multiplier by 2x, with potentially up to a 10x multiplier if each part triggers Overdrive. After successfully completing a song, the band is rated on a 5-star scale based on pre-determine scoring values. A "5 gold star" rating can be earned if the entire band is playing in Expert mode and their score well exceeds the required score for a normal 5 star performance. [[File:Rockband-band-challenges.jpg|thumb|left|Road Challenges provide new ways for ''Rock Band 3'' players to interact with their library, providing numerous tour options and performance challenges. These provide "spades" in addition to stars for good performances, and individual performances are tracked during a song to provide additional feedback to players.]] Players will have better tools to sort though songs to help manage a song library that is expected to be larger than 2000 songs by the end of 2010.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/> Players will be able to rate songs from 1 to 5 "lighters"; players will be able to sort on these, and ratings will be considered in the selection of songs for random setlists, with higher-rated songs appearing more frequently.<ref name="destructoid pre-e3"/> The rating will also allow Harmonix to suggest new songs to players in the Rock Band store .<ref> {{cite web | url = http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/06/18/rock-band-3-now-with-real-guitars| title = Rock Band 3 Now With Real Guitars| date = 2010-06-18 | accessdate= 2010-06-19 | publisher = [[Game Informer]] | first = Mstt| last =Miller}}</ref> Players will also be able to create, save, name, and design art for custom set lists.<ref name="destructoid pre-e3"/> The "Battle of the Bands" mode featured in ''Rock Band 2'', in which Harmonix created daily and weekly themed challenges based on the library of songs, will extend into ''Rock Band 3'', but allowing players to create the challenges themselves from the game's official website and advertise them through social media services like [[Twitter]] and [[Facebook]].<ref name="destructoid pre-e3"/> The game features a more in-depth career mode; players will be able to design more detailed characters, and will appear nearly at all points alongside the narrative, making the game "one story of your band", according to Harmonix senior designer Dan Teasdale. The career mode includes over 700 career goals, similar to Xbox 360 Achievements or PlayStation 3 Trophies, to help continue to urge the players to progress in the game.<ref name="ign pre-e3"/> "Road challenges" combine features of the Tour mode of ''Rock Band'' and ''Rock Band 2'' with ''[[Mario Party]]'' concepts, according to Teasdale, and is based on feedback from ''Rock Band'' players. For example, the band may be challenged to re-invigorate the virtual crowd using copious amounts of Overdrive after they were disappointed by an opening act, or in another challenge, the band will be required to play as accurately as possible for a crowd of critics.<ref name="gamespot pre-e3"/> Numerous versions of these challenges will be available that vary in the amount of time to complete (from 30 minutes to 3 hours) and difficulty. Some of these challenges feature multiple gigs; after playing through one gig, the band is presented with three choices for songs to play at the next gig, either from pre-made set lists, customized set lists, or random selection from all available songs. With each song completed within a challenge, the players earn spades; one spade for each star based on the overall scoring, and additional spades for meeting the challenge goals. These challenges are tracks on the scoring leaderboards for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rockband.com/zine/road_challenges | title = Rock Band 3 New Features: Road Challenges | publisher = [[Harmonix Music Systems]] | date = 2010-08-11 | accessdate =2010-08-11 | first = Brian | last = Chan }}</ref> The playing modes will be wrapped in an "overshell", which allow for players to sign in or out of game console profiles, manage players in the band, and jump in or out of the game with any available instrument at any point, including while playing a song.<ref name="wired pre-e3"/> Players also will have the ability to pause the game and make changes in difficulty; when leaving the pause menu, the song will rewind a few seconds to allow all players to synchronize before the scoring restarts. ===Pro Mode=== [[File:Rockband3-gameplay.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Rock Band 3'' adds support for a 25-key keyboard (left track) in addition to guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Pro mode will challenge lead and bass guitarists, keyboardists, and drummers with a more realistic playing experience, such as requiring keyboardists to use a full range of keys, drummers (center) to strike proper cymbals as noted by round gems, or guitarists (right) and bassists to use accurate fingering on the fret bar. The on-screen display for the guitarist and bassist shows the numbered fret and string for the base fingering, and, for chords, a waveform that shows where the fingers should be positioned on other strings relative to the base fret. This screenshot shows [[Spacehog]]'s [[In the Meantime (Spacehog song)|In the Meantime]].]] ''Rock Band 3'' introduces a "Pro" mode, which is aimed to provide a more realistic playing experience by requiring a more exact accuracy of the playing of the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard instruments. For Pro guitar and bass, a special controller will be required that has the ability to track fingering on specific frets either as fret buttons or strings, and will present this for on-screen feedback to the player.<ref name="usatoday pro">{{cite video | title= Rock Band 3 Exclusive - Pro guitar! | url = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AAy-NGf2VQ | format = [[Adobe Flash|Flash]] | media = Television production | date = 2010-06-13 | accessdate = 2010-06-13 | publisher = ''[[USA Today]]'' | people = Alston, René and Snider, Mike }}</ref> On screen, single notes are represented by a number, representing the fret on the guitar, over a single string. Chords are represented by solid bars that mimic waveforms. The base position for the player's hand on the fretboard is given by a number on a specific string. The shape of the bar over the other strings provide relative fret positions for the player's hand on the controller.<Ref name="plastic axe pro handson">{{Cite web | url = http://www.plasticaxe.com/2010/06/21/hands-on-with-pro-guitar-in-rock-band-3/ | title = Hands-On With Pro Guitar in Rock Band 3 | first = Joe | last = Rybicki | date = 2010-06-21 | accessdate= 2010-06-21 | publisher = Plastic Axe }}</ref> Chord names are shown at the side of the track, approaching the appearance of a [[tablature#Guitar tablature|guitar tablature]].<ref name="usatoday pro"/> The game will adjust which frets to use depending on which Pro model guitar is used.<ref name="plasticaxe interview">{{cite web | url = http://www.plasticaxe.com/2010/06/11/exclusive-interview-new-details-on-rock-band-3-pro-mode-peripherals-and-drum-functionality/ | title = Exclusive Interview: New Details on Rock Band 3 Gameplay, Pro Mode, and Peripherals | first = Joe | last= Rybicki | date= 2010-06-11 | accessdate= 2010-06-11 | publisher = [[Plastic Axe]] }}</ref> For Pro drums, a three cymbal set is added to the core drum kit; notes on screen will be marked to indicate a cymbal hit instead of a drum hit. Pro keyboard utilizes all 25 keys of the new unit instead of just the 5 basic areas used in normal mode.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/><ref name="destructoid pre-e3"/> Pro mode players will still be able to select difficulty levels; one can play Pro mode on the "Easy" difficulty level, which reduces the number of notes to hit, but still would require proper fingering or hitting the correct cymbal.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/> The progression of difficulties in Pro mode is aimed to help the player become familiar with the new playing style. For example in Easy Pro guitar, the player may only be required to finger single notes, while Medium will introduce chords.<ref name="usatoday pro"/> The Pro mode is available across all game modes, and is selectable at the same time as when selecting the desired difficulty and handedness for the instrument. Pro players can play alongside normal mode players in any game mode.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/> Harmonix has authored previous [[downloadable content]] since the release of ''Rock Band 2'' with the necessary cues for cymbal strikes, allowing most existing songs to be immediately playable in Pro mode for drums.<ref name="plasticaxe interview"/> However, the interaction of older downloadable content with other new features in ''Rock Band 3'' has yet to be determined.<ref name="plasticaxe interview"/> According to Harmonix' Dan Sussman, they "have the facility to add those parts to existing songs" and that there is "a lot of stuff in that back catalog that's ripe for keys and even Pro mode"; Harmonix is encouraging fans of the game series to provide input on what content and features they would like to see updated after ''Rock Band 3''{{'}}s release.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3180908 | title = What Rock Band 3's Pro Keyboard Can Teach You About Real Music | publisher = [[1UP.com]] | date =2010-08-17 | accessdate = 2010-08-17 | first = Justin | last = Hayweld }}</ref> To further help players with the Pro mode, trainers will be included with the game. The training modes use songs created by Harmonix artists designed to help the players become comfortable with the instruments and interface over a series of lessons. According to Harmonix' Dan Sussman, there are about 60 to 80 songs specifically made for the trainer; at present they will only be available for that mode, but Harmonix has considered placing the songs onto the [[Rock Band Network]] at a later date.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-rock-band-3-keyboard-pro-keys-and-keys-trainer/ | title = Preview: Rock Band 3 keyboard, Pro Keys and Keys trainer | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | date = 2010-08-17 | accessdate = 2010-08-17 | first = Mike | last = Schramm }}</ref> Players are able to slow down songs in this mode as well.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5614510/the-good-and-worrisome-about-rock-band-3s-keyboard | title = The Good And Worrisome About Rock Band 3's Keyboard | first = Stephan | last = Tolito | date = 2010-08-17 | accessdate = 2010-08-17 | publisher = [[Kotaku]] }}</ref> ===Instrument controllers=== [[File:Rock-band-3-keyboard-controller.jpg|thumb|left|The new keyboard controller for ''Rock Band 3'' is a fully functional [[MIDI]] keyboard with 25 keys, and can be used either horizontally or worn as a [[keytar]], with an effects touchpad in the "arm" of the unit. In normal play, players simply strike one of five keys from Middle C to G on the keyboard, as indicated on-screen, while Pro mode requires precise fingering of each key.]] In April 2010, Harmonix and game controller manufacturer [[Mad Catz]] entered a multi-year deal to allow Mad Catz to produce and sell its controllers alongside the ''Rock Band'' games.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28227/Mad_Catz_Now_Principal_Peripherals_Partner_For_Rock_Band.php | title = Mad Catz Now Principal Peripherals Partner For Rock Band | first = Kris | last = Graft | date = 2010-04-23 | accessdate = 2010-04-23 | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref> Mad Catz will be producing a new guitar controller, based on the [[Fender Mustang]] for the game's Pro mode, where instead of five colored buttons, there will be 6 buttons across 17 different frets, for a total of 102 buttons; the player will be required to strike the corresponding buttons on the right frets similar to guitar strings.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/><ref name="destructoid instruments"/> A second guitar controller will be made with [[Fender]] in the style of a [[Squier Stratocaster]], featuring six strings instead of fret buttons. The instrument is a true electric guitar with MIDI support, playable outside of the game, but features additional electronics that are able to detect where the player is holding down strings.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/><ref name="destructoid instruments"/><ref name="destructoid stratocaster">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/pre-e3-harmonix-mtv-partner-with-fender-on-guitar-controller-hybrid-176056.phtml | title = Pre-E3: Harmonix/MTV partner with Fender on guitar/controller hybrid | first = Nick | last = Chester | date= 2010-06-10 | accessdate= 2010-06-10 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref> A demonstration of the unit at the 2010 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] shows the Fender guitar controller being played directly through an electric amplifier alongside other players on the other controllers while playing the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/16/rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-plays-both-real-and-virtual-guit/ | title = Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster plays both real and virtual guitar... at the same time (video) | first = Ross | last = Miller | publisher = [[Engadget]] | date =2010-06-16 | accessdate = 2010-06-16}}</ref> MadCatz will also produce the new keyboard controller. The keyboard features 25 full-sized keys, and is [[MIDI]] compatible, allowing it to be used outside the game. The controller resembles a [[keytar]] with a handle to one side and the ability to attach a guitar strap to wear the unit.<ref name="wired pre-e3">{{cite web | url = http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/06/rock-band-3/ | title = Hands On: Rock Band 3 Adds Keyboards, Realistic Pro Mode | first = Gus | last = Mastrapa | date = 2010-06-11 | accessdate= 2010-06-11 | work = [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] }}</ref> Optionally, the unit can be placed on a horizontal surface and played in that fashion.<Ref name="usatoday preview summary"/> Players will need to strike notes and chords, marked to specific keys on the display, to score points. In normal play, the keys are split into 5 groups, corresponding to colored notes on screen. The player must strike any note within the group as indicated on screen to match the note, similar to the present mechanism for playing guitar, bass, and drums.<ref name="wired pre-e3"/><ref name="usatoday preview details"/><ref name="destructoid pre-e3"/> Overdrive is launched by pressing a special button on the controller.<ref name="ign pre-e3">{{cite web | url = http://ps3.ign.com/articles/109/1096281p1.html | title = E3 2010: Rock Band 3 Preview | date = 2010-06-10 | accessdate= 2010-06-10 | publisher = [[IGN]] | first = Greg | last =Miller | first2= Scott | last2=Lowe }}</ref> A touch-pad in the handle of the unit functions as a [[pitch wheel]], providing for a [[whammy bar]]-type effect on sustained notes.<ref name="ign pre-e3"/> Pro mode on keyboards will utilizing the entire 25-key range on the keyboard; however, as the full range cannot be displayed on screen, arrow indicators will be displayed to indicate when the displayed area is about to shift left or right, giving the player time to compensate.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/><ref name="destructoid pre-e3"/> MadCatz has already produced a three-cymbal add-on set for ''Rock Band 2'' drum kits, but will introduce a new wireless version with the release of ''Rock Band 3''.<ref name="destructoid instruments"/> Any [[USB]]-compatible microphone can be used for the vocal parts. A USB hub can be used for up to three microphone players. ''Rock Band 3'' does not require the vocalists to be signed in on the console's systems; this allows ''Rock Band 3'' to surpass the usual limit of four local players that exists on the Wii and Xbox 360.<ref name="destructoid instruments"/> Vocal harmonies cannot be performed by separate players over networked connections due to latency issues.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://rockbandaide.com/5885/rock-band-3-lead-designer-dan-teasdale-answers-your-questions/ | title = Rock Band 3 Lead Designer Dan Teasdale Answers Your Questions | publisher = Rock Band Aide | date = 2010-06-21 | accessdate = 2010-06-21 }}</ref> [[Pitch correction]] technology developed by [[iZotope]] will be integrated into the game, allowing vocalists to add effects to their vocal performances within the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://musicindustrynewswire.com/2010/06/29/min3116_153224.php | title = iZotope Technology Licensed for Inclusion in Rock Band 3 | first = Jesse JJ | last = Jame | date = 2010-06-29 | accessdate = 2010-06-29 | publisher = Music Industry Newswire }}</ref> All existing ''Rock Band'' and other compatible controllers will continue to work for all game modes beyond the Pro mode.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/> Guitar controllers can be used to play non-Pro keyboard parts, while the keyboard controller can also be used to play non-Pro guitar/bass parts.<ref name="destructoid pre-e3">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/pre-e3-a-look-at-the-disruptive-rock-band-3-176027.phtml | title = Pre-E3: A look at the 'disruptive' Rock Band 3 | first = Nick | last = Chester | date = 2010-06-10 | accessdate = 2010-06-10 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref> A special MIDI adapter, also made by MadCatz and sold separately, will allow players with existing MIDI-compatible keyboards or drums to use them within the game.<ref name="destructoid instruments">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/pre-e3-keyboards-and-pro-instruments-for-rock-band-3-detailed-priced-176055.phtml | title = Pre-E3: Keyboards and Pro instruments for Rock Band 3 detailed, priced | first = Nick | last = Chester | date= 2010-06-10 | accessdate = 2010-06-10 | publisher = [[Destructoid]] }}</ref> ===Nintendo DS version=== [[File:Rockband3 ds screen.jpg|thumb|right|The Nintendo DS version of ''Rock Band 3'' is similar to ''[[Rock Band Unplugged]]'' or ''[[Lego Rock Band]]'' for the DS, and requires the player to manage playing four tracks at various times to prevent any single performance meter from dropping to zero.]] The [[Nintendo DS]] version of ''Rock Band 3'' follows the gameplay format of ''[[Rock Band Unplugged]]'' for the [[PlayStation Portable]] or the Nintendo DS version of ''[[Lego Rock Band]]''. There are no special instrument attachments; instead, gameplay is designed around matching notes using the face buttons on the DS. Each of the 25 songs, a subset of the songs available on the ''Rock Band 3'' disc for other consoles, are presented as a set of four tracks, one for each instrument, with the player able to move between them. To perform well, the player must move between tracks using the shoulder buttons and succeed to match a phrase of notes using the face buttons of the controller in order to boost the band's performance meter; in normal game modes, this will cause the track to play automatically by itself for a brief period allowing the player to focus on the other tracks. The player can fail a song if they cannot match notes correctly, or by ignoring a single track for too long. The DS version includes a single-player career mode and both cooperative and competitive play modes.<ref name="ign ds e3">{{cite web | url = http://ds.ign.com/articles/109/1098577p1.html |title = E3 2010: Melting Faces in Rock Band 3 DS | first =Anthony |last = Galligos | date = 2010-06-15 | accessdate = 2010-06-16 | publisher = [[IGN]] }}</ref> Additional features that were present in ''Unplugged'' also are included in ''Rock Band 3'' for the DS, but have been renamed to match changes in the game's console modes. For example, the "Band Survival" mode from ''Unplugged'', requiring the player to keep all the instruments going without any respite after successfully completing a track section, will be called "Pro Mode" in ''Rock Band 3'' for the DS.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/preview-rock-band-3-ds/ | title= Preview: Rock Band 3 (DS) | first= Andrew | last = Yoon | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | date = 2010-08-17 | accessdate = 2010-08-17 }}</ref> ==Development== Despite previous success of [[rhythm game]]s, the genre as a whole saw nearly a 50% drop in revenues in 2009;<Ref name="usatoday preview summary">{{cite web | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-06-10-rockband10_ST_N.htm | title = 'Rock Band 3': Keyboards are the key | date =2010-06-09 | accessdate = 2010-06-10 | work = [[USA Today]] | first = Mike | last = Synder }}</ref> sales of top-tier titles ''The Beatles: Rock Band'' and ''[[Guitar Hero 5]]'' were significantly off from initial projections.<ref name="npd sales">{{cite web | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/10/beatles-rock-band-sales.html | title = The Beatles: Rock Band debuts to solid but not stellar sales | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | first = Ben | last = Fritz | date = 2009-10-19 | accessdate = 2009-10-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25739 | title = Analysis: Guitar Hero Vs. Rock Band - Behind The Numbers | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | first = Matt | last = Matthews | date = 2009-10-23 | accessdate = 2009-10-23 }}</ref> Part of this has been attributed to the [[late-2000s recession]] limiting new purchases, but other analysis have speculated that consumers had grown tired of purchasing new iterations of instrument controllers for the same gameplay.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25712 | title = Analyst: Mixed September NPD Means More Choppy Waters Ahead For Industry | publisher =[[Gamasutra]] | first= Leigh | last = Alexander | date = 2009-10-20 | accessdate =2009-10-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/89407-Guitar-Hero-Gets-Greatest-Hits | title = Guitar Hero Gets "Greatest Hits" | first = Logan | last = Fredrick | date = 2009-02-12 | accessdate = 2009-02-16 | publisher = [[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=208086 | title = Activision has three new IPs for 2009 | date = 2009-02-12 | accessdate = 2009-02-16 | publisher = ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''}}</ref> Harmonix, in designing ''Rock Band 3'', sought to capture the playing experience that "really started this whole phenomenon in the first place", according to project director Daniel Sussman.<Ref name="usatoday preview summary"/> Harmonix's CEO, Alex Rigopulos, stated that "Our ambition for ''Rock Band 3'' was really to re-energize and reinvigorate the (music game) category and advance it and move it forward."<Ref name="usatoday preview summary"/> In introducing the game to journalists at a closed media event about a month prior to the 2010 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]], Harmonix called ''Rock Band 3'' a "disruptive title" for the music game industry.<ref name="gamespot pre-e3">{{cite web | url = http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6265161/rock-band-3-hands-on | title = Rock Band 3 Hands-On | first = Brian | last = Ekberg | publisher = [[Gamespot]] | date = 2010-06-10 | accessdate = 2010-06-11 }}</ref> Another aspect that Harmonix considered was "a ground-up rebuild of the ''Rock Band'' platform" and how players could interact better with the game and music library, according to Sussman.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/11/interview-harmonixs-daniel-sussman-on-rock-band-3s-new-tune/ | title = Interview: Harmonix's Daniel Sussman on Rock Band 3's new tune | first = JC | last = Fletcher | date= 2010-06-11 | accessdate = 2010-06-11 | publisher = [[Joystiq]] }}</ref> Harmonix included the keyboard controller to help address these goals. The keyboard functionality was "designed basically to answer that staleness factor" that has been seen in music games, as said by Sussman.<ref name="usatoday preview details"/> The team also included the "pro" mode to help invigorate existing players to give them new challenges, aimed at those that "had any aspirations of connecting with the music in a deeper way", according to senior designer Sylvain Dubrofsky.<Ref name="usatoday preview summary"/> Sussman commented that the combination of existing and new gameplay modes provides "an experience that is both accessible to players who are just getting into this thing, and builds something for the hard-core player who is maybe a little bored with where music games are".<ref name="usatoday preview details"/> ===Promotion=== [[Image:RockBand3ComicCon2010.JPG|left|thumb|250px|Six people playing ''Rock Band 3'' at the [[San Diego Comic-Con International]], July 23, 2010.]] ''Rock Band 3'' will be distributed by Electronic Arts after the two companies reached a continued agreement for distribution of the series, which was initially set to expire in March 2010, with the final EA-distributed title to have been ''Green Day: Rock Band''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2010/02/08/ea-publishing-deal-with-rock-band-lasting-through-march/ | title =EA publishing deal with Rock Band lasting through March | first = Johnny | last = Cullen | date = 2010-02-08 | accessdate= 2010-02-08 | publisher = [[VG247]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2010/02/11/ea-to-green-day-rock-band-the-show-must-go-on/ | title = EA to Green Day: Rock Band: The show must go on | first = Nathan | last = Grayson | date = 2010-02-10 | accessdate= 2010-02-10 | publisher = [[VG247]] }}</ref> A pre-E3 event occurred on May 20, 2010, to provide exclusive coverage of the game to selected gaming journalists, who would remain under [[news embargo]] until June 11, 2010, just prior to E3.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/05/06/rock-band-3-to-be-revealed-in-a-couple-weeks.aspx | title = Rock Band 3 To Be Revealed In A Couple Weeks | work = [[Game Informer]] | date =2010-05-06 | accessdate= 2010-06-14 | first = Bryan | last = Vore }}</ref> The first evidence that ''Rock Band 3'' would include keyboards came from a teaser image for the game in the ''Green Day: Rock Band'' demo, released in late May 2010; the image showed 5 icons, 4 representing the existing instruments in the game and the fifth showing a keyboard layout.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/109/1092597p1.html | title = Rock Band 3 Keyboard Teaser | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2010-05-25 | accessdate = 2010-06-09 | first = David | last = Clayman }}</ref> [[Ars Technica]] claimed via a [[Mole (espionage)|mole]], that the unit would be a "keytar", and the inclusion of the Pro modes.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/05/exclusive-rock-band-3-brings-keytar-new-pro-mode.ars | title = Exclusive: Rock Band 3 brings keytar, new "pro" mode | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = 2010-05-26 | accessdate = 2010-06-14 | publisher = [[Ars Technica]] }}</ref> Ars Technica later claimed that Harmonix requested to have the article removed due to the embargo, and insisted that the unit should not be referred to as a "keytar". Ars Technica further commented that while other gaming sites had to wait until June 11th when the embargo was lifted, ''[[USA Today]]'' was able to reveal their stories the day before, scooping the other sites who had originally remained quiet on Ars Technica's story for fear of breaking the embargo.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2010/06/embargoes.ars | title = Fear, loathing: embargoes control game reveals, exclusivity | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = 2010-06-14 | accessdate= 2010-06-14 | publisher = [[Ars Technica]] }}</ref> The 2010 E3 [[Game Critics Awards]] awarded ''Rock Band 3'' for the "Best Social/Casual Game",<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/winners.html | title = 2010 Winners | publisher = [[Game Critics Awards]] | date = 2010-07-06 | accessdate= 2010-07-06 }}</ref> and included both the new keyboard and the Pro guitar peripherals as "Best Hardware" nominees.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/06/e3-2010-game-critics-awards-nominees-announced/1 | title= E3 2010: Game Critics Awards nominees announced | first = Mike | last = Snider | date = 2010-06-29 | accessdate = 2010-06-30 | work = [[USA Today]] }}</ref> The game was also awarded the title of "Best Music Game" as well as being nominated for "Most Innovative" by [[GameTrailers]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-music-best-of-e3/701344 |title=Best Music Game E3 2010 |publisher=GameTrailers |date=2010-07-01 |accessdate=2010-07-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gametrailers.com/video/most-innovative-best-of-e3/701201 |title=Most Innovative E3 2010 |publisher=GameTrailers |date=2010-06-29 |accessdate=2010-07-01}}</ref> ==Soundtrack== {{seealso|Complete list of downloadable songs for the Rock Band series|List of Rock Band Network songs}} The full soundtrack for ''Rock Band 3'' will feature 83 songs, including a mix of tracks that will make use of the new keyboard peripheral.<ref name="usatoday partial setlist">{{cite web | url = http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/06/rock-band-3-the-songs-announced-so-far-/1 | title = 'Rock Band 3': the songs announced so far |first = Mike | last = Snider | date =2010-06-09 | accessdate= 2010-06-09 | work = [[USA Today]] }}</ref><ref name="g4tv fulllist"/> Prior to the 2010 [[Gamescom]] convention in mid August, 2010, Harmonix had officially revealed about 50 of the songs in the game; however, inadvertently during a video interview at the conference, most of the remaining set list was determined from a ''Rock Band 3'' demonstration screen showing the song list in the game in the background of this interview.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707000/Rock-Band-3-Setlist-Leaks.html | title = Rock Band 3 Setlist Leaks? | first = Stephen | last = Johnson | date = 2010-08-19 | accessdate =2010-08-21 | work = [[G4 TV]] }}</ref> The next day, Harmonix members, including John Drake and Dan Sussman, created a makeshift video from Gamescom, officially rejecting the reliability of the list from the previous interview, asserting themselves as "communication professionals" that would "never accidently leak" the full setlist&mdash;while at the same time, scrolling through all 83 songs in ''Rock Band 3'' in the video's background as a means of confirming the full setlist.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/08/rock-band-3-set-list/ |title = Harmonix Officially Leaks Rock Band 3 Set List | first= Chris | last = Kohler | date = 2010-08-20 | accessdate = 2010-08-21 | work = [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] }}</ref><ref name="g4tv fulllist">{{cite web | url= http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/707034/Harmonix-Responds-To-Rock-Band-3-Set-List-Leaks-By-Revealing-Entire-Set-List.html | title = Harmonix Responds To Rock Band 3 Set List "Leaks" By Revealing Entire Set List | first = Stephen | last = Johnson | date = 2010-08-20 | accessdate =2010-08-21 | work = [[G4 TV]] }}</ref> Existing content for other ''Rock Band'' games, including on-disc songs, [[Complete list of downloadable songs for the Rock Band series|downloadable content]], and songs from the [[Rock Band Network]] will be playable in ''Rock Band 3''.<ref name="usatoday preview details">{{cite web | url = http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2010-06-10-rockband10_VA_N.htm | title = 'Rock Band 3': What's new, what's notable | first = Mike | last = Snider | work = [[USA Today]] | date = 2010-06-09 | accessdate= 2010-06-09 }}</ref> In particular, Rock Band Network songs will not be as restricted as they currently are in ''Rock Band 2'', and can be used in random setlists, challenges, and customized setlists.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://creators.rockband.com/rbn/blog/update_061110 | title = RBN, RB3, and You | first = Matthew | last = Nordhaud | date = 2010-06-11 | accessdate = 2010-06-11 | publisher = [[Harmonix Music Systems]] }}</ref> Downloaded content released after the release of ''Rock Band 3'' will no longer be compatible with previous games in the series due to changes in the song format.<ref name="giant bomb e3">{{cite web | url = http://www.giantbomb.com/news/rock-band-3-makes-a-killer-first-impression/2103/ | title = Rock Band 3 Makes A Killer First Impression | first = Jeff | last = Gerstmann | date = 2010-06-10 | accessdate = 2010-06-10 | publisher = [[Giant Bomb]] }}</ref> The Nintendo DS version of the game will feature a 25-song subset of the consoles' setlist.<ref name="ign ds e3"/> {| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; margin: 5px;" |-{{Unicode|}} !style="background:#ddddee;" width=275 | Song title !style="background:#ddddee;" width=275 | Artist !style="background:#ddddee;" width=70 | Decade <!-- ATTENTION EDITORS: All information in this table is pulled from www.rockband.com/music. PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE IT. --> |- | "[[20th Century Boy]]" | [[T. Rex (band)|T.Rex]] | 1970s |- | "[[25 or 6 to 4]]" | [[Chicago (band)|Chicago]] | 1970s |- | "Antibodies" | [[Poni Hoax]] | 2000s |- | "[[Beast and the Harlot]]" | [[Avenged Sevenfold]] | 2000s |- | "[[Been Caught Stealing]]" | [[Jane's Addiction]] | 1990s |- | "[[Before I Forget (song)|Before I Forget]]" | [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] | 2000s |- | "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]" | [[Queen (band)|Queen]] | 1970s |- | "[[Break on Through (To the Other Side)|Break On Through (To the Other Side)]]" | {{sort|Doors|[[The Doors]]}} | 1960s |- | "Caught in a Mosh" | [[Anthrax (band)|Anthrax]] | 1980s |- | "[[Centerfold (song)|Centerfold]]" | [[The J. Geils Band|J. Geils Band]] | 1980s |- | "[[China Grove (song)|China Grove]]" | {{sort|Doobie Brothers|[[The Doobie Brothers]]}} | 1970s |- | "[[Cold as Ice (song)|Cold as Ice]]" | [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]] | 1970s |- | "[[Combat Baby]]" | [[Metric_(band)|Metric]] | 2000s |- | "[[Crazy Train]]" | [[Ozzy Osbourne]] | 1980s |- | "[[Crosstown Traffic (song)|Crosstown Traffic]]" | {{sort|Jimi Hendrix Experience|[[The Jimi Hendrix Experience]]}} | 1960s |- | "Dead End Friends" | [[Them Crooked Vultures]] | 2000s |- | "Don't Bury Me... I'm Still Not Dead" | [[Riverboat Gamblers]] | 2000s |- | "[[Don't Stand So Close to Me]]" | {{sort|Police|[[The Police]]}} | 1980s |- | "[[Du Hast]]" | [[Rammstein]] | 1990s |- | "[[Everybody Wants to Rule the World]]" | [[Tears for Fears]] | 1980s |- | "[[False Alarm (song)|False Alarm]]" | {{sort|Bronx|[[The Bronx (band)|The Bronx]]}} | 2000s |- | "[[Fly Like an Eagle (song)|Fly Like an Eagle]]" | [[Steve Miller Band]] | 1970s |- | "[[Free Bird]]" | [[Lynyrd Skynyrd]] | 1970s |- | "[[Foolin']]" | [[Def Leppard]] | 1980s |- | "[[Get Free]]" | {{sort|Vines|[[The Vines]]}} | 2000s |- | "[[Get Up, Stand Up]]" | [[Bob Marley & the Wailers]] | 1970s |- | "[[Good Vibrations]] (Live)" | {{sort|Beach Boys|[[The Beach Boys]]}} | 1960s |- | "[[Heart of Glass (song)|Heart of Glass]]" | [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]] | 1970s |- | "[[Here I Go Again]]" | [[Whitesnake]] | 1980s |- | "[[Hey Man, Nice Shot]]" | [[Filter (band)|Filter]] | 1990s |- | "Humanoid" | [[Tokio Hotel]] | 2000s |- | "[[I Can See for Miles|I Can See For Miles]]" | {{sort|Who|[[The Who]]}} | 1960s |- | "[[I Got You (I Feel Good)]]" | [[James Brown]] | 1960s |- | "[[I Love Rock 'n' Roll#Joan Jett version|I Love Rock 'n' Roll]]" | [[Joan Jett and the Blackhearts]] | 1980s |- | "[[I Need to Know (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers song)|I Need to Know]]" | [[Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers]] | 1970s |- | "[[I Wanna Be Sedated]]" | [[Ramones]] | 1970s |- | "[[Imagine (song)|Imagine]]" | [[John Lennon]] | 1970s |- | "[[In a Big Country]]" | [[Big Country]] | 1980s |- | "[[In the Meantime (Spacehog song)|In the Meantime]]" | [[Spacehog]] | 1990s |- | "[[Jerry Was a Racecar Driver]]" | [[Primus (band)|Primus]] | 1990s |- | "[[Just Like Heaven (song)|Just Like Heaven]]" | {{sort|Cure|[[The Cure]]}} | 1980s |- | "[[Killing Loneliness]]" | [[HIM (Finnish band)|HIM]] | 2000s |- | "King George" | [[Dover (band)|Dover]] | 2000s |- | "Lasso" | [[Phoenix (band)|Phoenix]] | 2000s |- | "Last Dance" | [[The Raveonettes|Raveonettes]] | 2000s |- | "[[Living in America (The Sounds song)|Living in America]]" | {{sort|Sounds|[[The Sounds]]}} | 2000s |- | "Llama" | [[Phish]] | 1990s |- | "[[Low Rider]]" | [[War (band)|War]] | 1970s |- | "[[Me Enamora]]" | [[Juanes]] | 2000s |- | "[[Midlife Crisis (song)|Midlife Crisis]]" | [[Faith No More]] | 1990s |- | "[[Misery Business]]" | [[Paramore]] | 2000s |- | "[[Need You Tonight]]" | [[INXS]] | 1980s |- | "[[No One Knows]]" | [[Queens of the Stone Age]] | 2000s |- | "[[Oh My God (Ida Maria song)|Oh My God]]" | [[Ida Maria]] | 2000s |- | "[[One Armed Scissor]]" | [[At the Drive-In]] | 2000s |- | "Outer Space" | {{sort|Muffs|[[The Muffs]]}} | 1990s |- | "Oye Mi Amor" | [[Maná]] | 1990s |- | "[[Plush (song)|Plush]]" | [[Stone Temple Pilots]] | 1990s |- | "Portions for Foxes" | [[Rilo Kiley]] | 2000s |- | "[[Radar Love]]" | [[Golden Earring]] | 1970s |- | "[[Rainbow in the Dark]]" | [[Dio (band)|Dio]] | 1980s |- | "[[Rehab (Amy Winehouse song)|Rehab]]" | [[Amy Winehouse]] | 2000s |- | "[[Rock Lobster]]" | {{sort|B-52s|[[The B-52s]]}} | 1970s |- |"[[Roundabout (song)|Roundabout]]" |[[Yes (band)|Yes]] | 1970s |- | "[[Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting|Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)]]" | [[Elton John]] | 1970s |- | "[[Sister Christian]]" | [[Night Ranger]] | 1980s |- | "[[Smoke on the Water]]" | [[Deep Purple]] | 1970s |- | "Something Bigger, Something Brighter" | [[Pretty Girls Make Graves]] | 2000s |- | "[[Space Oddity (song)|Space Oddity]]" | [[David Bowie]] | 1960s |- | "[[Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before]]" | {{sort|Smiths|[[The Smiths]]}} | 1980s |- | "[[The Beautiful People (Marilyn Manson song)|The Beautiful People]]" | [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]] | 1990s |- | "The Con" | [[Tegan and Sara]] | 2000s |- | "[[The Hardest Button to Button]]" | {{sort|White Stripes|[[The White Stripes]]}} | 2000s |- | "[[The Killing Moon]]" | [[Echo & the Bunnymen]] | 1980s |- | "[[The Look]]" | [[Roxette]] | 1980s |- | "[[The Power of Love (Huey Lewis and the News song)|The Power of Love]]" | [[Huey Lewis and the News]] | 1980s |- | "This Bastard's Life" | [[Swingin' Utters]] | 1990s |- | "Viva la Resistance" | [[Hypernova (band)|Hypernova]] | 2010s |- | "[[Walk of Life (Dire Straits song)|Walk of Life]]" | [[Dire Straits]] | 1980s |- | "[[Walkin' on the Sun]]" | [[Smash Mouth]] | 1990s |- | "[[Werewolves of London]]" | [[Warren Zevon]] | 1970s |- | "[[Whip It]]" | [[Devo]] | 1980s |- | "[[Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1]]" | {{sort|Flaming Lips|[[The Flaming Lips]]}} | 2000s |} ==References== {{reflist|2}} {{Rock Band series}} {{Harmonix games}} [[Category:2010 video games]] [[Category:Cooperative video games]] [[Category:Drumming video games]] [[Category:Guitar video games]] [[Category:Karaoke video games]] [[Category:PlayStation 3 games]] [[Category:Xbox 360 games]] [[Category:Wii games]] [[Category:Wii Wi-Fi games]] [[Category:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games]] [[Category:Rock Band series| 03]] [[Category:Upcoming video games]] [[Category:Keyboard video games]] [[es:Rock Band 3]] [[fr:Rock Band 3]] [[it:Rock Band 3]] [[ms:Rock Band 3]]'