The game that many in the industry believed would revitalize the music game genre hasn’t, at least so far. Despite an ad campaign that saw The Beatles: Rock Band promoted nearly everywhere, sales have been just so-so. The game sold 595,000 copies in September 2009, according to sales data from research firm NPD Group.

The latest Rock Band installment shared a simultaneous September 9, 2009 (or 09/09/09 as the marketing people rather enjoyed promoting), release with remastered versions of the Beatles albums on CD. The game was marketed alongside those albums, giving it plenty of exposure. The Xbox 360 version sold 254,000 copies, while the Wii version moved 208,000 copies. Neither number is a huge return on the resources Electronic Arts put forth promoting this game, expected to be a blockbuster. In the battle of September music games, Beatles did outsell Guitar Hero 5, despite a promotion that offered those purchasing the game a free copy of Guitar Hero:Van Halen. Guitar Hero 5 sold 499,000 copies in September 2009.

Considering the success of The Beatles: Rock Band what band, mega or not, doesn’t want to add “Uber Popular Game Franchise” to its resume?

Looks as if a growing number of musicians just don’t “get” the Guitar Hero game series. Prince told Tavis Smiley he turned Activision down because it’s more important for kids to learn how to play the guitar. Jack White and Jimmy Page have expressed similar sentiments.

Then there’s the bewildering fiasco of Courtney Love, who’s suing Activision concerning the use of Kurt Cobain’s avatar even though she signed over the rights for them to do so.

You know, it’s probably a good idea for anyone considering signing over rights to appear in a video game to actually play the game in question for a few minutes.

September 9, 2009, can’t come soon enough for fans dying to get their hands on The Beatles: Rock Band. The appearance of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at Microsoft’s E3 2009 press conference went a long way in getting the game’s name out in the mainstream along the the news that “Abbey Road” would be released as a full album download shortly after the games release.

Those who choose to preorder The Beatles: Rock Band from GameStop will be getting a special bonus in the form of three free downloadable songs and a code that will unlock an in-game photo album. You’ll also get…

Never before have I ever been as excited about announcements from a keynote as I am right now from the Microsoft keynote that took place yesterday (June 1, 2009) afternoon.

While I should be reserving judgment, what can Sony or Nintendo really bring to the table that would trump Microsoft at this point? Microsoft has made it clear that the Xbox 360 is fast becoming the all around home entertainment experience that Sony wanted (or wants) the PlayStation 3 to be and Nintendo, who knows what Nintendo wants at this point? They already have the best selling console and handheld so I’m sure they will be kicking it easy…

The moppy pop icons’ company, Apple Corps Ltd., finally OKed the rights to the band’s name and songs being included in a game, The Beatles: Rock Band.

According to the press release sent today (April 16, 2009), those who preorder will be able to join the “The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club” and receive news and exclusive game content including art, behind-the-scenes footage and “more.” The content updates will begin May 2009. As with all Rock Band games, gamers will be able to play all four parts: guitar, bass, mic and drums.

For those who like to invest in games, Harmonix and MTV are offering the The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle for US$249.99. It will include…

Due at least in part to developing a Beatles-themed music game (and building a Fort Knox-style complex to house money raked in from said game), Harmonix will not release a Rock Band game in 2009. That word came from Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopolous during an interview at Billboard’s “Digital Music Live” conference session at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2009 in Las Vegas, CA (USA).

The Harmonix co-founder said being married to an annual release cycle limits a developer’s choices. He also said EA totally understands and isn’t pushing Harmonix to crank out a sequel. This decision also makes sure EA won’t release two music games that could…