Harmonix defends Euro Rock Band pricing

Yesterday, the big news for our European fanboys was the announcement of Rock Band's May 23rd release and the fact that it'll cost a small fortune. A Rock Band fortune that equates to roughly $350+ in the U.S. We're also fully aware that such a steep pricetag hasn't been sitting well with most European gamers, but Harmonix wants you to know that they care. It's just that they don't really care about your wallet, because the value is there and they stand behind their pricing strategy. Other than that, they do care. Honest!

Speaking to Eurogamer, Harmonix design lead Rob Kay insisted that "we're not trying to rip anybody off" yet agreed that "the combined price, if you add all that up and decide you want that full experience, is quite high." Kay further went on to explain the value in Rock Band calling it "an entirely new thing. What other game comes with three peripherals that are all different? It just makes sense for the experience we're trying to deliver" and blamed the higher European price on VAT taxes and overall distribution costs. All said, Kay ended his remarks by saying "that if people do [buy it] they'll have an amazing experience they couldn't get anywhere else." Very true, but at a cost that could force some to take out a second mortgage to afford.