Ubisoft announces Rocksmith, a rhythm game that uses real guitars
In one of the timeliest strategic moves in the video game industry's recorded history, Ubisoft has announced an upcoming rhythm title from a totally new IP, called Rocksmith. The game lets players strum through tunes by artists such as, David Bowie, Interpol, and The Rolling Stones using any real electric guitar they may have sitting around the house with a quarter-inch input jack.
As pointed out by internet sleuth supererogatory, the portfolio of illustrator Greg Korn reveals that the title is actually Guitar Rising, a piece of vaporware long in development at GameTank. Korn explains the project was "purchased by Ubisoft and currently in development for consoles." This certainly sounds like the very same thing.
The remaining mystery is how the guitar will track the notes plucked or strummed by players -- the Squier Stratocaster for Rock Band 3 can only do so using built-in semiconducters on each fret and a MIDI adapter. Is the game going to pick up on the actual note produced by the guitar? At the very latest, we'll find out when Rocksmith drops during the second half of 2011. For now, check out the screens and trailer below to get a feel for how cool you're going to look while playing.
%Gallery-119122%
Show full PR text
UBISOFT UNVEILS ROCKSMITH,
A REVOLUTIONARY NEW MUSIC VIDEO GAME
First and Only Video Game that Plugs Into Any Real Guitar
SAN FRANCISCO – March 15, 2011 – Today, Ubisoft announced the development of Rocksmith, a new video game franchise that is set to revolutionize the music genre. Rocksmith is the first and only game where players can plug any real guitar with a standard quarter-inch input jack into an Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, a PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system or PC, and play through an in-depth library of music including everything from the latest hits to classic rock songs.
Featuring gameplay that automatically adjusts to the player's skill level and innovative game design that makes reading music visually fun and intuitive, Rocksmith engages experienced musicians and those who are picking up a guitar for the first time. The game includes a sizeable library of music from classic rock bands to current artists, such as The Animals, The Black Keys, David Bowie, Interpol, Nirvana and The Rolling Stones.
"Rocksmith is the most authentic and addicting music game ever created," said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft U.S.. "Whether a beginner or a seasoned guitar vet, players progress at their own speed and walk away from the game with the ability to play songs by memory. Rocksmith is the only video game that gets players stage ready."
Developed by Ubisoft, Rocksmith is slated to be released in the second half of calendar year 2011. For more information on Rocksmith, please follow the game on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rocksmithgame, or visit www.rocksmith.com.
