Europe May get Rock Band at last

[UPDATE] Harmonix's eagerly awaited music game will debut in the UK on the 360 on May 23, other versions due in "summer"; nine new songs added; pricing details revealed.

Today is the day many gamers in Europe have been awaiting. The highly anticipated rhythm game Rock Band has finally been given an official release date in the region--for one platform, at least. According to distributor Electronic Arts, Rock Band will have "an exclusive launch window on the Xbox 360" that will begin on May 23. As for gamers with other platforms, they'll have to wait until sometime in the "summer," says EA.

(North American gamers got Rock Band on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on November 20, 2007, and a PlayStation 2 version followed in December. A Wii version will hit the US and Canada in June.)

The European version of the Harmonix/MTV Games rhythm game will add nine new songs especially for the region--four English tracks, two French, and three German--to bring the total up to 67. The full list of songs, which will be available as downloads in the US, is as follows:

Blur "Beetlebum" (English)
Oasis "Rock 'n' Roll Star" (English)
Tokio Hotel "Monsoon" (English)
Muse "Hysteria" (English)
Les Wampas "Manu Chao" (French)
Playmo "New Wave" (French)
Die Toten Hosen "Hier Kommt Alex" (German)
Juli "Perfekte Welle" (German)
H-Block X "Countdown to Insanity" (German)

The online catalogue of Rock Band tunes available in the US--over 70 so far--will be available for download in Europe starting on May 27. The tracks will each cost 160 Microsoft Points (£1.36) from Xbox Live Marketplace, and from then on, all new songs will be released simultaneously in the US and Europe on a weekly basis.

[UPDATE] Rock Band has been rated 12+ by the PEGI rating board. Whereas the game retails in the US for $169.99 (£86) with the game, drum kit, microphone, and one guitar, or $59.99 (£30) for the software solo, EA has told GameSpot that Europe will be getting a different set of SKUs.

The Instrument Edition of Rock Band will be priced at £129.99 or €169, and will be a bundle of the three instruments--but not the game. The game itself will be priced at £49.99 or €69.99, with wireless guitars going for £59.99 or €79.99 and the drum kits for £69.99 or €89.99 a la carte.

281 Comments

  • hannify

    Posted May 23, 2008 5:51 am GMT

    @ master_of_nfs / Tricky:

    Isn't it obvious? Microsoft have bribed them like they do everybody else

    and £140 is still too much and won't buy it even though i got a 360 aswell as a ps3 just to show how pissed off i am

  • master_of_nfs

    Posted Apr 15, 2008 5:54 am GMT

    I agree with Tricky here, PS3 has sold more over in Europe than Xbox 360, so it seems to be a kind of waste to release it on lower sold console doesn't it. If it was on the PS3 over here first (Or have the Wii version ready by then), that would be the better result to go for. If they want money coming off it, They better switch their marketing scheme.

  • Tricky

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 8:18 am GMT

    Go to Play.com and you can pick up the instruments and game for £140. Not bad. Just unfortunate that it's only the crappy 360 version. Hey EA, the PS3 has a higher market share in Europe than 360 !!!

  • earlies

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 7:39 am GMT

    Say I had GH2 and 3 on X360 (and so had 2 guitars). Could I buy the instruments from the US (i'm travelling there soon) and purchase the game in the UK? Would my existing guitars work with RB? I think if you wait long enough you might (let's hope) see massive price reductions if the things don't shift as much as they hope. Depends how desparately you want the game I guess.

  • mikefoy

    Posted Apr 11, 2008 6:44 am GMT

    I have been told that the main problems with price are due to shipping costs and VAT.

    Bollox, if I can get it for £120 on ebay from someone in America, how is he getting it to me? How does he manage to pay better shipping costs than EA, and the VAT would only raise the cost by about $25 max on the US version.

    It stinks and the only excuse I can accept until facts are proven is greed!

  • hex_ten

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 3:23 pm GMT

    Twice the price? Man, i'll just get four other different games instead.

  • mikefoy

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 2:02 pm GMT

    I have really been looking forward to this game since it was announced, now its so expensive that I just can't justify paying that much for it.

    I understand that UK prices are higher than US but that is just how the world works but the hike in price for this product is crazy.

    It more expensive than a fooking wii for gods sake.
    cheers EA!

  • Soul_Bleed

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 10:30 am GMT

    Leave it to EA to completely screw the European gamers over. I mean make them wait 6 months for Rock Band then release it on only one console and at double the North American price?!! This better be a joke because I can't see any reasoning behind it.

  • C0RNF1AK35

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 5:10 am GMT

    The Instrument Edition of Rock Band will be priced at £129.99 or €169, and will be a bundle of the three instruments--but not the game. The game itself will be priced at £49.99 or €69.99

    WTF

  • marty352

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 3:59 am GMT

    Jesus they really know how to rip off the brits, what a rediculious price mark up. £50 for just the game... OUTRAGEOUS!

  • Chuffy03

    Posted Apr 10, 2008 2:13 am GMT

    Could EA or anyone else explain it's pricing of Rock Band?. The fact that Europe after nearly half a year of a dely is being charged over-twice-as much than North America. There is no excuse; even the UK VAT shouldn't boost the price that high. We have to pay more for the instrumental pack for rock band and it doesn't even include the game?
    Buy Rock Band in US - $169.99 - £85
    Buy Rock Band in Europe Instrument Edition + Game - £180 - $360
    would EA like to explain the thinking behind this move?

  • JangoWuzHere

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 7:08 pm GMT

    wow just wow europe got screwed big time I hope some one does some thing about this cause its as much as the 360 its self here in america

    what the **** is EA thinking? plz some one tell me

  • Ace_Gunner

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 3:53 pm GMT

    Play.com are selling the game for £99.99 for instruments and £39.99 for the game. I know it's still not a good deal but it's £40 off. Maybe the same cost as importing???

    ...Oh, and free delivery too.

  • Ace_Gunner

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 3:53 pm GMT

    Play.com are selling the game for £99.99 for instruments and £39.99 for the game. I know it's still not a good deal but it's £40 off. Maybe the same cost as importing???

  • sonic5678

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 3:42 pm GMT

    MUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    HYSTERIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    .......I'm pretty much sold right now.

  • Eastcoast93

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:28 pm GMT

    ok im gonna look up the ****** email of ea and write them a long email telling them that this bul*****. man this was may favourite game alltiome and i wanted to have it but now

  • Eastcoast93

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:23 pm GMT

    yeah im scared. man if i get this for like a billion bucks (€) or how expensive it will be they will annouce rock band 2 they always do that. its unfair should i wait another year or get the thing for overpriced. everybidy fefuse to buy this and they will lower price

  • Eastcoast93

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:20 pm GMT

    @automattug well wo sets the prices. tahts what us europeans are f****** mad about

  • Slaughtahouse

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:16 pm GMT

    i think gamespot messed up the prices because thats a heck of a lot of money. It cost more without the game????? sucks to be a gamer in the U.K.

  • Range_Finder

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 12:24 pm GMT

    I also read somewhere today that the "Exclusive" european version songs will now be made available in the US as well, so thats something else that sounds like it may have been rubbish

  • Twili

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 11:35 am GMT

    What about super smash brother brawl!!!

  • evolutionxbox

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 10:07 am GMT

    What BS is this?!?!

    £180.00 or $360.00 what the bloody hell!!! What a rip-off.

  • spursboy92

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 8:18 am GMT

    btw- luke_85 - u could just import it from america, then buy just the game in Europe, that would STILL be cheaper that buying it here. (plus, for extra money u could then sell the american game)

  • spursboy92

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 8:15 am GMT

    EA have really messed this 1 up, i was sooo looking forward 2 this game, the fact the the version i can buy hasn't got an actual release date, and the price is over double what it was in america, has forced me to rethink about actually buying the game!!!!!!

  • raleech

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 7:57 am GMT

    Well went the game hits Aussie land i don't think that to many people are going to buy the thing, thats like the cost of a freaking Wii here...

    Choose Motion Senor Console+5 games or One game with limited playability which you still need to buy a console...

    EA you suck, first taking Multiplay away from releases (Medal of Honor 2 Wii and Army of Two) then the most unbelievable price hike. There is not way I'm picking this game up now and it was Number One above GTAIV.

  • NeleNel

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 5:09 am GMT

    So Europe finally gets Rock Band, but gets charged an insane amount for it. Sometimes you just can't win.

  • luke_85

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 5:03 am GMT

    nows theres the problem of if i import it then i cant download the songs but if i dont its cost a sht load!!!!

  • Grant41

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 4:07 am GMT

    You must remember that the Euro is worth a fck ton more than the dollar right now.

  • RyokoSparda

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 3:26 am GMT

    Please Konami release drummania on the 360 because I sure as hell am not buying Rock Band now, All I want is a drum game with the drum kit for under 70 quid is that too much to ask?

  • Venom_Dragon

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 3:14 am GMT

    Buy Rock Band in US - $169.99
    Buy Rock Band in Europe - $375...

    Why doesn't this make sense to me?

  • walker_023

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:48 am GMT

    im jus gna get it from the states, it'll wrk on ps3 rite? there region free?

  • horgen123

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:32 am GMT

    Finally. Maybe I'll buy the game and the drum kits...

  • Gamingcucumber

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:12 am GMT

    Posted Jan 1, 1970 1:00 am CET It just changed back, but. That post was so awesome it invented time travel.

  • chilipepper1205

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:12 am GMT

    Damn, that sucks. Makes me feel very happy that my friend won a copy and is giving it to me, now, whether I actually game included, I'm questioning, but 50 quid and buying lunch for my friend still isn't bad. Wouldn't it make sense that once you've bought the instruments, you may actually want to play the game????

    The whole issue with it coming out on the 360 first, even at Play.com Live (the last game expo that was in London) they had Rock Band playing on the 360, in the section devoted to the PS3?!?!?

  • chilipepper1205

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:12 am GMT

    Damn, that sucks. Makes me feel very happy that my friend won a copy and is giving it to me. Wouldn't it make sense that once you've bought the instruments, you may actually want to play the game????

  • Gamingcucumber

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:11 am GMT

    Here's the deal. Sometimes I really wish I could be in the same room with the guys who came up with this.
    (in a high pitched voice)
    -Hey! I got a great idea!. Let's delay the game and make those Europeans pay a butt load of money

    And I would answer "From now on, consider yourself this companys comic relief". Instead of clap my hands together like a walruss, smile silly and go" YEAH YEAH YEAH"

  • stjimmy222

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 2:03 am GMT

    For Christ Sake! Haven't we waited long enough? Why the big hold up?

  • Balthazar316

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:58 am GMT

    hell Its another screw europe Moment. and wth is with releasing it at different times what makes bloody 360 better than the ps3 for god sake. and wtf is this sell the intsruments in a bundle but not the game that is like a 2yr old thought of it. im seriously thinking of importing it now

  • R-Force

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:56 am GMT

    Curse you EA! We've wait too long for you to come out and scre* us over again, instruments but no game and it's not even coming out on PS3 on the same day as 360!? Damn you!!

  • dipas

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 1:34 am GMT

    DAAAAAAAAAAAAAHMN! we're getting screwed big time here in europe.... I mean, we have to pay more for the instrumental pack for rock band and it doesn't include the game?!!!!! and next the game itself is priced the same as other games so we'll have to pay like the double of what you guys pay.... do those poeple hate europeans or something...........? I was really looking forward to getting this game but now I'll just have to see if I can afford it...

  • the_real_VIP

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 12:59 am GMT

    This is a total ripoff. I went to see at European online stores how much Guitar Hero costs in Europe and it's just a couple dollars more than in North America (when converted), not over-more-than-twice like RockBand. There is no excuse; even the UK VAT shouldn't boost the price to that high. I mean, ~ $350US for RockBand in Europe?! Guitar Hero bundle is ~ $100US in North America and it's ~ $120US in UK!

  • the_real_VIP

    Posted Apr 9, 2008 12:59 am GMT

    This is a total ripoff. I went to see at European online stores how much Guitar Hero costs in Europe and it's just a couple dollars more than in North America, not over-more-than-twice like RockBand. There is no excuse; even the UK VAT shouldn't boost the price to that high. I mean, ~ $350 for RockBand in Europe?!

  • Homsar13

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 11:48 pm GMT

    wait, we get the german/french songs as DLC here in USA?

  • Homsar13

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 11:48 pm GMT

    oooh. that sucks for everyone that wanted Muse here in America. eh, we'll probably get the english songs as DLC anyway.

  • littlevicky93

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 9:18 pm GMT

    Caboose7293, we here in Europe had to wait almost six months for it to be released. I thinks it's a fair pricing.

  • gellis1981

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 8:36 pm GMT

    Hell, in the US we paid $170+tax for everything and our economy is f#*ked up. $170 is alot for most americans. The Euro is worth alot more than the US dollar, so paying more comes with the territory.

  • Caboose7293

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 8:12 pm GMT

    All of Europe is really getting the short stick on this one. For one, it comes out much later (over half a year) and it costs more because of the POS US dollar. In the US, the drum kits are priced at 79.99, and in Europe, they are priced at £59.99 or €79.99, which is almost double the price if transfered into USD$$$. That's really a rip off.

  • LuiS-07

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 8:00 pm GMT

    what about australia.. by the time we get it rock band 2 will be out

  • arikela

    Posted Apr 8, 2008 6:54 pm GMT

    Great, now they just need to announce AU/NZ too.

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