With the recent news of Activision shutting down Guitar Hero (and DJ Hero) and Rock Band developer Harmonix laying off 15% of their staff, the rhythm game industry is in dire straits. But one person’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. Ubisoft has unflinchingly moved into the genre with its announced title, Rocksmith.
Rocksmith is set for release in September for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, will feature 45 songs previously not available in past music games—including titles from the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, the Animals, and Nirvana—and is designed with real guitar playing in mind. In fact, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation versions will work with most electric guitars connected via an input jack included with the game. There are also rumors that there will be a $200 version of the game that includes a real Gibson guitar with it.
Most of the criticism of previous rhythm games has revolved around it not teaching you how to play an actual instrument; can Rocksmith reinvent the genre? [via Gamespot]
