Rock Band confirmed for Wii

EA CEO John Riccitiello confirms that Harmonix's rhythm game will be coming to the Wii. The question is: when?

Last February, an Activision conference call revealed the existence of the Wii edition of Guitar Hero. Though unsurprising, the announcement was welcomed by owners of the still-scarce console looking to embrace their inner Yngwie Malmsteen. Despite a very public disc recall, it was also immensely profitable. The Wii edition of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock sold over 1.2 million units and generated $110 million in the US alone through December 31, 2007.

Today, a post-earnings-report conference call held by Electronic Arts revealed the existence of a Wii version of Rock Band, developed by Guitar Hero creators Harmonix. Though Rock Band is officially published by MTV Games, EA distributes the game via its EA Partners program, and will apparently do the same with the Wii edition.

"One of the things I'm very proud of is the partnership between Electronic Arts and MTV," said EA CEO John Riccitiello to analysts. "In terms of pacing the next few quarters, you're probably well aware of the more than $2.5 million music downloads that have occurred on Rock Band. What's probably the most interesting pieces right now is the coming launch on the Wii, the continued sale of the core platforms in North America, and then the fiscal '09 launch across Europe against all of the SKU. So, frankly for the balance of our Q4 and the first half of fiscal '09, Rock Band is a key focus." (Emphasis added.)

Riccitiello's comments confirm the existence of the Wii Rock Band and the fact that it will be released in the 12 months after April 1, when EA's 2009 financial year begins. Unfortunately, no other information was made available about the game, and inquiries sent to EA and Harmonix representatives were unanswered as of press time.

291 Comments

  • easykill_astari

    Posted Jun 6, 2008 7:50 pm PT

    Wait, spore , where did you find out we can't use the GHIII guitar ??? I was planing on using it >

  • spore-fan44

    Posted May 16, 2008 6:15 am PT

    no there will not be downloadable content, online multiplayer and u cannot use your GHIII guitar sorry to crush your dreams but it might save u $167

  • eheid

    Posted Apr 6, 2008 11:26 am PT

    This paired up w/ SSBB will make the perfect party combo...can't wait it's coming out in June right?

  • icehawk001987

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 9:21 am PT

    will it have downloadable content

  • dj-feltersnatch

    Posted Mar 21, 2008 12:38 pm PT

    Finally, me and my friend knew this would happen

  • GamezRmiilife

    Posted Mar 17, 2008 4:44 pm PT

    I hope it comes out during the summer , cuz then i get a job to buy it . Then Rock out when ever I dont feel like going to work. I use to think that this game and guitar hero were like the ga*iest and stupidest games ever, but how they proved me wrong the second time i played( when i got the hang of it) I loved it and now its like I have to get this game right away to satisfy my RockStar hunger. I want to get this game like as much as I wanted to get Brawl. This game will be the best if it has Downloadable content, because then we can Download the best songs ever and it would probably only cost us a few wii points. That's so stupid they had so much time to make it and now its coming out next year what a load of BS they already annonced it in December why is it going to take so long?

  • wiiplay1

    Posted Mar 14, 2008 5:39 pm PT

    exatly. by the time rock band is on the wii, rock band 2 will probably already be out. HURRY UP MTV AND EA!

  • MSG-Deathscythe

    Posted Mar 4, 2008 3:42 am PT

    "it will be released in the 12 months after April 1" ??? so there's a possibility that when the wii version is released, the other consoles might already be expecting the release of rock band 2? weak.

  • Mikejo2603

    Posted Feb 29, 2008 6:34 pm PT

    YES! YES! YES! Nintendo is getting wise with it's investments! Getting away from Mario, Samus and the typical Nintendo games. I am so pumped for this.

  • halfbreed11111

    Posted Feb 25, 2008 1:27 pm PT

    so what its coming out next year that kinda gay

  • ItsRichie

    Posted Feb 24, 2008 10:45 am PT

    but hope its like PS3 version and 360 cuz PS2 version wasnt that good...

  • Sharingon67

    Posted Feb 20, 2008 5:32 pm PT

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

  • ItsRichie

    Posted Feb 20, 2008 9:46 am PT

    wii wanna rock, well on my country it will cost 200 dollars me thinks TT___TT

  • houtx1836

    Posted Feb 19, 2008 12:25 pm PT

    Bring it on - Wii owner have money too!

  • monkeyd_93

    Posted Feb 16, 2008 7:28 am PT

    about time. i hope they plan to redesign the guitar periphals, because i heard the other ones sucked big time, with rock band,guitar hero 4, and the possibility of keyboard hero, drum hero, drum villain, guitar villain, we could see the wii go up in numbers, but i hope they have DLC because its dissapointing that we cant play anything extra unlike the xbox360 and PS3 versions of the game
    looks like ill be forking out alot of money on games for the wii this year lol

  • kjam68

    Posted Feb 15, 2008 8:56 am PT

    man cant wait i want it to keep it soooo badly tried it at a friends house but he rarely played it

  • piemanngamer

    Posted Feb 14, 2008 8:06 pm PT

    finally!!! i wish it could come out sooner. im so excited!!!!

  • Crombian

    Posted Feb 6, 2008 9:20 am PT

    I've spent a lot of time playing Rock Band on 360 and I absolutely love it. However, the truth is that what keeps me loving it is the option for ever-expandable DLC. Without this option there simply isn't much content-related depth to the existing iterations of this game, as is, out-of-the-box.

    Clearly this was a major consideration of EA / MTV when assessing the long-term profitability of Rock Band, and the model is genius - when considering that post-facto supplemental DLC sales figures are in excess of $2 million, it truly is in the publisher's best interest to expand this feature to Wii. Of more dire consequence is the issue of consumer advocacy - surely, the consumer certainly stands to lose out from a lack of content. From the perspective of the consumer, if the Wii version does not support DLC, it's my opinion that at the absolute least Rock Band Wii must come packaged with at least twice the number of tracks found on both the 360 and PS3 versions. If EA / MTV and developer Harmonix fail to reconcile this very major developmental / content issue, then I fear that the success of Rock Band on Wii may be compromised.

  • gamer_unleashed

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 4:07 pm PT

    thanx cheesychips

  • bardkieran

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 6:42 am PT

    @shadebug - sweet, please do email all those bands and have them pull support. then they can be replaced with GOOD bands :p

  • cheeseychips

    Posted Feb 4, 2008 2:31 am PT

    DLC is Downloadable Content

  • xcollector

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 10:15 pm PT

    I hope the 2009 delay gives them enough time to hack Activision's proprietary wii guitar so they can clone it and have RB work with my GH3 guitar.

    They should also include more songs or price the game at a budget price since it'll be old by then.

  • santiagochile

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 8:43 pm PT

    "wonder.........
    Will it come in a mono and stereo edition???? HEHEHE!!!!!
    Hopefully by Arpil, the Wii hype wil be over and the focus can be re-directed to the real Next-Gen systems."

    Negative. The Wii will be around for years! It's just getting started. It really is an amazing system, and I'm glad I happened to find one in a store about 7 months ago. I play it every day, and so does my wife. Even friends who don't like video games have enjoyed the Wii. No other system even comes close to providing such an entertaining and unique experience as the Wii, and you know it.

  • gamer_unleashed

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 6:38 pm PT

    To kafuffle: Didn't you reaad 09231991's sick twisted statement? I'm telling you that this kid is sooo damn stupid he is dissing one of the most innovative consoles of all time. He goes for the graphics but not the gameplay and does not realize how well the wii is doing. I personally like all the systems aside from the ps3 which is inferior to the ps2 in terms of games (yes I said it the ps3 sucks so far) but i mean how can you diss a console that has been doing so well? he really needs to play more games.

    I speak for all the Nintendo Fanboys when I say 09231991 should be reported.

  • gamer_unleashed

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 6:29 pm PT

    I don't wanna sound stupid but what is DLC? Can anyone tell me please?
    I am pretty sure that I forgot.

  • Superion74

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 4:49 pm PT

    This is a great news, since I own a Wii and I cannot justify buying either 360 or PS3 now due to budget issues. However, I hope they will find a way to make DLC possible, or maybe periodically release new discs containing new songs; I don't want RB to be like GH3 on Wii, where it is impossible to get new songs.

  • kafuffle

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 2:46 pm PT

    I'm just amused by how much attention you all gave 09231991 lol. And there I go, his 15 minutes from me too XD
    I played Rock Band on my friend's 360 for the last two days lol, drumming is awesome! I however don't have one, so I was stoked to find this forthcoming Wii release news today! Now.. A date would be great.

  • KJGBad

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 11:54 am PT

    no point

  • Mkman221994

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 10:42 am PT

    Hell yeah Im sooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!

  • shadebug

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 9:35 am PT

    wait! I have a better idea. Let's all e-mail the international bands in the game, especially the ones who are providing DLC and ask them to pull support for rock band until it's released on their home soil.

    edit: for anybody wondering that's
    the who
    the police
    david bowie
    black sabbath
    oasis
    buzzcocks
    the clash
    at the gates
    evile
    the haunted
    iron maiden
    black sabbath
    foreigner (sort of)
    T. Rex
    Wolfmother
    Radiohead
    the Pretenders
    The Sounds
    The Hives
    Sweet
    The Monkees (Davy Jones is the only one anybody cares about)

  • shadebug

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 7:48 am PT

    I'm getting royally pissed off now. I'm all for a wii version, heck, it might mean I don't need to buy a ps3 yet, but damnit, I want rockband in Europe, now. I'm thinking if it isn't out by the end of april all us europeans go out of our way to spray paint a giant cock on the side of all EA europe buildings. Clearly the non-gaming public doesn't care and a boycott would only slow the release. This is the only way forward, immature pranks.

  • nintendomania

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 6:13 am PT

    YEAH!!!! about time, I am definately getting this game

  • jesus_markii

    Posted Feb 3, 2008 6:04 am PT

    i have a wii and hardly ever play on it but then again i only have one remote and 2 games lol i dont really check up on wii games but ill probably get this rockband if its cheaper than the 360 version When it finally ocmes to the uk

  • bardkieran

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 11:32 pm PT

    09231991 said: "Just because the wii sells more doesn't mean its a better system"

    Actually, it does, in the eyes of investors, developers, and publishers. This is why the PS2 was the best system last generation... it was the weakest technically, but far outclassed the Xbox and GameCube due to sales, which brought more developers. This time around, its the Wii. So, yes, the sales numbers actually DO mean it's a better system.

  • MasterJediGamer

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 11:20 pm PT

    @ 090231991... WTF r u talking about, ur probably one of those people who buy games for the graphics, but their not called games for no reason. Games as in SMG, NMH, GH3, and soon to come out SSBB... ever heard of it? right its the game that every wii owner has been w8ing 4, but you probably dont appreciate it cause the graphics "suck". Stop whining and play your Xbox

  • gamer_unleashed

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 11:19 pm PT

    imPERSONater10 I completely agree with you. And to all those Nintendo haters.... THE WII HAS BEEN KICKING MORE ASS THAN THE 360 AND BS3 UP TILL NOW AND IT ALWAYS WILL KICK ASS!!!!!! AND WHEN BRAWL COMES OUT THE WII IS GONNA KICK EVEN MORE ASS!!!!! Wii FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ............ Rock Band for the Wii seems interesting.

  • Valchieor

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 9:43 pm PT

    09231991

    That was the biggest rofling comment I've SEEN before in a Wii News section. Such a desperate support of the rival consoles, unknowing to you, we know YOU own a Wii and love it.

  • brawl-vs-galaxy

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 6:20 pm PT

    09231991, you are a f**kwit moron,do yourself a favor and find every pill in your house swallow them and wash them down with my dogs bloody piss

  • gamer_unleashed

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 3:50 pm PT

    09231991 you need to shut the f**k up. Don't ever diss Nintendo like that. It has a variety of games and it knows how to entertain EVERYONE with all their games unlike the BS3 and 360 which pretty much live for FPS's. Don't get the wrong idea. I do enjoy the 360 but the system only appeals to guys around 13-20 with all the shoot'em up, blood and gore nonsense over and over again. I mean Nintendo has gone a long way and it knows how to make quality games. You said that all the Nintendo fanboys do, is play Mario fifty million times. Lets get something straight. Nintendo is NOT all about Mario. No More Heroes is an example of a quality Wii exclusive game. And when Super Smash Bros Brawl comes out the Wii is really gonna shine. 09231991 the people who are true hardcore gamers are those who enjoy playing all kinds of games not just games rated M.
    Oh yeah lets see all the best games out for the 360 and PS3 right now: Call of Duty 4, Halo 3, Assassin's Creed, The Orange Box, World in Conflict, Drakes Uncharted Fortune and Mass Effect. What do these games have in common? There are all FPS's or violent games. Of course there is racing, sports and music games like EA Sports, Burnout, Rock Band etc. but really if you really think about they are all f**kin' shooting games!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Man you seriously need to get your facts straight. Nintendo deserves to have a Rock Band for the WII. WHAT IS WRONG WITH EVERYONE THESE DAYS?!?! The fact that people are calling the WII a "slightly improved Gamecube with a remote" is pissing me off. The Wii has totally revolutionized gameplay. It's original titles have been selling great and kicking some serious ass and when Brawl comes out the online function of the Wii is gonna be used to its fullest extent. People these days really need to check their sources and think before they insult one of the best consoles of all time. I don't have anything against the 360 (hell I love all it's games!!) but like I mentioned so many times before it does not have a variety of games for everyone to choose from like Nintendo does.

  • gamer_unleashed

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 2:58 pm PT

    Sounds interesting. I hope this has more features than the previous versions and is not just a cash in. This game better kick some serious ass.

  • -Ronin-_basic

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 1:40 pm PT

    RakinR

    niblet tells the truth

    ---------

    No, niblet posts an inflammatory comment with no rational thought.

    There's a word for that. It's called 'trolling'. Children do it for amusement, rather than just enjoy their console of choice.

  • RakinR posted Feb 2, 2008 1:13 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    RakinR

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 1:13 pm PT (hide)

    niblet tells the truth

  • Gravidtron

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 1:08 pm PT

    It's OK, we Nintendo fans have been there last generation-- getting all angry when our one exclusive inevitably moved to the less powerful but more popular console. You got to enjoy Viewtiful Joe on your PS2, it's just our turn to enjoy Rock Band on our Wii!

  • Untitled182

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 11:06 am PT

    hurray! im on the wii browser right now, too!

  • link631

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 10:45 am PT

    yay

  • tastycasey27

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 10:13 am PT

    09231991 . argggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhahahahaha, wot you said is total rubbish lol of course the wii will be cone in a couple or so years so will the 360 as there will be new consoles out by then, the average lifespan of a console in 4 years. as a fellow wii owner and i own the other 2 systems and love them but the wii is far from a fad, as for people letting them collect dust well more fool them there is great games ot at the moment, im stuck on zack and wiki, im still playing mario galaxy, resi evil unbrella chronicals, im glad o own all 3 im getting the best of everything, its a shame your not, but we dont care.

  • kjd789

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 9:30 am PT

    BOO YA!!

  • guyguyguy1234 posted Feb 2, 2008 8:36 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    guyguyguy1234

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 8:36 am PT (hide)

    :-(
    :-(
    :-(
    This game IS NOT for wii. It will never be for Wii

  • cfamgcn

    Posted Feb 2, 2008 8:16 am PT

    Nice!

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