|
 | | Back Issues |
|
 |
New Music Online
Rock Band users can now access music uploaded directly to the newly launched Rock Band Music Network Store by musicians, publishers and record labels. The Rock Band Music Network Store was launched last Friday, and will use systems like an “Artist of the Month” feature to allow users to connect with new talent.
"The Rock Band Network Music Store gives artists at any level the opportunity to reach new fans through our deeply engaging interactive platform,” said Paul DeGooyer, senior VP of Electronic Games and Music for MTV Networks Music Group.
"This new pathway for discovery is a huge win for passionate music fans, as well as an opportunity for artists to promote themselves while positively impacting their bottom line."
More than 100 new songs have been uploaded already, adding to the 1100 songs already available through the Rock Band Store. Using software developed by Harmonix, artists can choose their own selling price, and will receive 30% royalties from each sale.
However, the effectiveness of the Network has been question, in terms of its accessibility to new artists and its continued effectiveness. Some third party music companies have been charging musicians as much as US$2500 to upload tracks, for example, which is far beyond the means of the average up-and-coming musician.
|
Greed?
The lawsuit brought against Activision by ex-Infinity Ward employees Jason West and Vince Zampella is hotting up. The pair instigated action against the publisher after they were dismissed recently. West and Zampella are claiming, among other things, US$36 million.
A 16 page document detailing the claims was reprinted by IGN. Among other things, it stated the following:
"West and Zampella were not as eager as Activision to jump into the development of Modern Warfare 2. Despite assurances by Activision that West and Zampella would have complete freedom to run Infinity Ward as an independent studio, Activision had begun to intrude upon Infinity Ward's ability to create quality games.
"For example, Activision forced Infinity Ward's employees to continue producing the games at a breakneck pace under aggressive schedules, and West and Zampella were concerned that Activision was emphasising quantity over quality.
"Given Activision's insistence that Infinity Ward continue to focus on sequels to Call of Duty games instead of new intellectual property, West and Zampella were also concerned that Activision's demands risked 'burning out' the Infinity Ward employees' creativity. Nurturing a creative environment had been one of the cornerstones of Infinity Ward's success.
"West and Zampella were not eager to extend their employment; especially as they watched their games receive countless awards and make Activision billions of dollars, while many Infinity Ward employees were not being provided a fair share."
The lawsuit further claims that Activision set up an internal investigation to "manufacture a basis to fire West and Zampella" and that they were “interrogated” for six hours in a windowless room during this process.
|
|
