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Rock Band 2 to have all of Rock Band 1's tracks as free download?
According to IGN, Rock Band 2 will come with all the original game's tracks available as a free download. This is what IGN 360 editor Nate Ahern says: "Immediately upon purchasing Rock Band 2 you'll have the ability to download a huge library of songs, as well as all of the songs off of the original disc as a free download." That can't be right though, can it?
You can look at this in two ways. First off, all those who bought the original Rock Band are probably going to be a bit miffed if they can't access their library of disc and download songs once they have the new game. Okay, it wouldn't be a huge pain to just insert the disc and play the old game, but presumably RB2 is going to bring in some gameplay elements that would enhance the play of songs. Fair enough. The majority of original Rock Band players are going to fall into this category too and will be the ones most likely to get the sequel.
But then look at the PS3 version situation over here. *Brief check of Play.com* Nope still not out here. In fact by the time EA bothers to release the PS3 version, RB2 will basically be out in the US. If it does contain all the original tracks for free (and improved gameplay) why even bother with the original game? Even the instruments are sold separately here. A brief import later and Bob's your Uncle - two games for the price of one. Sweet!
Generous and sensible and accessible and heart-warming though the idea is, it doesn't make a huge amount of business sense. At this stage though, approximately three decades after the game got its release across the pond, I'm inclined to think EA, MTV and Harmonix deserve everything they get as the result of such a decision.
Perhaps then they will choose to treat us different, which wouldn't be a big surprise really. That kind of idea won't inspire customer loyalty or good will though. I'm going to have a guess and say that EA will probably enforce some kind of verification system for RB2 to ensure you have bought the original game disc. Presumably this will be clarified at E3.
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