*UPDATE: The original video has been edited to take out the mention of the Beatles Rock Band offering all those albums. The above clip is the edited version… Whether that means that it’s an unconfirmed leak or David McLean just got confused is still unknown, but the official response from Microsoft is below.
Essentially a rundown of yesterday’s E3 announcements, this video from Microsoft’s new Xbox Australia blog InsiderX is noteworthy for two things:Firstly, confirmation from the mouth of Xbox Australia’s big boss man that we’re getting HD video downloads later this year.
Secondly, the Rock Band announcement – either he’s mixing up the Rock Band release with the fact that The Beatles are releasing their entire back catalog on the same day, or MS have wrangled some special kind of exclusive deal that could make the 360 version of Rock Band Beatles very special indeed. Check out the 2:20 mark to see what I mean.
We’ve asked for clarification on that, but it is interesting to note that on the game’s page on Xbox.com, there is mention that there will be extra Beatles songs to download. If that extends to the whole Beatles catalog, then this game just shot to “most awesome game ever” status months before it even launches.
*Update: Here’s Microsoft’s response to our query about the Beatles Rock Band statement:
“The Beatles: Rock Band” (Harmonix/MTV Games). On September 9, 2009, “The Beatles: Rock Band” will allow fans all over the world to pick-up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. In addition, “The Beatles: Rock Band” offers Beatles fans the opportunity to rock out with new hardware replica controllers modelled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr throughout their careers. And, for the first time, players will be able to download music and make a change: Available only on Xbox 360, all Apple Corps, MTV Games and Microsoft proceeds from downloads of “All You Need is Love” will benefit Doctors without Borders, courtesy of Microsoft Corporation.
I know I’ve got my fingers crossed for the entire catalog to be released via Xbox Live, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
[InsiderX]