Kotaku: Guitar Freaks

MTV Calls Konami's Rock Band Lawsuit "Surprising", "Baseless Litigation"

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:40:29 MDT

Last night, word broke that Konami, publisher and developer of trailblazing rhythm games Guitar Freaks and Drummania, was suing Harmonix. The Japanese company claimed that the developer of Rock Band was in violation of three patents held by Konami, seeking damages (read: cash) and demanding that Harmonix and parent company Viacom cease the use of its inventions (read: more cash).

MTV News received a response from an MTV spokesperson on the matter — which, in my mind, was shouted across cubicles — who said the lawsuit was "extremely surprising." The rep further noted that "successful products such as 'Rock Band' can often become targets for baseless litigation." We agree, especially when the entity filing suit is showing up extremely late to the party with its own stillborn excuse for a rock game. At least those poor unfortunate litigation lawyers will finally get a few bucks coming to 'em.

Further details on the suit at MTV News.

'Rock Band' Creators Sued By 'Rock Revolution' Publisher Konami [MTV News]

Hot Guitar Hero Patents Exposed

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:20:00 MDT

When Harmonix released the first Guitar Hero on the PlayStation 2, many rhythm game fans wondered exactly how the company would fare once Konami's legal team smelled the patent violations in the water. Harmonix was noticeably quiet on comparisons to Konami's Guitar Freaks franchise, clearly an influence on Guitar Hero, but no indication that any bad corporate blood between the parties was ever publicly evident.

For the release of Guitar Hero III, however, we're starting to see some evidence of the licensing of Konami's patents for the ultra-successful Activision franchise, now at developer Neversoft. Gamasutra's Simon Carless explains the relationship between multiple parties, including one that, oddly enough, was originally in an MTV branded product, not unlike the upcoming Rock Band.

A fine piece of investigatin' by the gang at Gamasutra.

Exploring Guitar Hero III's Patent Secrets [Gamasutra]

Konami's Revolution

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 05:22:51 MDT

According to Famitsu, Konami's upcoming Revolution title Elebits was designed ground-up for new controller. Players hunt down little creatures called Elebits, which provide energy for the planet. The title could very well take advantage of NiWiFi, but specifics have yet to be disclosed. What else do we know? Shingo Mukaitouge (Guitar Freaks, Drum Mania) is helming the game. That's about it folks, so cue the obligatory "Expect more at E3."

Expect 1Up Here [1Up]

Arcade Guitar Freaks Controller Coming Home

Brian Crecente — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 09:10:26 MST

I still love Guitar Hero, but I have to admit that Konami's recent announcement about Guitar Freaks has me intrigued. Import store NCSX, by way of GameSetWatch, says that a new arcade-style controller for the game has been green-lighted by Konami. The guitar, which will be a close replication of the one used in the arcade, will cost a whopping $200 plus another $89 to import. Crap. I guess I'll stick with Guitar Hero.

Guitar Controllers That Cost More Than Consoles [GSW]