Guitar Hero 'instruments, vocals' all but confirmed (News)

Blake Snow, GamePro (online)

24/04/2008 09:00:23

For the second time in as many months, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick says that future editions of Guitar Hero will include more instruments and vocals, much like the drums and microphone found in EA's Rock Band.

"It's not just about guitars," Kotick told Portfolio, in an interview published on April 10, when asked what's next for the Guitar Hero franchise.

"We'll include a lot of other instruments, vocals," he said. "It will help us expand internationally. It's the first game we've had in which we can use local content and local bands."

It's unclear, however, whether Kotick was referring specifically to Guitar Hero IV, expected fall 2008 on all major systems, or referring to the series in a broader sense, like the already trademarked DJ Hero.

In any case, this isn't the first time Kotick has alluded to additional instruments for subsequent versions or product extensions of Guitar Hero. In March, the CEO used the phrase "multiple instruments" when referring to Activision's future plans.

The statement comes as MTV's Rock Band gains increasing notoriety for its ability to simulate guitar, bass, drums, and vocal performances simultaneously. Guitar Hero games currently only support guitar and bass multiplayer.