Could Harmonix be getting ready to exit the (note) highway for the unbeaten path?

Almost as if in response to the news of what their former sparring partners over at Neversoft are getting up to these days, today word came down about what may lie in the future for beloved Guitar Hero and Rock Band creators Harmonix. During episode 71 of the developer’s official podcast, studio director of communications and brand management John Drake stated that, in addition to the previously announced Dance Central 3 and Rock Band Blitz, the studio was also currently developing two new ‘AAA’ franchises that “…are completely new stuff” as opposed to a preexisting IP such as Rock Band. While not going into any great specifics about the games, Drake did say the following:

Intriguing sounding stuff, especially regarding the hints that Harmonix could be stepping away from the rhythm/music genre for the first time (if one discounts EyeToy: AntiGrav, which I do because, well, it was an EyeToy game; nuff said ). It is always heartening to hear a beloved developer is prepared to take some risks and possibly step out of their comfort zones. Not that there is anything wrong with continuing to peruse a successful/established formula mind, but honestly, stepping away and trying to innovate usually only leads to a stronger take on said established formula when it is returned to. It helps to get the creative juices flowing and recharge the batteries of all involved as it were. Regardless, Harmonix’s next two releases will be Rock Band Blitz, the first downloadable entry in the series, which is due out before the end of 2012 and Dance Central 3, i.e. the latest followup to arguably the only truly successful (from a gameplay perspective) title released for the Kinect and also due for release around the same time. Stay tuned to Blistered Thumbs for continuing coverage of these and all other Harmonix games and be sure to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.

Source(s): Harmonix.

Shaun K.

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