Logitech To Make Official Guitar Hero Controllers.
By John Markham on Jul 31, 2008 in News
Activision and Logitech announced a partnership today that will see Logitech providing 3rd party game controllers for Guitar Hero World Tour, much in the same vein as Mad Catz providing 3rd party controllers for Rock Band.
This might be a smart move for Activision. While many gamers enjoy the Guitar Hero controllers that are produced by Red Octane, there are those who are looking for a bit more variety. Logitech has experience in game controllers, especially with their racing simulator controls, and will hopefully fill the need for more upscale controllers.
Full press release(s) after the break.
Activision Collaborates With Logitech to Develop Premium Instruments for Guitar Hero(R) World Tour
Logitech plans to offer premium instruments for each of these platforms, the first of which will be available later this year. Logitech’s products will be compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour’s advanced feature set, allowing players to elevate their Guitar Hero(R) jam sessions to full-fledged rock concerts.
“Logitech is the leading producer of peripheral devices and the company is widely considered to be the gold standard for innovation and quality peripheral products,” said Charles Huang, vice president business development for RedOctane. “With Logitech, we know we have found the right partner who can deliver top-quality premium hardware that consumers have come to expect from Guitar Hero.”
“As huge fans of Guitar Hero(R), we are very excited about the opportunity to bring the Logitech experience to the Guitar Hero franchise,” said Bruce Lancaster, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s gaming business. “A few years ago, Logitech refined the consumer steering wheel market with high-end controllers that enhance racing games. Now we are looking forward to elevating the market for premium music-based video game controllers in a similar fashion.”
Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system. The Wii(TM) version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit http://www.guitarhero.com.
About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision Publishing and its products can be found on the company’s website, http://www.activision.com.
Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.logitech.com.
(C) 2008 Activision Publishing, Inc. Guitar Hero, Activision and RedOctane are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
“PlayStation”, “PLAYSTATION” and “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Used with Permission. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo.
SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.; Logitech International
http://www.activision.com
So Guitar Hero is teamed up with Logitech, while Rock Band is teamed up with Mad Catz. I think its becoming clearer every day which game will be of higher quality. Sure you won’t have to get these, but when was the last time Mad Catz made anything that could be referred to as ‘premium’, or that had a lifespan longer than a few months?
thegreatcity | Aug 1, 2008 | Reply
Rock Band also teamed up with ION.
Jordan Shearer | Aug 1, 2008 | Reply
True, but the ion kits are rediculously expensive, however I don’t doubt they will be of high quality. At least with Logitech, you’ll be getting a reliable device without breaking the bank. So for third party on Rock Band, you’re stuck either with complete junk, or instruments so expensive you’d be afraid to play them for fear of them breaking.
thegreatcity | Aug 1, 2008 | Reply