We all knew it was just a matter of time before some greedy record label decided to step in and ruin all our fun when it comes do DLC for Rock Band and Guitar Hero. It looks like the role of Snidely Whiplash falls to Warner Music, who is demanding Harmonix and Activision pay more money to license songs for their games, presumably passing the higher price tags onto consumers.
Warner Music Chief Edgar Bronfman claimed that current rates just aren?t enough, stating:
"The amount being paid to the music industry, even though their games are entirely dependent on the content we own and control, is far too small."
Wow, can nothing slake the incomparable thirst for money of record executives? This man works in an industry that is failing faster than my attempts at humor, and yet he still dares spit in the face of the one medium that is keeping people interested in the music his company owns. When you?ve got songs like Motley Crue?s "Saints of Los Angeles" debuting on Rock Band and then proceeding to rake in ten times the sales of iTunes, maybe it?s not a good idea to bite the hand that feeds.
But wait, this is the record industry. They?re predisposed to ignorance and arrogance on a massive scale. I believe I speak for everyone, Mr. Brofman, when I say you don?t need another car, house, or mistress, so please kindly STFU and let us get on with enjoying our games.