Activision blocking GH controller use with Rock Band

PS3 patch barred from release

Rock Band creators Harmonix, the developers of the Guitar Hero series now in the possession of publisher Activision, have accused said publisher of blocking a patch which would enable the PS3 Guitar Hero controllers to work with Rock Band.

Harmonix had originally promised that their new rhythm-action title would offer full support for all Guitar Hero peripherals, too, given that the developer had previously worked on the contraptions before jumping ship to EA.

PS3 Rock Banders have subsequently discovered that the PS3 version of the game does not work with the Les Paul guitar released alongside Guitar Hero III, now under the charge of Neversoft. A patch was promised when this problem emerged, but Activision have reportedly blocked its release.

"The compatibility patch was submitted, approved and had been scheduled for release by Sony on Tuesday, December 4," Harmonix revealed in a statement. "Unfortunately, Activision objected to the release of the compatibility patch. The patch remains with Sony, but we have been told that it will unfortunately not be released due to Activision's continued objection."

Acti have yet to comment on this, but Harmonix add that they hope to offer GHIII support with Rock Band's controllers (perhaps in the hope of striking some kind of agreement with the publisher). The Xbox 360 version of Rock Band works with all controllers, regardless.

By Luke Guttridge