Rock Band Downloads Hit 2.5 Million, Go Double Platinum

When Harmonix and EA announced intentions to offer downloadable songs to Rock Band’s library on a weekly basis, many though the idea was genius while others thought it would flop. As it turns out, the former rather than the latter is much the case, with over 2.5 million songs being downloaded since the game’s launch on November 20, 2007.

“Our goal with Rock Band was to create an entirely new way for people to interact with the music they love,” stated Van Toffler, president, MTVN Music Group/Logo/Films. “The incredible response to the downloadable content we’ve released to date motivates us even more to establish this platform as a way for people to discover new, up and coming artists through the game – in addition to delivering great game play experiences set to the music of mega-artists.”

The Metallica pack offering “Ride The Lightning,” “Blackened” and “And Justice For All” currently leads individual sales, with music from The Police, Queens of the Stone Age and David Bowie closely following. Developing artists, including All-American Rejects, 30 Seconds to Mars and The Sounds are also seeing success through the digital distribution method. All three bands are part of a special holiday promotion ($0.99 per song) through the month of January.

Remaining January releases include the “Oasis Pack” (Don’t Look Back in Anger, Live Forever, and Wonderwall) and the “Progressive Pack” (Siva – Smashing Pumpkins, Working Man – Rush, and Ten Speed – Coheed and Cambria), both of which will be offered for 440 Microsoft Points.