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Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. is a development studio based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1995, the company's are roots at the MIT Media Laboratory, where founding partners Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy worked worked in the computer music group. Prior to the move into video games, Harmonix created interactive music attractions for entertainment venues and theme parks, including Disney's Epcot Center.
The company's maxim is to "create new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music", and its first title, FreQuency for the PS2, did exactly this; garnered significant international acclaim, including a BAFTA award, for its innovative design and addictive game play (dubbed "digital crack" by one major game publication). The sequel, Amplitude, also on PS2, was released in 2003 to even greater acclaim. More recently, Guitar Hero, with its large plastic guitar, furthers the cause and elicits the guitar wielding skills of a rockstar from the musically inept.
Software Highlights from Credited Titles
Harmonix's first work that SPOnG is aware of is the 2002 title, "FreQuency" (PS2).
The company has been involved titles released on the PS4, Xbox One, PC, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360, DS/DSi, PS2 and PSP. Of these, "Rock Band" (Xbox 360), "Dance Central 2" (Xbox 360), "Rock Band Unplugged" (PSP) and "Rock Band" (PS2) have been best selling titles.
The company's most recent involvement was on the 2015 release "Rock Band 4" (Xbox One).
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For "obvious reasons"..?
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Someone's missing the point.
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Coffee Table Book Extraordinaire
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Rock Band website launched, full details inside.
02 Apr 2007
Four player ‘jam’ game featuring drum, lead, bass and vocals
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07 Mar 2007
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23 Jan 2007
‘Interactive Music for the Masses’ lecture in London.
16 May 2006
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