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No Covers Allowed In World Tour

September 29, 2008 in News comments 7

Even though there's a new studio mode in Guitar Hero World Tour, there apparently won't be any way to share cover songs from brand name artists. Activision has ensured that this won't happen with Guitar Hero World Tour.

Okay, the FBI and/or Lars Ulrich isn't going to rappel through your window and arrest you for copyright infringement if you try to share your covers. However, Activision will pull down any covers of copyrighted songs they find being shared online.
vortis via cinemablend.com »
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  • 0
    Daigoji_Gai Sep 29, 08
    They are going to have a lot of work on their hands, unless they start banning accounts to up the penalty and act as a deterrent.
  • 0
    Deathsythe Sep 29, 08
    I don't see the justification behind this.

    The users who are creating these covers are not profiting from it.

    Generally speaking - music can be replicated and used providing it is non-profit.

    • 0
      Daigoji_Gai Sep 29, 08
      Still a fuzzy area when it comes to music IPs, especially since the labels will see them as losing profit from GH. Technically speaking, part of the reason we had to pay to migrate RB1 tracks into RB2 has to do with the licensing agreements - the music industry is really getting savvy when it comes to the gaming space, how and when their tracks show up. Additionally, while not profiting from it, there are rights issues involved - its more than just the notes/ tabulatures, but weird issues like sync rights, and distribution.

      There is some noteworthy justification, but it is still just a fuzzy mess as laws are still trying to catch up to protect everyone with a stake in an IP in this digital age.

      Activision is wise not to go down that road, IMHO, at this time.
      • 0
        Koloth Sep 29, 08
        There is also the consideration that it could affect song sales in GH itself. If someone puts out a really good cover of a song that GH wants to release it could affect sales of the original.

        I wonder what they would do about a remix?
    • 0
      Gamesta100 Sep 30, 08
      But that's like youtube.People make vids form pre-existing footage (shows, website vids) and the companies block the vids.I find it pathetic really.It's not like the companies are going to lose any money from it.

      They just can't handle their things becoming popular because of regular people and not themselves.I guess they feel threatened that someone else is making their property popular.
  • 0
    Pyrazor Sep 29, 08
    There's also the issue of free covers acting as a sales deterrent to later released official covers.
  • 0
    Aussie Legend Sep 30, 08
    All they are going to do is just trade it around consoles (without posting it on GHtunes). This isn't going to defer anybody.

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