PDP is new co-publisher of Rock Band 4
Harmonix makes new deal, will continue to work with Mad Catz
Harmonix has announced that Performance Designed Products (PDP) is its new co-publisher Rock Band 4. This new partnership will replace the one with Mad Catz, and PDP controllers will start shipping in the autumn.
"As we look to fully achieve our goal of creating this console generation's category-defining music gaming platform, we need to partner with a truly world-class manufacturer that can operate at the scale that Rock Band requires. PDP has a well-deserved reputation for innovation, customer satisfaction, and quality. They have the logistical and technical expertise to support Harmonix's ambitious plans for the future of Rock Band, with new hardware alongside a major Rock Band 4 feature update coming this fall," said Steve Janiak, Harmonix CEO.
In February Mad Catz announced that chairman Thomas Brown, president and CEO Darren Richardson, and senior VP of business affairs/general counsel Whitney Peterson had all resigned from the company and that it was cutting 37 per cent of its staff. Hopefully PDP will prove a more stable partner for the Rock Band franchise.
"Rock Band is the premier music platform for console players," said Chris Richards, CEO.
"This will be a great partnership and gaming fans should get ready to experience new, innovative hardware products for Rock Band 4 and Rock Band VR."
According to an FAQ provided by Harmonix "Mad Catz is going to continue selling and supporting their controllers," and "Harmonix and Mad Catz are continuing to work together" and that more news would be announced at E3 and PAX East.