Harmonix creating next-gen Rock Band game with EA

Harmonix will apply the skills it acquired developing Guitar Hero to a new series created in conjunction with owner MTV and Electronic Arts called "Rock Band".

Unveiled in USA Today, Rock Band is a mixture of rhythm-action disciplines and karaoke, set to appear on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this Christmas.

There will be four instrument-based controllers (lead and bass guitars, a drum kit and a microphone), and online support will include the ability to form bands with people in other countries.

You'll also be able to buy songs online, and those used in the game will be performed by the original artists rather than cover bands.

Harmonix co-founder Alex Rigopulos tells USA Today that Rock Band "takes the core promise of Guitar Hero and expands it tenfold".

"We'll be covering a great breadth, from metal to classic rock to Southern rock to everything in between," he adds.

Expect to hear more on Rock Band very soon, with an EA announcement anticipated today.