While not as clear as some of the more previous statements made with respect to Rock Band 3, or whatever the successor to Rock Band 2 may be, a new article from USA Today with Richard McDonald, Senior VP at Fender, subtlety alludes to something different in the future.  The majority of the article addresses how Fender is attempting to capitalize on the music rhythm gaming genre, especially in a down economy.   Towards the end of the piece, McDonald comments “You’ll see the games evolve to actual playing, not just pushing buttons.”   USA Today comments that Fender has several ideas in development to let gamers perform actual songs – hitting faux notes and chords – while playing.  ”We’re headed in that direction,” McDonald says.

Harmonix has a very close relationship with Fender, and I think the next natural step in the evolution of music rhythm gaming involves learning how to play REAL instruments in some way.   With the go-live of the RBN Music Store weeks away, the current platform isn’t going anywhere, as the RBN represents a significant investment in the validity and longevity of the Rock Band 2 platform.   But there is a possibility that Harmonix may be working on something that is more entrenched in music than gaming, and may create a separate new franchise entirely.

Would you be interested in a “game” that would teach you how to play a real instrument?  Or is the current franchise/platform combo enough to satisfy your music gaming cravings?

UPDATE: Here’s video that @MrPope found featuring part of the Richard McDonald interview, along with some of our favorite HMXers playing in the background!

[Via USA Today]

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