http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/10/...log-the-b.html

7:10 -- Jeff Castaneda, MTV PR whiz, takes the line, introducing MTV's Judy McGrath.
7:11 -- Alex Rigopulos of Harmonix is also on the line. There we go.
7:12 -- McGrath is talking up the success of Rock Band 2. Calling today's partnership the "boldest move yet" for Rock Band.
7:13 -- Van Toffler, president of MTV Music and Logo group, takes the mic. "Today, we're announcing an exclusive partnership with Apple Corps, MTV Games, and Harmonix to create a brand new video game featuring the music of the Beatles." Emphasis mine: So, this is a brand new game, eh?
7:14 -- Talking about how fans will be able to experience Beatles music in an "interactive, new way." Giles Martin, son of George Martin, to serve as music producer on the project.

7:15 -- Toffler about to pass it off to Rigopulos, but first: "We're not necessarily in the business of producing standalone music games for every band out there," he says, but this was a "perfect confluence."

7:16 -- Actually, it's Jeff Jones, CEO of Apple Corps, talking next. "In MTV and Harmonix, we see partners who admire the Beatles and Apple's original spirit and vision." Talking about introducing Beatles to new generation of fans and giving existing Beatles fans a new interactive way to experience the music. Giles Martin, he says, will "bring the same passion" to the development of the videogame as he did the Beatles Love soundtrack and show. And he's on the call today.

7:17 -- Alex picks up. "This is not just a Rock Band expansion pack, it is much much more than that." A "ground-up" project, a journey through the band's imagery and how the band evolved through their time together. This is a tall order.

7:18 -- Q&A starts. First question -- it's not a "Rock Band" branded title, says Rigopulos. Will be released holiday of next year.

7:22 -- Game will take us all the way through the Beatles' first album "Please Please Me" all the way to "Abbey Road."

7:23 -- The music will be based on the UK releases. Martin says: "We are trying to keep to, as much as possible, is for people to play the songs as though they're playing the originals... More of a way for them to interact with what they know very well as opposed to us remixing as we did in Love."

7:24 --Rigopulos: "A visual exploration of the Beatles' history is a big part of this project."

7:26 -- Does this mean Rock Band won't get Beatles music at all? They aren't saying.

7:27 -- Talks between Harmonix and Apple Corps started 17 months ago, says Rigopulos.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out," Sir Paul McCartney said.

"It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership,” said Ringo Starr. “The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles’ legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence.”

“It’s cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and encouraging the young generation for many decades,” said Yoko Ono Lennon.

"People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or participate,” said Olivia Harrison. “If you like the music, it doesn't take much persuasion to get you to play."

7:29 -- Those four people will be involved "every step of the way creatively and musically." Apparently they've all seen the game running already. I'm jealous! Of Paul McCartney!

7:30 -- This *** be exclusive, says an MTV exec (I am paraphrasing.) No Beatles in Guitar Hero, guys.

7:31 -- Alex Rigopulos says they're not saying what platforms the game will be available on.

7:32 -- They'll come back to the question of digital distribution of Beatles tunes, on iTunes or wherever, at the end of the call.

7:33 -- People are still asking questions about digital distribution and iTunes.

7:34 -- More stuff about how they're not yet prepared to talk about the content of the game.

7:35 -- Is there a "competitive element" to the game, or is it strictly "immersion and interaction," someone asks. Good question! They're not answering.

7:36 -- Why not call the game "Beatles Rock Band?" Because they're going into new creative territory, says Alex. "new creative exploration of their music and a celebration of their legacy... deserves a fully dedicated title."

7:37 -- "Game takes advantage of the Rock Band platform in many ways that we'll discuss down the road." (Well, okay. Good. I think people are just hoping that this isn't Wii Music. - CK)

7:38 -- Last question. It'll be a worldwide release, no specific date. Not talking specific songs, but they want to address the entire catalog of the Beatles.

7:39 -- They're going to address the question of digital distribution of Beatles catalog. "All I can say is that we're still working out the details, we have no announcement to make, no date or any information," says Jeff Jones.

7:40 - It's over!