Harmonix will launch an open beta of Rock Band Network, an effort to bring independently-published, user-created music to its music game, on Tuesday.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the open beta of Rock Band Network will let any music creator test the new service, which "lets average users upload and sell videogame versions of their own music." Harmonix told Destructoid that upon registering for the beta, users will be able to "begin uploading music, peer reviewing, and previewing tracks."
The process isn't as simple as uploading a song to YouTube. Getting music onto the Rock Band Network is a fairly detailed operation – one that requires special software and membership in the $100-a-year XNA Creator's Club. Would-be music creators must also be using the Xbox 360 version of the game, since it works through Microsoft's XNA development platform.
The Rock Band Network Store, where regular Joes will be able to buy, download and play these songs, is still a way off. Harmonix said the store won't launch until it builds up a fairly large library of finished music.
MTV Games Seeks Buzz For 'Rock Band' With New Service [Wall Street Journal]
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