WalletPop: Hack your wallet

Rumor: Rock Band Canadian release pushed back past Christmas, Boxing Day

Ah, Canada. Our northern big brother has spawned some of our favorite musical groups of all time; Rush, Moxy Früvous, and, of course, Loverboy. Why, then, do Canadians seem to be getting the shaft over their release date for Rock Band? We would think it would be more popular than the NHL 2K series and Metric System Hero combined.

We reported (and MTV confirmed) about a month ago that Rock Band had been delayed until Dec. 17 in Canada, possibly due to sales regulations that required them to include English and French-Canadian text on the box and instructions, and also because of the shipping issues associated with moving a large number of boxes that are the size of a small car.

However, residents of America's Frosted Hat may be getting the game even later according to Best Buy Canada and Future Shop, who have a release date of Dec. 28 posted for the game. Even though French-Canadian is an ancient, dead language, we're pretty sure it's not taking them a month and a half just to translate an instruction booklet. We'll make sure and keep you updated when a final, final Canadian release date for the game is confirmed.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Tags: Canada, delay, Harmonix, MTV, Rock-Band, RockBand

(Page 1) Reader Comments Subscribe to RSS Feed for these comments

babash
babash
Dec 9th 2007
11:42AM
nooooooooooo!!! man, and I was all excited to backup Santa on the drums...
Nicholas
Nicholas
Dec 9th 2007
11:43AM
Will have to ask my friends how they got their hands on it then... I thought it was already out since so many people I know are already playing it (and yes, I am "French-Canadian").

Weird.
Drew
Drew
Dec 9th 2007
1:31PM
A lot of the people I know who have it made a quick trip across the border to get theirs -- and at the time the Canadian dollar was quite a bit higher, so it was win-win!.
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
Dan
Dan
Dec 9th 2007
11:44AM
As long as I have it for new years eve I'm happy. It's a bit too pricey for anyone to buy me for christmas anyways...
DVersion
DVersion
Dec 9th 2007
11:49AM
Ah! for the love of Rush! what the hell?
Our money is just as good, stupid box manufacturers!

Oh and America is our pants...our soiled pants...
Phi Nguyen
Phi Nguyen
Dec 9th 2007
12:44PM
Florida must be the willy then.
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
Pissing on Cuba.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
This is terrible terrible news. I heard it earlier from my local Wal-Mart, but I was sure she was just confused. This is a sad sad day in Canada. :(
SmokestormX
SmokestormX
Dec 10th 2007
7:54AM
It's not just canada, it's the entired WORLD (except America), something fishy is going on I reckon..
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
themikey
themikey
Dec 9th 2007
11:54AM
"America's Frosted Hat"? I don't think so.

I'm not sure if you've seen a map lately, but if you noticed, we're on top.

That's right, America.

You're *our* bitch.

Now stop shafting us with Rock Band or we'll donkey punch you with a hockey stick... eh.
T H
T H
Dec 9th 2007
12:08PM
If you never noticed, a hat is on top, hence the reference.. moron.

Typical.
1 heart vote downvote upReport
uberartist
uberartist
Dec 9th 2007
12:35PM
Well, if you want to get technical, the hat usually is not larger than the person/thing wearing the hat, hence why the more appropriate comparison of pants was made. Eh!
3 hearts vote downvote upReport
T H
T H
Dec 9th 2007
3:52PM
"Eh".. still Canada.

Have fun playing Rock Band on Christmas!! :)
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
Trickob
Trickob
Dec 9th 2007
4:30PM
what about alaska?
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
Alaska = tumor?


That sucks for Canada eh...
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
C-Jo
C-Jo
Dec 9th 2007
11:55AM
Ridiculous. Keep the French packaging bullshit to everyone Ontario and east. I live in Vancouver and can't remember the last time I've seen a French person. Those assholes have been ruining our DVD packaging and delaying our games for years now.
Donald
Donald
Dec 9th 2007
11:56AM
Everyone east of Ontario and west of New Brunswick

(fixed)
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
rasgueado
rasgueado
Dec 9th 2007
3:35PM
Xenophobe.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
AirIntake
AirIntake
Dec 9th 2007
11:56AM
This is complete fucking bullshit. I would like to actually be able to play Rock Band while my friends and I both have time off for the holidays. Thanks for nothing, Harmonix.
The Jaded
The Jaded
Dec 9th 2007
12:11PM
I bet you dollars to donuts that this is because they're using a bunch of the guitars that they were going to ship to Canada as replacement guitars.
Stupidiot
Stupidiot
Dec 9th 2007
12:16PM
Pfft, Canada? Britain is practically the birthplace of rock, and we'd probably be lucky enough to see Rock Band by March...
lawlersauce
lawlersauce
Dec 9th 2007
12:49PM
America is the birthplace of rock, you buttplug!
The only rock worth mentioning from the UK is Led Zeppelin.

USA! USA! USA!
Half a heart vote downvote upReport
Sihylm
Sihylm
Dec 9th 2007
1:09PM
I agree with this.

"Oh noes canada get it a month late!111"

Europe always gets shafted by gaming companies.
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
Mike
Mike
Dec 9th 2007
2:48PM
Lawlersauce is right, Led Zep is the only worthwhile contribution Britain made to the rock scene! Well, that and the Beatles.. Rolling Stones.. hm, Pink Floyd.. The Who.. Deep Purple.. Status Quo.. The Clash.. Def Leppard.. Iron Maiden.. Black Sabbath.. huh.. wait a minute, what I was talking about again?
3 hearts vote downvote upReport
mike
mike
Dec 9th 2007
7:23PM
thats not the point about Uk getting the game in march. The uk has a different release schedual for their games. The games are also not even ntsc, completely different.

In canada, our games are EACTLY the same as American games, except the packaging contains french. The disc itself is the same pressed disc the americans get. Because of this, typically every game release date in the US is the same day release here in canada. So even a 1 day delay for a games release is big news here.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
ZenGaijin
ZenGaijin
Dec 9th 2007
12:17PM
There, goes, Chirstmas.
DudeGuyMan
DudeGuyMan
Dec 9th 2007
12:17PM
I hate the english/french packaging. What a waste of space. At least before, they used to shrinkwrap an extra insert and manual (making it optional) but now it is forced on the default packaging. I think it was this that ruined it for everyone:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/1999/12/10/quebec_menaces_sony_and_nintendo/
Mike
Mike
Dec 9th 2007
12:19PM
Hi there!

Whilst the delay for the release of Rock Band in Canada is unfortunate, we would like to remind everyone over there that WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A GODDAMN RELEASE DATE FOR THE THING YET OUTSIDE OF "Q1 2008"

Warm regards,

Europe & Australia
The Jaded
The Jaded
Dec 9th 2007
12:54PM
Hi Mike, here's a quick tip:

If you want to sound snarky while posting a comment on a blog don't use "Whilst". At the very least it makes you seem like you're two internet memes behind the curve. And that isn't even factoring in that it was a dumb replacement for the perfectly functional word "While" to begin with.

Also, I know that at least a certain subset of the readership will automatically start reading your message in Shaw Elliot's "Hero of the Web" voice as soon as they see "Whilst".
1 heart vote downvote upReport
Mike
Mike
Dec 9th 2007
1:35PM
Hi the Jaded,

"Whilst" is still commonly used in the British English dialect in place of "While", however in the future I will take care to Americanize (see, I've started doing it already!) my language to prevent upsetting the majority of the readership with my preposterous words. Apologies!
3 hearts vote downvote upReport
Yeah! and while your at it, start spelling "aluminum" right.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
tc
tc
Dec 9th 2007
12:32PM
crazy canadians cry concerning coming christmas crisis

i hereby declare this alliteration sunday
Billiam247
Billiam247
Dec 9th 2007
1:02PM
Bang in some onomatopoeia and you're in business.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
I suppose you Canadians could import one from, well, me. Cause I've still got one left...
AirIntake
AirIntake
Dec 9th 2007
1:13PM
I would be happy to import one from you. Wow, that sounds dirty.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
DarkInnate
DarkInnate
Dec 9th 2007
1:36PM
French-Canadian is not an ancient dead langugage. According to Wikipedia, 84.5% of Quebec speaks French as a dominant language. That would make around 6,465,095 people speaking it. Not bad for a "dead" language. As a French-Canadian, I find these comments offensive. While I understand English perfectly, I prefer to have my games translated in my native language. It's my right. If you have a problem with that, whine to your government (which will do nothing) or support Quebec independence, so that you can finally speak your shit and us, ours.

BTW I agree with Elroy, it doesn't take that long to translate a box and an instructions booklet. So quit blaming French-Canadians for all of your problems, 'cause that's just bull.
Synner
Synner
Dec 9th 2007
1:50PM
Is French Canadian different from regular French? Why can't they release Canada when they do Europe and just send some French ones to Quebec?
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
Sangohan2
Sangohan2
Dec 9th 2007
1:51PM
Exactly ! How can you say such things about French-Canadian language
? I think it's a lack of respect toward your readers... Would you go
and say this for Belgium too and write that their french is dead ? It's
not because we are living aside english speaking nations that we are
dead !

And ayway, who can still believe that the french translation is the
true reason for the delay when you see that 98% of other games are out
in same time in Canada and States, with french on the box ?
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
C-Jo
C-Jo
Dec 9th 2007
1:59PM
Please explain to me how you it's your "right" to have a videogame created in another country translated into your language? If English games are unappealing to you, it's your right to not purchase them. It sounds like what you need is more French developed games.

Basically, because Quebec is the whiny little stepchild of Canada, the rest of the country is subject to unacceptably hideous game/DVD packaging and delays.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
sheppy2.0
sheppy2.0
Dec 9th 2007
2:23PM
I hate to agree with C-Jo here but the man has a point. The game has a huge "singing" aspect to it and one must imagine the need to translate the words and vocal track to accomidate those laws. I mean, let's put it this way. While the US only got five iterations of Karaoke Revolution (one with built in DDR... WHY?!?!), Japan saw damn near twenty. Now, this did annoy me. But never did I claim it is my "right" to have access to those games. I cannot read Japanese, I can barely speak it but only if I have the words in front of me, this game would be unplayable. Possibly as unplayable as english Rock Band would be for a french-canadian. In essence...

If something is not offered in your native language at the same time as IT's native language, this isn't your fucking right. Be glad it's coming at all as many developers would notmally take the "fuck those people" route. Hey, you put high legal pressure on conforming to your native language, don't be suprised when they pass you by.
2.5 hearts vote downvote upReport
sinergy
sinergy
Dec 9th 2007
2:31PM
Quebec needs to vote for another separation. Canada doesn't need you!! Thanks for nothing.

2 hearts vote downvote upReport
Synner
Synner
Dec 9th 2007
2:31PM
Personally, I think all nations should have a National Language. I'm pissed at all the shit I see here in the states in Spanish. No one put things into Italian or German for my grandparents to have an easier time, and I think that maybe the French Canadians should be Bilingual at the very least.

That said, to dismiss the people wishing to maintain their cultural roots as whiny stepchildren is rude.

And while they should at least attempt to assimilate and learn the language that the majority of the country uses, they also need to probably come to terms that not even the Canadian government is pussified enough to let a portion of their tax base just decide that they are another country.

I wish that my Family had at least taught their children the language of their forebears, but the reality is, you should try to fit in in order to be a productive member of the land in which you live. When special considerations are made to every person who is different, it takes away the spirit of community and rather than make a nation and community strong and unified, it divides people.

And it is only smart business to market to as many types of people as you can, just think if Japanse developers decided that if you wanted to play MGS or Final Fantasy, you damn well better learn Japanese.

You sound like a complete dickwad C-jo
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
Synner
Synner
Dec 9th 2007
2:39PM
Sheppy,

Your point about the singing is correct except for the fact that these songs are played in their native languages around the world.

So I think it is more likely the packaging and such that needs translated. I remember seeing Celine Dion in an interview (my wife is a big fan to all you smartasses out there) where she said the first time she sang a song in English, she didn't even understand what she was singing, because she spoke only French. So I don't think that is the issue.

The Karaoke revolution/singstar thing totally pisses me off, because they are marketing songs in my language, released in my country overseas, but I can't play them because of region restrictions. How stupid is that?

I'm so glad at least Sony is releasing the SingStar games here.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
sheppy2.0
sheppy2.0
Dec 9th 2007
2:51PM
"And it is only smart business to market to as many types of people as you can, just think if Japanse developers decided that if you wanted to play MGS or Final Fantasy, you damn well better learn Japanese."

Wow, interesting point. I mean, obviously these series are known for releasing same day in both japanese and English. Wait, what? MGS4 is the first game from both of those series to be attempting simulataneous release? Well that certainly doesn't fit well into this comparison at all, does it?

After all, Rock Band for Canadians isn't cancelled, just delayed. And supposedly it's because of language difficulties. You are correct in saying if they want to make money, they'll release in multiple languages. That's what they are doing. But nowhere does it say that it's your "right" to have games and media translated to your region. I'm a big import gamer, I will readily admit that.

So should I start knocking down doors in Japan talking about how it's my right to listen to Mad Capsule Market, M-Flo, and Shina Ringo albums in full english? Can I start breaking down doors at Atlus declaring it is my right to enjoy Super Robot Wars in full english with all the original content and hey, while I'm at it, I should be busting down doors at Sega declaring it's my "right" to play Sakura Wars in enlgish for the first time in my life. And hey, why not some english redubs for all my Beatmania songs? And I don't know about you, but I'd much prefer to play Ouendon with all that Japanese text translated to English. Hey, it's my "right." Yeah?

Oh wait, no it's not. Damn, I guess it's back to playing some of my favorite games in Japanese again.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
Synner
Synner
Dec 9th 2007
3:17PM
I never said it was their right to have it translated, only that it is understandable that they would want to be able to read the manuals and whatnot.

Did you even read my post?

And it is a worldwide release game, it isn't like they are releasing FFXXX or whatever in your country and making you read it in Japanese.

I would imagine that the French Canadians would be just as happy to just receive some of the French Translated ones from the european release. Why are you acting like this is a big battle?
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
sheppy2.0
sheppy2.0
Dec 9th 2007
3:46PM
I dunno. I just hate it when someone uses a phrase like "it's my right" when they have no clue what their rights are.

I mean, this whole Rock Band with French Support could have valid grounding on the delay in Canada being BS if, in fact, France had a Rock band release already. It would make no sense. But they haven't. Only the US has had Rock Band released. So delaying to add in another language isn't exactly firing off my "conspiracy" synapses.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
phoenix1337
phoenix1337
Dec 9th 2007
1:38PM
Lame.
Synner
Synner
Dec 9th 2007
1:47PM
Any of you Canadians want it bad enough, I'm sure it can be found on ebay. It's weird what with all these consoles not being region encoded nowadays that people here don't just start some kind of group for people to purchase stuff in their area, then airmail it to those stuck waiting.

I think this would be a great idea for anyone who needs it for a Christmas present especially.
E.D.
E.D.
Dec 9th 2007
1:56PM
Well, I tried, but they're priced way too high. I'd pay 25$ over retail to get it a month early, but definitely not twice the price...
2 hearts vote downvote upReport
Synner
Synner
Dec 9th 2007
2:43PM
I think the shipping is going to run more that $25, and probably not going to get it before xmas at that cost either.

Isn't your dollar worth more now? I saw one going for $158 a little while ago.
2 hearts vote downvote upReport

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New Users

Current Users

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: