I was incapable of describing my surprise when news started circulating that Ubisoft was working on a guitar-based rhythm game. Add on the fact that the game is being called "Rocksmith" and I was ready to call this a full-blown hoax. But, this isn't a hoax. In 2011, the year Guitar Hero died--at least for a little while--Ubisoft is releasing a guitar-based rhythm title known as Rocksmith.  
 
Once I managed to pick my jaw up off of the floor, my initial reaction was "this could be the worst idea I've heard in a long time." But, is that fair?  
 
Ubisoft's Rocksmith will attempt to teach users how to play guitar, or improve their skills, by allowing them to plug in a real guitar and learn visually through a format that is familiar to most rhythm game fans. The hasty bastard that dwells deep inside me thought "great idea Ubisoft. Didn't you see how this went for Power Gig?" That hasty bastard was incapable of recognizing that Ubisoft isn't Seven45 Studios. This isn't the sister company of cheap guitar manufacturer First Act. This is Ubisoft, an established publishing/development power house. That alone should ensure that this title turns out better than Power Gig did, right? But, this uphill battle Ubisoft faces isn't one that can be won on software alone. The industry has proven that it isn't ready to invest in more rhythm games.  
 
2008 saw the peak of the dance and music genres of video games with the titles bringing in $2 billion. The following year saw a 46% decrease in the genre. 2010? A 34% decrease. With the music/rhythm genres of video games in shambles, is releasing a guitar-based rhythm title in 2011 a smart move? Can strong, competent software and the ability to play with any guitar propel Ubisoft's endeavor at the rhythm genre towards success?   
 
There's nothing inherently wrong with the idea, but is the industry ready for another rhythm game?