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?

a nice idea 

If they market this as more of a learning tool then I could see this doing fairly well. But if they make the mistake of saying, "Check it out, this is a brand new rhythm game that also totally teaches you how to play a real guitar, bro!" then I could see this failing pretty hard. Maybe not on a PowerGig sort of level, but...no, no, it would be fail about that hard.

A little of both it would seem.

" It's a good idea, but the timing is horrible AND...do you want to look at Ubisofts simlar games? Micheal Jackson Experience and Just Dance are Ubisoft rhythm games i believe... "

"

                    @Shirogane said:

"

                    It's a good idea, but the timing is horrible AND...do you want to look at Ubisofts simlar games? Micheal Jackson Experience and Just Dance are Ubisoft rhythm games i believe...

                   

                "

didnt both of those games do really well? or at least Just Dance, right?

                   

                "

Once I've found out what the game actually offers and what sets it apart I'll be able to tell, but it seems like half and half at the moment.

i think that it will be a bad idea to do that. the timing for the release is also pretty bad too. 
 
i can post this image again. 

rhythm games suck imo

" If they market this as more of a learning tool then I could see this doing fairly well. But if they make the mistake of saying, "Check it out, this is a brand new rhythm game that also totally teaches you how to play a real guitar, bro!" then I could see this failing pretty hard. Maybe not on a PowerGig sort of level, but...no, no, it would be fail about that hard. "

This seems to be a mirror image of Power Gig, in that it's more about the learning than the gaming. With that in mind, I think it'll be quite successful if marketed correctly, even if the game itself is mediocre. A lot of people blanch at the idea of paying for lessons, and self-teaching is extremely daunting.  
 
I'd be interested myself, but I can't exactly plug my acoustic in.

i think it's neat

" i think that it will be a bad idea to do that. the timing for the release is also pretty bad too. 
 
i can post this image again. 

"

An old idea with perfect timing! If this game has algorithms that really "get" what you are playing on a real guitar and can give the payer apropriate response, then this game will be an incredible success.  If the game does not work, hopefully a successor will. It is the right way to go.