Long hair equates to rock.

In an announcement that has surprised absolutely no one, Harmonix, who have just received the GDC Pioneer Award for their revitalisation of the musical rhythm action genre, have made it known that their best selling title Rock Band has made an enormous amount of money in the fifteen months since its release.

Having sold over forty million individual tracks by download and made over one billion USD, Rock Band is now apparently the highest earning title of 2008 across all genres. Take that, Neversoft!

First released in November 2007, but slow to reach southern shores, Rock Band's song library has expanded steadily and now contains over 600 tracks from more than 250 artists and groups, including eleven full albums form the likes of No Doubt, Megadeth, and The Cars to name just a few, as well as special compilations from classic musicians such as The Who and Boston.

While we're rolling out the numbers and accolades, it's worth mentioning that Rock Band has garnered not only almost wholly positive critical attention but also over fifty industry awards during its rise to the top, including a very special one invented by me, which is "Only Game to Make Grown Men Sing And Flail About While Sober To The Delight Of All".

There are plenty of reasons why Rock Band has been such a success. The ability to play collaboratively with a group of friends with each taking their choice amongst the assorted peripherals and musical roles turning the title into a great party experience has been a contributing factor, as has the ability to to utilise competing title's peripherals so as not to shell out for the full kit, but probably the most crucial development is Harmonix continuing dedication to DLC.

Weekly updates to the catalogue and playable tracks releasing on the same day they reach radio has pleased fans, and willingness to offer entire albums and generously negotiate royalties has flattered musicians. Given that content is transferable between the original title, its sequel and likely any upcoming entries in the franchise, Harmonix have even managed to convince gamers that they actually do think you have a right to continue to sue things you have paid for. Astounding!