Activision Say No to Unlicensed Instruments

Want to use a third party peripheral with Guitar Hero? Activision say only licensed controllers can be used. Bummer.

Music games are a great way of bridging the gap for those who want to have a load of fun but don't really want the hassle of learning songs on a real instrument.

With Guitar Heroes and Rock Bands needing specific hardware, EA announced several weeks back that Rock Band 2 players will be able to use their Guitar Hero instruments. But now it seems Activision don't want Guitar Hero adopters to use non-Activision (i.e. Rock Band) equipment whilst playing the latest edition, On Tour.

A label on the back of the box reads:

"Guitar Hero World Tour Game is compatible with Guitar Hero guitar controllers for the Xbox 360. If used with guitar peripherals, only Guitar Hero peripherals are supported by Activision.

Activision authorizes use of this Guitar Hero Game only in combination with Guitar Hero controllers provided by Activision or standard gamepad controllers provided with the game console or other Activision licensed controllers. Any other use is expressly prohibited. No other license, express or implied, is granted."

Is there really a need to continually have to shell out for new peripherals? I'm sure users would rather part ways with their hard earned dosh for better games then yet another dust-collecting guitar.