[Ubisoft Forward @ E3 2021] Rocksmith+ Interactive Music Learning Service Announced

First released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC back in 2011, Rocksmith was a series which sought to teach skills and nurture the abilities of those who owned an electric guitar. While a couple of sequels were released, namely Rocksmith 2014, the music game fell into obscurity, despite receiving ongoing support through downloadable content packs years after release. Now almost a decade after the series’ original launch, and Ubisoft are back with what they are billing as “the Future of Interactive Music Learning” – Rocksmith+.

Due to release later this year exclusively for the Windows PC via the Ubisoft Store and soon after for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S – subscribers will be given access to a library of thousands of songs to practice on, with an ambition to “grow to millions more in the future, within genres spanning from rock, classic, indie, alternative, hip-hop, pop, metal, country, Latin, R&B, and more”.

Rocksmith+ is being developed by Ubisoft San Francisco, the original team behind the Rocksmith series. The service will follow a subscription model, with one months subscription available for $24.95 AUD, $59.95 AUD for a 3-month subscription or $149.95 AUD for a 12-month subscription

According to Ubisoft:

Users can take advantage of an entire suite of new and improved practice tools including Riff Repeater, wherein they can directly practice specific riffs in their favourite songs; and Adaptive Difficulty, wherein Rocksmith+ dynamically adjusts to a guitar player’s skill level while they play. These tools are designed to give guitar players control over their learning journey. 

Rocksmith+ builds on the proven method with new songs, learning modes, and practice tools to be added for years to come. In addition to improving their mechanics, users will also receive access to free online videos to learn about proper technique, music theory, gear, instrument care, and more. 

In addition, users can play with an acoustic guitar or an electric instrument and amp using the Rocksmith+ Connect mobile app, which offers phone-as-mic technology. By pairing their mobile device with their PC or console, the on-board microphone can track their guitar – allowing them to play with no additional gear needed. Rocksmith+ is also compatible with consoles using the Rocksmith Real Tone Cable. For PC users, Rocksmith+ is compatible using the Real Tone Cable or existing guitar interfaces on electric and acoustic-electric instruments. Rocksmith+ is also partnered with Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, Ibanez, Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, Marshall, Orange, and Mesa/Boogie.

Rocksmith Workshop, a new user-generated content system that allows users to add arrangements from a list of pre-licensed songs to the library, will bring the music community to the heart of Rocksmith+. For the first time, the Rocksmith community has more control over adding the arrangements they want when they want. The publicly accessible Rocksmith Workshop will let users create all aspects of a song from the transcription to the tones. Community arrangements are peer-reviewed for quality and available to all users.

A closed beta test is due to launch soon for the PC, with interested parties invited to register their interest HERE.