Rock Band 4, a multiplatform music video game console title that is developed by Harmonix, is set to launch on Tuesday, Oct.6. In preparation for the launch, Harmonix announced that previously purchased Rock Band DLC can now be re-downloaded to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
In a blog post, Harmonix specifies that the early DLC availability is meant for its eager community. The re-downloading of content will still be available even after the game's release.
"Keep in mind that this is only for those who are eager to re-download their content on to their next-gen consoles prior to launch," said Harmonix. "You DO NOT have to re-download at this time; your DLC entitlements will be available after launch."
The DLC re-download will only be possible if the consoles are in the same family — PS3 to PS4 and Xbox 360 to Xbox One. Moreover, Harmonix will revert to its original pricing of $1.99 for both new and legacy DLC singles on Oct. 6. The company will also end the 50 percent off promotion for pre-Rock Band 3 content, which first started three years ago.
"We will continue to sell songs for people who want their own playlist," said Harmonix CEO Steve Janiak.
Due to first party technical restrictions, Harmonix cannot support batch downloads. Hence, the DLC entitlements must be re-downloaded individually for the tracks to be played in Rock Band 4.
How to Re-Download on Xbox One
First, log in using the Xbox Live gamertag with which the legacy Rock Band DLC was purchased. Then, search for Rock Band 4 in the Xbox Live Store. After selecting Rock Band 4 among the populated titles, proceed to the Add-Ons section and expand it to view every available add-on by selecting the ellipses ("..."), which is found at the bottom of featured Add-Ons. Once the full list is available, individual downloads can begin by selecting Install, which will be changed to Installed once the download completes.
Note that Add-Ons with monetary value are ones that have yet to be bought. There will be no notifications, visual and auditory, to inform the user that the DLC has been installed until Rock Band 4 is played on the device.
"The content should be on your hard drive, but will remain invisible until you first play Rock Band 4," explained Harmonix.
How to Re-Download on PS4
After signing in to the PlayStation Network ID on which the legacy Rock Band was originally purchased, search for Rock Band 4 in the PlayStation Store. Next, select Rock Band 4 from the search results and open Add-Ons. Select View All and choose to either set a filter for Free add-ons or to sort the list as Low-to-High. Either way, the content that was previously purchased will appear as Purchased. Start the re-download by selecting Download, which will change to Installed once completed.
The download history should be available under Notifications in the PS4 main menu.
"There will be both free and paid updates," said the company CEO.
Harmonix, which recently received $15 million in funding, promised to release regular updates for Rock Band 4. Th first update is set to be released at the end of the year.
