Highlights
Ubisoft's music/rhythm game Rocksmith 2014, praised for its ability to teach guitar, is being delisted on October 23, mainly due to expiring licensed music rights.
Existing owners still have the option to redownload both the game and its DLC, while new customers will no longer be able to access the digital version once it is removed from the market.
Enthusiasts can discover the upgraded Rocksmith+ experience, a subscription-based interactive service offering an extensive library of over 7,000 songs. This immersive experience is accessible on PC and mobile platforms, excluding consoles.
Rocksmith 2014, Ubisoft's acclaimed music/rhythm game, will no longer be available after October 23. Serving as a sequel to Rocksmith 2011, this game not only entertained players, but also provided a genuine learning experience for guitar enthusiasts.
While Guitar Hero relied on a plastic guitar controller, Rocksmith took a different approach by utilizing a real guitar for input. Upon its initial release, Rocksmith 2014 garnered stellar reviews, boasting an overall rating of 84 and securing its position as one of the top-rated game releases in 2013. Critics commended its unique ability to be both an enjoyable video game and a valuable educational tool, in addition to its impressive selection of songs.
Regrettably, Rocksmith 2014's licensed soundtrack is the primary reason for its removal from digital storefronts on October 23. Ubisoft's rights to the officially licensed music in the game are expiring, necessitating its removal. All Rocksmith 2014 content will be taken down on October 23, giving potential buyers less than a month to make their purchases.
While the delisting of a video game is always disheartening, existing players can still re-download Rocksmith 2014 and its downloadable content (DLC) if they already own it. The impact of the delisting, as usual, only affects potential new customers who will no longer be able to purchase the digital version of the game. Physical copies of Rocksmith 2014 will still be available, but fans will not have access to the DLC after the October 23 delisting.
Rocksmith 2014 is available on multiple platforms including PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Another factor that may alleviate the disappointment of Rocksmith 2014 being delisted is the existence of a newer Rocksmith game, Rocksmith+, which is currently accessible for fans. Developed by Ubisoft, Rocksmith+ was launched in 2022 for PC, and subsequently made available for Android and iOS in 2023. Unlike its predecessor, Rocksmith+ operates as a live service game and requires a subscription fee instead of a traditional purchase. Although it may not have generated the same level of excitement as Rocksmith 2014, Rocksmith+ has generally been well-received. While it does not share the same song lineup as Rocksmith 2014, it offers an extensive library of over 7,000 songs and remains a valuable tool for aspiring guitar players. However, it is important to note that Rocksmith+ is currently not accessible on gaming consoles.