New video game features Beatles tunes

NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The music catalog of the British band The Beatles has inspired a new video game set for release next year, Apple Corps Ltd., MTV and Harmonix announced.

This marks the first time Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd. and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present the Beatles music in an interactive video game format.

Published by MTV Games and developed by "Rock Band" creators Harmonix, the Beatles game will be an "unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles," the companies said in a release. The game was creatively conceived with input from surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison -- the widows of late Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison -- and "enjoys their full blessing," the companies added.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out," McCartney said in a statement.

"It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership," added Starr. "The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence."