"Terrific" sales of The Beatles: Rock Band are outpacing MTV/Harmonix parent Viacom's own expectations a week after its launch, says CEO Philippe Dauman.

"Sales have exceeded our internal projections and we've sold 25 per cent of our inventory in the first week," said Dauman, speaking at New York's Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference.

Viacom also says it is currently expecting about a 20 percent profit margin on the title, even though the royalty payout for the game is believed to be unusually costly to the company. Up to $40 million is possible for band representative Apple Corps, recordings owner EMI, and catalog publishing rights owner Sony/ATV Music Publishing -- "not even comparable to anything that has been done before," according to Sony/ATV Music Publishing chairman Martin Bandier.
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Guitar Hero 5 has taken the top spot in this week's UK All Formats Chart, beating out The Beatles: Rock Band, which debuts in fourth place.
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Sales of music videogames are down 46 per cent year-to-date in the US marketplace, according to the NPD Group.

However, the category remains the third bestselling genre of 2009, and will see a boost in the coming months following the release of The Beatles: Rock Band and Guitar Hero 5 in September, said NPD analyst Anita Frazier.

"With the introduction of Beatles: Rock Band and Guitar Hero 5 in September, a lot of folks have inquired about the performance of these titles and the music/dance genre," she said. "While sales of this genre are down 46 per cent year-to-date, unit sales are down much less because lower prices are playing into the dollar sales decline. It's still the third bestselling genre for the year after general action and multiple/other sports (where Wii Fit resides)."
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Retailer Amazon.com this week price cut EA Inc.'s The Beatles: Rock Band for Sony Corp.'s Playstation 3, Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 and Nintendo Co.'s Wii below MSRP in the latest video game promotion.
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XboxInsider: "Australia has had a series of complaints when it comes to Rock Band in all its shapes and forms. The fact Rock Band 2 has even yet to be released (or announced to be released) here is a very sore point, and it seems that times are not changing this time."
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The Lost Gamer writes: "At the stroke of midnight last night whilst the pubs and clubs around the UK were playing all the latest songs from the current popular music generation, one club was playing the music that made it famous over 40 years ago. With the latest digital equipment and today's gaming genius, one game is about to bring back so many memories and once again bring the house down on a small little Club down a side street in Liverpool City Centre. The Beatles made 'The Cavern Club' their home and whilst many musical artists of the generation played at the venue and have their names forever etched on a wall of fame outside, it was four young men that packed the place to bursting time after time..."
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This week's edition of Critical Reception examines online reaction to The Beatles: Rock Band, a Harmonix-developed music simulation title that "sets a new standard by which all band-specific game experiences will be judged." The Beatles: Rock Band currently earns a score of 89 out of 100 at Metacritic.com.
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Tomorrow is the worldwide debut of The Beatles: Rock Band game and guitar controllers, alongside the digitally re-mastered Beatles CD catalog. Apple Corps, Ltd., MTV Games and Harmonix take you on trip to experience The Beatles history through their, and now your, performances at various venues. The Beatles: Rock Band will be available for the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. See a listing of the 45 tracks and venues here.

If you haven't already been part of pre-order club, check out a round-up of various launch events and deals going on. There are free t-shirts, Beatles DVDs, gift cards and even sweepstakes for an all-expense paid trip to Abbey Road. Don't miss out on some last day opportunities!
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For those that pre-order The Beatles Rock Band at Gamestop and are wondering about the 3 free songs. You won't be getting these songs until October 20, 2009.
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411mania talks about this week's game releases. Highlights include Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days, Raiden IV, and The Beatles: Rock Band.
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