‘Rock Band 4’ Release Date & Update: Supply of Instrument Controllers May Not Meet Expected Demand

Rock Band

More than a month after developer Harmonix announced that it is working on "Rock Band 4," the studio's CEO warned that there might be a shortage of instrument controllers for the game.

According to the executive, the studio was not able to anticipate the high level of demand for the latest installment of the "Rock Band" series.

Steve Janiak, head of Harmonix, spoke with IGN and admitted that although the public's reaction to the development of "Rock Band 4" is flattering, the studio is having a hard time supplying the hardware for the game.

"The response to our announcement of 'Rock Band 4' has been incredible," he told the news site. "And as a result, demand from both retailers and consumers for product has exceeded our expectations."

Janiak noted that due to the anticipated shortage, some gamers might not be able to get their controllers when the game officially launches. As a solution, the CEO advised gamers to pre-order the game instead of waiting for it to hit retail stores.

"The realities of manufacturing and getting hardware on shelves means that we can't guarantee hardware for everyone on day one without a pre-order," he told IGN. "For those looking for new instruments, pre-ordering ahead of launch will guarantee that you'll be able to start a band and rock the world with your friends and family this holiday season."

Although pre-orders for "Rock Band 4" has not yet started, gamers can sign-up through Harmonix's website so they'll be notified exactly when they can order the game ahead of its launch.

Despite the possible shortage, Harmonix previously explained that controllers designed for previous "Rock Band" titles can still be used for the upcoming game.

"Rock Band 4" is expected to arrive near the end of this year and will be available for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. The game will support both single-player and multiplayer modes.