Electronic Arts has signed a deal with major record labels offering the publisher 'unprecedented access' to top-name bands for forthcoming music game Rock Band on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Developer Harmonix, creators of Guitar Hero, MTV and EA have jointly announced details of the game, which will allow gamers, according to EA, "to perform music from the world’s biggest rock artists with their friends as a virtual band using drum, bass/lead guitar and microphone peripherals, in addition to offering deep online connectivity."

Leading music publishers including EMI Music Publishing, Sony BMG, Universal, Hollywood Records and Warner/Chappell Music are allowing unrivaled access to their catalogues of music for Rock Band.

“Our vision for Rock Band is to completely change the way people interact with and enjoy the music they love,” said Jeff Yapp, EVP, MTV Program Enterprises. “By joining forces with EA and the music industry’s largest record labels and publishers, we are striving to create a groundbreaking new platform that allows people to connect with their favourite music and artists in ways they never have before.”

“Rock Band is a revolutionary new way for gamers and music fans to experience music,” said David DeMartini, vice president and general manager of EA Partners. “The team at EA Partners is thrilled to help MTV and Harmonix launch this incredible game on the global stage and get it into the hands of gamers worldwide.”

No release date for Rock Band has yet been announced.