Harmonix: Rock Band 3 is a "big step forward" for the series

Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos has said that the recently announced Rock Band 3 will be a "big step forward" for the series when it launches later this year.

Speaking with Gamerant, he said E3 will be where its grand reveal will take place.

"Unfortunately I can’t say anything about Rock Band 3 at this point except that it’s coming this fall and it’s a big step forward for Rock Band," said Rigopulos.

"This has been a two-year development cycle on this title and it’s a pretty significant level up from where we’ve been. We’re pretty excited about unveiling it at E3 this year. Holiday 2010 release."

He also mentions "big plans" for the series' future, as well as talk about the much publicized battle with Guitar Hero.

"Honestly, we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the rivalry between the two franchises," Rigopulos said.

"We’re really just focused on, not just Rock Band, but the [music game] category as a whole and what we need to do to get there. And for us, that’s just a secondary consideration."

Rock Band 3 was announced last week at GDC.