December 20, 2007

By By Antony Bruno, Denver

Verizon Wireless hopes to capitalize on the popularity of the Guitar Hero III videogame by buying the exclusive rights to the mobile version of the game through a deal with developer Hands On Mobile and publisher Activision.

The mobile version of the guitar-based rhythm game does not include the popular wireless guitar controller like the console-based version. Instead, players must press keypad numbers in time to the music and colored notes moving on screen. ?Suck My Kiss? from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and "Rock You Like A Hurricane" by the Scorpions are among the 15 tracks the game offers.

Like the console game, the mobile Guitar Hero III game will also allow gamers to download new song packs that become available each month. The game costs $5.50 a month, or $12 for a permanent license. Verizon did not disclose details on the downloadable song pack pricing.

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