Electronic Arts has just signed a deal with game developer Harmonix (makers of Guitar Hero) and MTV to bring a new game to the PS3 and the XBox 360, Rock Band.

What makes this game different? The game will work with 4 different instrument controllers- lead guitar, bass guitar, drum kit and microphone- allowing up to 4 players to each play a certain portion of the song, making for some interesting jam sessions. Online play will even have the option of forming bands with players met online from all over the world.

Additional tracks will be made available to purchase and download, this time by the actual artists instead of cover bands.

Electronic Arts should be making an official announcement later today. At present the game is slated for release by Christmas 2007.