Oh, now this is getting interesting. According to rumors swirling around the Internet (I’ve read it three times today), the makers of Guitar Hero, upset at having their number-one music simulation game status usurped by Rock Band, are planning on adding additional instruments to the forthcoming Guitar Hero IV.

This means there would be two competing full-band games at the same time, which is exciting for us fans of the games, because competition is our friend.

Also attached to the rumor is word that this new version would have a more open platform, so local bands could make their own tracks for the game. This means that it could become a platform for indie bands to get even more exposure and make even more money via digital distribution, good news no matter how you cut it.