MTV and Harmonix to create Beatles game - finally!

The Beatles will make their 21st-century debut in a new version of the popular Rock Band franchise.

The band's Apple Corps label has inked a deal with MTV and game developer Harmonix to create a new title which allows gamers to span the career of the Fab Four. Release is slated for 2009.

According to Harmonix, the game was developed with input from surviving Beatles Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney. The game is also said to have the approval from the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music," said McCartney.

"I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out."

The deal also marks the first official foray by the Beatles into the internet age. Apple Corps along with the individual estates of the band's members had been slow to agree to any major distribution deal to put the Beatles on the web or console.

The safe bet for a new deal had until now rested with another Apple. The label has long been said to be in talks with Apple Inc. to bring the Beatles onto Apple's iTunes music service.

Despite inking deals to distribute solo works of each member on iTunes, Apple Inc. has yet to land a deal which brings the Beatles onto iTunes.