Rock Band 4's first update hits Dec. 8, Harmonix outlines long-term plans

Harmonix will release an update for Rock Band 4 next month that adds new score challenge features, improved calibration and other improvements to the music game. The Dec. 8 update is the first in Harmonix's plan to add new features and features from previous Rock Band titles to Rock Band 4.

On Harmonix's official blog, Rock Band product manager Daniel Sussman writes that the developer is "planning for monthly updates of varying sizes — some of these updates will contain bug fixes and performance improvements, others will include new features." Sussman says Harmonix is paying close attention to feedback on its forums and social media for input on what features, new and old, to focus on.

Next month's Rock Band 4 update adds a number of features aimed at competitive and hardcore players, Sussman said, including in-game notifications of leaderboard events, a taunt system, variable breakneck speed and full combo recognition for perfect streaks. There's also a new accessibility option that will automatically play kick drum parts.

The full details of the Dec. 8 update are in Harmonix's post. For more on Rock Band 4, check out Polygon's review of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One game.