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No Doubt publicly expressed disapproval over their appearance in "Band Hero" last year by filing a lawsuit against Activision. Just as Courtney Love became angered over Kurt Cobain's use in "Guitar Hero 5," the band claimed "Band Hero" crossed a line by allowing them to be used singing other performers' songs. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Kenji Machida made at least one decision in the band's favor last Thursday, but Activision has announced that they will appeal.

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Tags activision, band hero, no doubt

"DJ Hero 2" may not be official yet, but quick mentions lately appear to be pointing at an unannounced sequel in the works, and at least one face from the original could be making a return. "DJ Hero" DJ David Guetta, whose "When Love Takes Over," "Sexy Chick" and "On The Dance Floor" mixes appeared via DLC for the game last year, says he plans on coming back.

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Tags activision, band hero, dj hero, dj hero 2

Courtney Love isn't the only musician publicly feuding with Activision now, as No Doubt filed a lawsuit yesterday in Los Angeles regarding their appearance in "Band Hero." In a complaint very similar to Love's regarding Kurt Cobain's use in "Guitar Hero 5," No Doubt believes that their likenesses were re-purposed in ways they didn't approve.

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Tags activision, band hero, no doubt

Fall Out Boy front-man Pete Wentz is one of a handful of celebrities that Activision has tapped thus far to reenact the famous floor-skid underwear scene from "Risky Business." Past stars include Heidi Klum (guh), Alex Rodriguez and Bobby Knight throwing a drum kit. For the "Band Hero" commercial, Wentz is playing backup for Taylor Swift, paired with Rivers Cuomo and Travis Barker, with the band appearing in the buttondown shirt/underwear combo.

I spoke with Wentz about the commercial, as well as his gaming habits.

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Tags activision, band hero, pete wentz

Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard CEO and one of the more quotable executives in the gaming industry, is always coming up with new ways to sell consumers a plastic guitar. Plastic guitars have been very good to Activision in the past five years.

So good, in fact, that the “Guitar Hero” franchise almost single handedly made Activision the most successful game publisher on the planet. With sales on the decline, it’s high time they spice up the line to keep it profitable. Branching out with “DJ Hero”’s a start. The next step is cutting out those pesky console holders and their licensing fees.

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Tags activision, band hero, dj hero, guitar hero, tony hawk ride