Harmonix: No Rock Band 3 in 2009

During a keynote interview at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier today, Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopolous told the crowd that his company was "breaking the annual cycle" of Rock Band releases, indicating that Rock Band 3 would not be released in 2009.

"We've actually made a choice to break out of the annual release cycle for Rock Band this year," said Rigopolous, according to CrispyGamer.

"[This is] partly because the annual cycle places limits on the choices you can make as a developer. We're trying to take a long term view," he added, while also citing Harmonix's upcoming Beatles music game--set for release around holiday 2009--as a focal point for the company this year.

When asked whether the sequel would involve keyboards, as has been rumored, Rigopolous replied: "The only answer I can give you to that question right now is maybe."