- Synthesia
Infobox VG
title = Synthesia
developer =Nicholas Piegdon
version = 0.6.5
released =September 2008
genre =Music video game
modes =Single-player
platforms =Cross-platform
input = MIDI keyboard, computer keyboardSynthesia is a program for Windows and
Mac OS X which allows users to play aMIDI keyboard or use a computer keyboard in time to a MIDI file by following on-screen directions, much in the style ofGuitar Hero . It was originally named Piano Hero due to the similarity of gameplay with Guitar Hero, howeverActivision (the owners of the rights to Guitar Hero) sent acease and desist to the program's creator, Nicholas Piegdon. [cite web | url=http://www.destructoid.com/activision-sends-piano-hero-fella-cease-and-decist-denies-plans-of-lawyer-hero-30825.phtml | work=Destructoid | accessdate=2008-01-10 | title=Activision sends Piano Hero fella cease and decist; denies plans of Lawyer Hero]The program was originally Windows-only, but after a donation-drive in early 2007, the game was ported to Mac OS X. [cite web | url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/02/12/you-want-piano-hero-on-your-mac/ | work=TUAW| accessdate=2008-01-10 | title=You want Piano Hero on your Mac?]
Synthesia was originally an
open source project, but seeing the potential commercial value of the program, Piegdon decided to stop releasing the source code (version 0.6.2), however leaving the most recent open-source release available for download. While the basic functionality is still currently free, a "Learning Pack" key can be purchased to unlock additional features, such as asheet music display mode.Cease and desist letter
In a letter dated 26 March 2007, Activision requested that Piegdon "immediately cease any and all use of the "Piano Hero" name in connection with the distribution and promotion of [his] video game and agree not to use such in the future". [cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/piano-hero/piano-hero-gets-cease-and-desist-249940.php | work=Kotaku | accessdate=2008-01-10 | title=Piano Hero Gets Cease and Desist] Piegdon responded by hosting a contest for a new name for the project, resulting in the current name, Synthesia.
References
External links
* [http://www.synthesiagame.com Synthesia]
* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/pianohero/ Synthesia (previously known as Piano Hero) on Sourceforge]
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