Activision Publishing, Inc. and Logitech International announced a collaboration to develop and market premium instrument controllers for Guitar Hero World Tour, the latest installment of the world’s best-selling music-based video game franchise, which ships this fall for the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii.

Logitech plans to offer premium instruments for each of these platforms, the first of which will be available later this year. Logitech’s products will be compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour’s advanced feature set, allowing players to elevate their Guitar Hero jam sessions to full-fledged rock concerts.

    “Logitech is the leading producer of peripheral devices and the company is widely considered to be the gold standard for innovation and quality peripheral products,” said Charles Huang, vice president business development for RedOctane. “With Logitech, we know we have found the right partner who can deliver top-quality premium hardware that consumers have come to expect from Guitar Hero.”

    “As huge fans of Guitar Hero, we are very excited about the opportunity to bring the Logitech experience to the Guitar Hero franchise,” said Bruce Lancaster, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s gaming business. “A few years ago, Logitech refined the consumer steering wheel market with high-end controllers that enhance racing games. Now we are looking forward to elevating the market for premium music-based video game controllers in a similar fashion.”

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation3 computer entertainment system. The Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.