Rock Band 3 PC Port Adds Online Multiplayer and VR

Rock Band 3 is running on modern PCs through an unofficial Xbox 360 static recompilation project that adds online multiplayer, native graphics rendering, Steam Deck support, and experimental virtual reality.

The project, maintained by developer idio-sync under the name slopband3, builds on ihatecompvir's earlier Rock Band 3 recompilation using the ReXGlue SDK.

Rather than running the game through a conventional Xbox 360 emulator, ReXGlue translates its original PowerPC executable for PC execution while providing a compatible runtime for Xbox 360 system functions.

According to the developer's GitHub repository, the project supports Windows and Linux, with Steam Deck-specific settings and a native graphics renderer tested on Valve's handheld.

The renderer draws the game's original shaders at modern display resolutions, including 4K, while supporting ultrawide monitors. The developer also reports performance improvements over the emulated GPU renderer, although these results are not independent benchmarks.

Online multiplayer works through Liveless, allowing connections without Xbox Live. Local multiplayer supports up to four players, alongside custom songs, DLC, and Rock Band 3 Deluxe.

Instrument compatibility includes Xbox controllers, supported PlayStation and Wii guitars and drums, MIDI keyboards, electronic drum kits, and USB microphones. Some hardware features remain experimental.

Another addition is synchronized music-video playback, which can display videos behind the game's note highways.

An experimental Windows VR mode uses OpenXR to place the player inside a three-dimensional venue.

Development remains ongoing, and compatibility varies across operating systems, instruments, and graphics drivers. The project requires legally obtained Rock Band 3 game files and is not affiliated with Harmonix or Microsoft.