The Beatles have taken their first step into the digital age on the video game Rock Band.

The game's developers Viacom and Apple Corps, The Beatles' multimedia corporation, announced the deal this afternoon.

The agreement will see 60 of the band's songs feature on the video game.

Former Beatles singer Sir Paul McCartney said he thought it was a “fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music."

Drummer Ringo Starr was also involved in talks along with Sir Paul, John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono and record label EMI.

Starr said: "The Beatles continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games commence."

Apple Corps have always withheld The Beatles music from digital platforms. The group are still one of the few bands not to feature on Apple's iTunes music store.

Rock Band 2, which was released in the US last month, has already gained high interest because it features a new song by Guns N' Roses.

The video game, which allows users to play along with music on screen, has enjoyed massive success around the world along with its rival Guitar Hero.

(by Jason Gregory)