Yesterday, we looked into how gamers are dealing with the lack of extra Rock Band instruments. Today, it has been announced that the going may get easier for people looking to put together a full band: Mad Catz is now officially licensed to produce Rock Band peripherals.

"This agreement with MTV Games represents a natural opportunity for Mad Catz to combine our core competencies of producing and distributing high-quality accessories with the entertaining experience of Rock Band’s interactive controllers," said Darren Richardson, president and chief executive officer of Mad Catz, in a statement. "Mad Catz will produce premium instruments, allowing gamers and music fans to experience music in an entirely new light while taking on the personality of their favorite music idols."

Expect the first products to hit in the first half of 2008, around the same time first-party guitars and drums will be released. I've had very uneven luck with Mad Catz peripherals; most people I speak to don't bother with the risk and buy first-party when possible. Unless the instruments are demonstrably cheaper or come with new features, Mad Catz may have a rough time convincing the market to buy its products for Rock Band.