Viacom sells Harmonix...

[staySICK]

http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211766

 

Hey Guys:

 

We’re happy to confirm the news today that the sale of the company is complete. We appreciate all of your support, comments and warm wishes in the preceding few weeks.

 

Viacom and MTV Networks have been an amazing home for us over the past 4 years. It’s where we launched both Rock Band and Dance Central, worked with The Beatles, Green Day, AC/DC, The Who and thousands of other artists. We want to take a moment to thank everyone in that organization who helped make these awesome games possible.

 

We’re excited to be returning to our roots as an independent and privately owned studio. As for what it means for you, the DLC schedule marches on for Rock Band, we will continue our support of previously released titles and we’re hard at work on some unannounced projects that we think you’re going to be pumped about.

 

Thanks for your continued support and stay tuned for more information here on RockBand.com, over @RockBand on Twitter and at http://www.facebook.com/RockBand.

 

Yours,

Harmonix

 

Press release:

 

 

 

 

Viacom Sells Harmonix Music Systems

 

NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

 

Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) announced today that it has sold Harmonix Music Systems to Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Columbus Nova, LLC. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

Viacom announced its intention to sell Harmonix, the leading maker of music-based games including the Rock Band music video game franchise, in November.

About Columbus Nova

 

Founded in 2000, Columbus Nova ("CN") is a multi-strategy investment firm managing over $10.0 billion of assets through its own funds and affiliated portfolio companies. CN has a broad investment mandate which allows investments across all levels of the capital structure from senior secured debt to equity. CN takes a value-oriented, long-term view to investing and seeks consistent returns with an emphasis on capital preservation. CN is headquartered in New York.

 

About Viacom

 

Viacom, consisting of BET Networks, MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures, is the world's leading entertainment content company. It engages audiences on television, motion picture and digital platforms through many of the world's best known entertainment brands, including MTV, VH1, CMT, Palladia, Logo, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, BET, CENTRIC, AddictingGames, Atom, Neopets, Shockwave and Paramount Pictures. Viacom's global reach includes approximately 170 channels and 500 digital media properties in more than 160 countries and territories.

 

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

 

SOURCE Viacom Inc.

 

 

[Mister Jack]

So...they sold Harmonix to itself?

[staySICK]

basically Harmonix got itself out from under Viacom to become in independent studio.

[Bouchart]

I think it's saying that Harmonix bought Viacom's stake in the company.

[c hoertjes]

This seems like a good thing. Fuck Viacom.

[Strangelove]

Im not too worried. MTV/Viacom has some pull, but there are thousands of bands willing to "loan" out their songs for RB dlc and new RB games.

 

I personally cant really lose. If they still have power, they can still get superpopular bands like the Doors and The Beatles, if they dont, they can still get everything else. I listen to both things, so I sill win in the end.

 

Maybe more Vampire Weekend.............................

[toxicitizen]

That's pretty cool. Much better than them getting snatched up by like... Activision or the likes

I wonder how losing their direct link to MTV will affect what kinda music they get access to, though.

[Faiblesse Des Sens]

Viacom (MTVs owners) don't own any record labels so it's a matter of keeping the connection with the labels which they don't need MTV for as Harmonix are already established at this point.