14 DAY TRIAL // Media firm Viacom has confirmed that it has sold Harmonix, the developer behind the very successful Rock Band franchise and the Kinect-powered Dance Central, to Columbus Nova, a strategic investment firm, with neither part saying how much was paid for the music simulation developer.
Viacom bought Harmonix back in 2006 for 175 million dollars plus bonuses based on future performances but the company has recently expressed disappointment about the sales performance of Harmonix created games.
Columbus Nova has told Gamasutra through a representative that, “Columbus Nova is really excited about backing the world-class team that has consistently produced such great games and helping them grow the company and its brands.”
The investment firm will also play no part in the lawsuit that pits Harmonix against Viacom over bonuses, with the representative adding, “The lawsuit is driven by a group of former Harmonix shareholders - not Harmonix management, Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC or Columbus Nova," he stated.”
John Drake, who is a spokesman for Harmonix, has also posted on the official boards of the company about the move, saying “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.”
He also has some kind words for both Viacom and MTV Networks, saying that they collaborated well with Harmonix for the launch of video games like Rock and Dance Central, making it easier to work with artists like The Beatles, Green Day, AC/DC, The Who and others.
Harmonix has not said what titles it is currently working on while delivering more content for Rock Band 3 and for Dance Central.