Response to Questions about Viacom Selling Harmonix

[HMXJohnD]

Hi Guys:

We’ve seen a lot of questions pop up in response to Viacom's statements this morning regarding their intention to sell Harmonix. We’ve posted this thread to respond to those questions. Please keep your forum conversations regarding this matter in this thread. We’ll check in throughout the day as we’re able.

This morning’s announcement does not affect the ongoing work at the studio as we continue to support our existing franchises, Rock Band and Dance Central. As stated earlier, Viacom is in discussions with several potential buyers and will continue to fully support the business until a sale is completed.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please post them in this thread. If you’re a member of the media with inquiry, you can reach out to us at press@harmonixmusic.com. (Please don’t email this address if you’re not from a press outlet).

[HMXJohnD]

UPDATE, 12/23/10

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



Previously Posted in November on the day of the announcement of the sale -
Regarding potential publishers, it’s premature to discuss specific publishers at this time, though we look forward to working with Viacom to find the best home for our studio. Please keep speculation about that to a minimum in this conversation.

Many of you have asked about DLC. To be clear, our earlier statement that we will continue to support our existing franchises holds true and work at the studio is not affected by this announcement. RB DLC will continue unabated. We’re excited to confirm that The BeeGees are our next DLC pack.

Some of you have been chiming in about our different partners and what this announcement means for [the Fender Squier/Mad Catz Hardware/EA Distribution]. Those partnerships are unaffected by this announcement with regards to existing titles.

Most importantly, Rock Band and Dance Central will continue to be worked on at Harmonix for the foreseeable future. We’re not leaving them behind.

More to come!

[iNick64]

Well... If and When HMX gets sold... would you guys still have the IP for rockband/dance central? or would that belong to Viacom/MTV Games?

[geo731]

Will the music licenses transport with Harmonix during the sale and will the agreement with Madcatz continue? Also, how does this affect rockband network?

[GuyOne]

Is one of the potential buyers Microsoft? If so will they get exclusive rights to publish future games and DLC on Xbox only?

[jtrousd]

I think the most pertinent question that needs to be answered is one of continuity -- will Rock Band disappear after the sale? Or will you guys take it with you to your new developer? Or, worst-case scenario, will Viacom foolishly split you guys from the game and sell you separately?

I'd probably request a carpet bomb of Viacom HQ if they did the last bit.

[chasenmusky]

Hopefully everything works out for the best! Thank you guys and good luck!

[Quastor]

I put this in the previous thread, but I'll reiterate here.

1) When selling a company, executives don't just make the decision the night before a 10-Q filing is made and add it in. This has been in the works for MONTHS, and is completely isolated from any sales figures/forum backlash against RB3 and/or Dance Central.

2) In the Wall Street Journal article, the Viacom CEO talks about divesting from video games. So there's pretty much zero chance they'll hold onto the Rock Band or Dance Central IP. It's worth more to Viacom sold than keeping it in their portfolio. Considering what happened when HMX and the Guitar Hero brand split, any potential buyers of the IP would be well warned to keep HMX tied to it if any success with the brand is to be ensured.

3) It's rumored that next week is a Bee-Gee's pack including "Stayin' Alive." I do not think this is in any way a coincidence. HMX knew the 10-Q filing would be out around this time, and is clearly trying to send a message to us all without having any official statement made.

[Syphus]

Is this because Harmonix refused to do Carson Daly Rock Band: TRL edition?

[princeofcups]

Rockstar. Just let it be Rockstar.