Viacom to sell Harmonix
Viacom, owner of MTV Networks and Comedy Central, has said today that it will sell Harmonix, developers of Rock Band and Dance Central.
The developer’s latest two games, Rock Band 3 and Dance Central, launched only just recently. While I’m not sure about Dance Central, Rock Band 3 didn’t sell as well as it should have.
The only question now is who’ll buy Harmonix. EA? Microsoft? Sony? Or, dare I say it… Activision?
Thanks, Bloomberg.
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Maybe Rock Band is suffering from Tony Hawk syndrome and the low sales performance is forcing Viacom to sell them while they’re marginally still hot. Too many releases too soon with little to no discernible variation between launches is probably the reason for the stagnant sales.
Doesn’t help that they release new instruments almost every time meaning the cost of entry for each upgrade is pretty significant. Personally I think the entire concept has run its course. I’m sure people still play and love it but it’s definitely not the flavor of the month like it was a couple years ago.
As for Dance Central, arguably it’s the only game that’s not a mini-game fest that has people excited about Kinect. I know it’s the only reason I’m interested.
@incredibilistic
Would help if you stay informed on Rock Band. I’d say that Activision was the company who single-handedly crippled rhythm games with their perennial Guitar Hero releases which were merely generic fodder. While Harmonix may have released several titles (Lego, The Beatles, Green Day, Rock Band 1, 2, and 3) — there was substantial time devoted to each. Staggering releases doesn’t indicate that less time was paid or that they were rushed out the door.
Additionally, every instrument from Rock Band 1 is compatible with every game in the Rock Band series. Saying that each upgrade is significant price is true only if you actually purchase the upgrade. I’m still using wired guitars from the RB1 period, and am still just as happy.
The Pro Instruments are a fantastic idea, and my bet is that people don’t know enough about it to make it a big deal. It’s a crying shame, too. Here’s hoping they’re sold to someone who will let them continue to further the Rock Band platform.
If Activision gets it’s claws on Rock Band, then I guess 3 will be my last music rythum game.
What a way to go though.
I’ve heard good things about Dance Central, and whilst not the usual type of game I would buy, it looks like a solid Kinect title which is no doubt a better experience than some other offerings.
On the subject of Activision however, I am confident that I am not alone in simply NOT wanting them to aquire the developer!