Music game sales are on the decline, and there’s no better evidence of that then Viacom’s recent sale of Harmonix to investment group Columbus Nova. Especially given how much the sale is now being reported to be for: $49.99.
Sources for the Wall Street Journal are stating that the Rock Band creator was sold for just under the price of a single copy of one of its games. But that’s not all there is to the sale.
Harmonix’s buyers also assumed the game company’s liabilities, which includes expensive music rights fees and responsibility for unsold games and equipment. Also, The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Viacom will also receive a $50 million tax benefit, and offload $100 million in liabilities.
When asked for a statement, the group simply referred to an old PR that said it was "really excited about backing the world-class team that has consistently produced such great games and helping them grow the company and its brands."
