MTV Networks to Acquire Harmonix

[sherl0k]

NEW YORK - Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks said Friday it will buy Harmonix Music Systems Inc., a developer of music-themed video games, for $175 million in cash.

Harmonix, based in Cambridge, Mass., developed Guitar Hero and other music games for Sony Corp's
PlayStation 2. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Last year Harmonix and MTV formed a partnership that used the video game title in original programming and competitions on a number of MTV platforms.

Article here, credit to rmz for the news

[Reenee]

DAMMIT SHERL0K.

Actual press release from Harmonix: http://www.harmonixmusic.com/press092206.html

[Morning Blue]

I'm not surprised by this, actually. I mean, the MTV logo on the box of Guitar Hero (or was it in-game? I forget) seemed like a sign to me.

[Hair]

You know, this sparks hope in my mind for the brains at the two companies to combine MTV Drumscape and GH, resulting in some sort of DM-esque game.

If Konami is going to put out GF/DM, they better get their act together, methinks.

[Darkhorse]

Originally Posted by Hair

You know, this sparks hope in my mind for the brains at the two companies to combine MTV Drumscape and GH, resulting in some sort of DM-esque game.

If Konami is going to put out GF/DM, they better get their act together, methinks.

This was my exact first thought when I read this news article.

[Trick]

...And thus signals the final blow to the head of the Amplitude/FreQuency series.

Now we'll only be seeing Guitar Hero sequel after Guitar hero sequel

[the anime lifestyle...]

If being part of a massive company like Viacom means more funding, maybe they can license the original songs? The covers were very well done, but this could be even better.

[Ike Turner]

On the one hand, this could be good if it leads to more funding but Harmonix staying in charge of their own properties.

On the other, I'm yet another person seeing this and worrying that MTV is going to try merging their drum 'game' with Guitar Hero.

At least there's some potential for cool stuff, though. So let's wait and see.

[sherl0k]

Originally Posted by Trick

...And thus signals the final blow to the head of the Amplitude/FreQuency series.

Now we'll only be seeing Guitar Hero sequel after Guitar hero sequel

The Amplitude/FreQuency license isn't owned by Harmonix, therefore a new game can't come out anyway unless they get the rights from the game's real owner, SCEA. Which I doubt will be happening.

I remember talking to a Harmonix rep a couple years ago at E3 and asking him about this, and that's what he told me. I know, it kinda sucks :\

[Paradox0]

Its kind of weird how both developers of GH have been bought out methinks, although for a smash hit to come from 2 relatively unheard ofs, I guess it was coming.

[red shoe paul]

I'll walk over to Cambridge (literally) and say nice job

[bandit22]

i imagine they'll be able to get the real tracks now. in before LOL SELLOUTS.

[shadow0290]

Wow. It ticks me off that a company is now being praised and benefiting from a clear ripoff of Konami's game. I guess that's Konami's fault for never investing any money in US Bemani until someone else already took their idea! (See: DDR).

[ΩOMEGAΩ]

never mind.

[DJTyrant]

I don't really see a "problem" per se with this. I really hope though that it turns out for the better.