MTV acquires Guitar Hero developer

NewsPosted 25/09/2006 - 11:01am GMT+1

MTV Networks has acquired Guitar Hero developer Harmonix for a fee of $175 million.

Activision recently bought the Guitar Hero franchise from Red Octane, but it appears they weren't too bothered about the game's developer, which has now been snapped up by MTV.

"The acquisition of Harmonix will deepen MTV's connection to its audience via online, mobile and console music gaming, and expand the relationship with both labels and artists through the creation of games based on classic songs as well as future album releases," said Christina Norman, president of MTV.

Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos offered his thoughts on the acquisition: "We are very excited to combine our unique assets in the music and gaming space with one of the most recognised brands in the music world."

Harmonix is the latest acquisition from the world of gaming made by MTV. Others include GameTrailers.com and the online gaming tool Xfire.

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User Comments

dwu @ vandy

MTV? Oh come on, they're more to do with reality shows than music now. They'd better not ruin this...

Posted 13:38 on 25 September 2006

vandy

Wow, didn't see that coming. Surprised that Activision let them go. Perhaps they felt it was an offer too good to refuse? I imagine MTV must have some pretty big plans to cough up that much dough.

Posted 12:04 on 25 September 2006