Harmonix: sale won't affect RB3 support

Viacom's decision to sell Harmonix will have no knock-on effect on support for Rock Band 3 and Dance Central, the games' developer has insisted.

Harmonix spokesman John Drake posted on the official Rock Band forums, "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."

Drake is taking questions from fans on the forum and will be updating during the day.

Viacom announced its plans to sell the studio earlier today, citing losses of $65 million in the last financial quarter.

Its critically acclaimed Rock Band 3 has been struggling to make an impact at retail.

A Viacom spokesperson told Eurogamer, "As announced this morning, Viacom plans to sell Harmonix and have reclassified Harmonix to a discontinued operation.

"However, this announcement does not affect the ongoing work at the studio as they continue to support Rock Band and Dance Central. Viacom's decision to exit this business reflects our strategy of focusing entirely on what they do best: make great branded entertainment content and deliver it through a variety of platforms. Harmonix has and will continue to create terrific video games.

"But for us, it is about focus. Viacom is in discussions with several potential buyers and will continue to fully support the business until a sale is completed."

There's no news yet on who those "potential buyers" might be. EA, who distributes the Rock Band franchise, has refused to comment on rumours that it's planning to take over.

"This has no immediate impact to our relationship with Harmonix or to our role as distributor of the Rock Band franchise," a spokesperson told Eurogamer.

"We don't comment on market rumours or speculation."