Xboxist

Rock Band Creators Earn 300 Million Dollar Bonus

While many game studios are facing closure in a tough economic climate, at lease two game developers are making out like bandits. Viacom has announced that it is set to pay the creators of the Rock Band franchise bonuses of more than USD 300 million as part of the 2006 acquisition of the smaller company.

Harmonix founders Alex Rigopulos, 38, and Eran Egozy, 37, received USD 150 million last quarter for exceeding performance targets and will receive a final payment in 2009 which will exceed USD 150 million. This is likely to be the largest royalty payout in the history of video games.

An astonished spokesperson from Viacom said that while the bonus was unprecedented in the industry, it was in line with the massive profits generated by the hit franchise.

"We may not have anticipated the payment would be that high, but it's based on what they have achieved. If they are making more money for us and we have to give a little back, that's ok."

Wow.

[Source: Gamesindustry.biz]