Viacom, like any good media conglomerate, loves big bottom lines... and it cannot lie, you other investors can't deny that when a subsidiary walks in with itty bitty net earnings you've got to sell it...
OK, that didn't really work. But here's the important thing: The makers of Rock Band and Dance Central will continue to be awesome even after they are no longer owned by the company that removed the music from music television.
Harmonix is already out telling their fans that this morning's surprise news that Viacom wants to sell them off won't impact their games.
And here's what a Viacom spokesperson tells Kotaku:
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.
Several potential buyers, hmmmm?
OK, so Electronic Arts, Activision and who?