Rock Band makers receive $300 million in bonuses
Friday, November 14, 2008
Joe the Plumber, you picked the wrong gig.
As millions face layoffs amidst the roughest economy in a century, the masterminds behind one of gaming's biggest blockbusters have hit pay dirt.
Bloomberg reports that Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, co-founders of Rock Band developer Harmonix, are set to receive a whopping $300 million in bonuses from parent company Viacom.
"We may not have anticipated the payment would be that high, but it's based on what they have achieved," said company spokeswoman Kelly McAndrew. "If they are making more money for us and we have to give a little back, that's OK."
Rigopolus and Egozy have already received $150 million for "exceeding targets" last quarter, and will see the remaining $150 million in 2009.
The huge paychecks top off a banner year for Rock Band, Harmonix and publisher MTV. Strong sales for Rock Band 2, released in September, have helped turned Viacom into the world's fifth biggest games publisher. And earlier this month, the company scored a major coup by securing the exclusive rights to make the world's first video game based entirely on the music of The Beatles.
Labels: Games
