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.
Dr. Lynch: Grave Secrets If you're one of the many fans of the Women's Murder Club series, Dr. Lynch should be at the top of your Halloween shopping list. Yes, even above the candy. It's set amid the charming English countryside and stars a psychologist-turned-paranormal investigator, the eponymous Dr. Lynch. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you'll find this seek-and-find adventure compelling (and, perhaps, frightening).
Nancy Drew: The Haunting of Castle Malloy
Super-sleuth Nancy Drew tackles a bone-chilling mystery in her latest smash hit. Ireland's Castle Malloy sounds like the perfect location for a wedding, but a spooky visitor causes what should have been a dream day into the stuff of nightmares. Can you find the missing groom and unravel this Celtic conundrum? Already a chart-topper, no fan should miss it.
Dead Space
This critically-acclaimed (and Mature-rated) sci-fi horror game has players scavenging their way around an interplanetary mining vessel that's been infested with mysterious aliens. Groundbreaking visual and audio design makes it one of the scariest releases of the year, and it's already a critical darling. Definitely not one for the kiddies, but they've got to go to bed sometime. So turn the lights down and the volume up, and get ready for some of the best scares in all of gaming. View Trailer.
Spooky Spirits
If that's not an option, here's a Halloween-themed puzzler the whole family can enjoy. Spooky Spirits stars a pair of spirit-warden siblings who've accidentally released a veritable host of their captives into the world. Can you recapture them? If so, you'll need to master a clever blend of Tetris and Bejeweled -- and you'll enjoy its light-hearted Halloween theme along the way.
Silent Hill: Homecoming
The Silent Hill series is one of gaming's longest running and most respected horror franchises, and the latest episode just hit shelves. Specializing in producing psychological terror instead of relying on the cheap, jump-out-and-say-boo scares of some other supposedly frightening games, it's the gaming equivalent of an art house horror flick. So if your only experience with the franchise has been the decidedly ill-advised movie-spin-off, this Halloween could be the perfect chance for you to find out what it's really all about. View Trailer.
Resident Evil 4 (Wii)
Although it's a bit long in the tooth, Resident Evil 4 is a real classic of the survival horror genre. Boasting numerous Game of the Year awards, it ditched the series' traditional zombie foes for something more threatening...but you'll have to play it to find out what. Plus, it's the only game on this list available on the not-typically-scary Nintendo Wii. If that's your console of choice, this is the game for you. View Trailer.
