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{{short description|American video game developer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
| logo = Harmonix Music Systems Logo.png
| trade_name = Harmonix
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1995|05|10}}
| founders = {{Ubl|[[Alex Rigopulos]]|[[Eran Egozy]]}}
| key_people = {{Ubl|Alex Rigopulos ([[chairman]])|Steve Janiak ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])|Chris Rigopulos ([[Chief operating officer|COO]])}}
| location = [[Boston]], Massachusetts, US
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| products = {{Ubl|''[[Guitar Hero]]'' series|''[[Rock Band]]'' series|''[[Dance Central]]'' series|''[[Karaoke Revolution]]'' series|''[[Fantasia: Music Evolved]]''|''[[Fuser (video game)|Fuser]]''|''[[Fortnite Festival]]''}}
| owner = 
| parent = {{Ubl|[[MTV Games]] (2006–2010)|[[Microsoft Studios]] (minority stake, 2010–2015)|[[Epic Games]] (2021–present)}}
| num_employees = 100+
| num_employees_year = 2020
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.harmonixmusic.com|harmonixmusic.com}}
}}
'''Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.''', [[doing business as]] '''Harmonix''', is an American [[video game developer]] company based in [[Boston]], Massachusetts. The company was established in May 1995 by [[Alex Rigopulos]] and [[Eran Egozy]]. Harmonix is perhaps best known as being the developer of [[music video game]]s series ''[[Dance Central]]'' and ''[[Rock Band]]'', as well as being the original developer and creator of the [[Guitar Hero|''Guitar Hero'' series]] before development moved to [[Neversoft]] and [[Vicarious Visions]].

== History ==
=== Formation ===
Harmonix was founded on May 10, 1995 by [[Alex Rigopulos]] and [[Eran Egozy]], who met while attending [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]].<ref name="GameCritics interview">[https://gamecritics.com/david-stone/interview-with-alex-rigopulos-part-1/ Interview with Alex Rigopulos] at GameCritics.com</ref> Egozy was an electrical/computer engineer with an interest in music, while Rigopulos was a music composition major with an interest in programming; both met while working in the [[MIT Media Lab]]. After building a computer music generation system that could algorithmically create music on the fly, the two considered how one could use a [[joystick]] to control the system, and set up a demonstration of the unit for the Lab, which gained interest from others in the Lab. The two realized that after graduation that they probably couldn't pursue such ideas working at any existing companies, so they chose to start their own.<ref name="cnn hmx history">{{cite news | url = https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/03/smallbusiness/harmonix_rock_band_startup_story/?postversion=2009090304 | title = How 'horrendous failure' led to Rock Band | first = Maggie | last = Overfelt | date = 3 September 2009 | access-date = 3 September 2009 | publisher = [[CNNMoney]]}}</ref> The company was built on the premise that the experience of performing music could become accessible to those who would otherwise have trouble learning a traditional instrument.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/>

The company was initially funded with about [[US$]]100,000, and for the first five years, had nearly zero revenue.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> The company's earliest product was ''The Axe'' on [[personal computer|PC]] [[CD-ROM]]. ''The Axe'' enabled consumers to easily perform unique instrumental solos by using a PC [[joystick]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/11/8765869/the-pitch-video-for-the-first-harmonix-game-will-make-your-head | title = The pitch video for the first Harmonix game will make your head explode | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = 11 June 2015 | access-date = 11 June 2015 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> This product only sold about 300 copies, with Rigopulos and Egozy realizing that people, while initially entranced by the game, lost interest after 15 minutes of playing with it.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> Harmonix then designed "CamJam", which performed similar functions, this time using simple body gestures to trigger music sequences.<ref name="GameCritics interview"/> CamJam was utilized at [[Disney]] theme parks.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/><ref>[https://www.livedesignonline.com/mag/show_business_roar_iaapa/index.html The Roar of IAAPA] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927230320/http://livedesignonline.com/mag/show_business_roar_iaapa/index.html |date=27 September 2007 }} at livedesignonline.com</ref> This led the two to consider approaching entertainment businesses like [[Dave & Buster's]] to include their products, but they soon realized that this would be a year to a year-and-a-half effort, too long for their needs.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> They then considered the entertainment industry in [[Japan]], which in 1997, was taking off with the introduction of [[karaoke]] bars and [[music video game]]s such as ''[[PaRappa the Rapper]]'', ''[[Beatmania]]'', and ''[[Dance Dance Revolution]]''. They attempted to sell their CamJam equipment to these entertainment centers but found little interest for it. They came to a realization that games like karaoke were popular not due to personal expression, but because they encouraged players to try to accurately recreate the songs through their actions.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> These games also focused on bringing musical experiences to gamers through simple, understandable interfaces commonly found in games.<ref name="GameCritics interview"/> With this realization, the two returned to the United States and regrouped their company as a video game developer, though they had to let about 40% of their current staff go.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/>

=== Early titles ===
Harmonix' first major video game was ''[[Frequency (video game)|Frequency]]'', with its development funded by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] along with about $2 million in investments in the company. A key factor of Harmonix' contract with Sony was that it was allowed to keep its [[intellectual property]], which allowed Harmonix to build on the game for its future endeavours.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> The game's development began in 1999,<ref name="GameCritics interview"/><ref name="GameSpot Behind the Scenes">[https://www.gamespot.com/videos/behind-the-games-alex-rigopulos/2300-6171974/ Behind the Scenes: Alex Rigopulos] at [[GameSpot]]</ref> backed by a larger team at Harmonix, many of whom were musicians.<ref name="GameSpot Behind the Scenes"/> Featuring songs by a number of underground [[electronica]] artists, ''FreQuency'' allowed players to perform and remix a variety of music. The game was backed by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] Vice President of Product Development, [[Shuhei Yoshida]]. Released in 2001 on the [[PlayStation 2]], ''FreQuency'' was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards,<ref>[http://www.harmonixmusic.com/frequency.html FreQuency] at Harmonix.com {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623054927/http://www.harmonixmusic.com/frequency.html |date=23 June 2007 }}</ref> though it failed to become a mainstream success. Harmonix developed a sequel, ''[[Amplitude (2003 video game)|Amplitude]]'', released in 2003. Several changes were made to its predecessor to broaden the game's appeal, from gameplay tweaks to a more mainstream soundtrack. And again, ''Amplitude'' achieved awards, critical praise,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://magicsings.com/top-karaoke/amplitude |title=Amplitude |access-date=25 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225213754/http://magicsings.com/top-karaoke/amplitude |archive-date=25 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a small cult following, but it was not a financial hit.<ref name="GameCritics interview"/> The two attributed the poor response to the games due in part to the lack of a mainstream soundtrack and that the gameplay was difficult to connect to if one was not playing the game.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/>

After ''Amplitude'', Harmonix was approached by [[Konami]] to create the ''[[Karaoke Revolution]]'' franchise. Konami, known for their [[Bemani]] line of music games, wanted to distribute their games in the United States, and Harmonix was the only music game developer in the country at the time.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> Konami was responsible for publishing the ''Karaoke Revolution'' titles, of which Harmonix developed and released three "volumes" between 2003 and 2004. The series was much more successful due to its mainstream music and its marketability.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/>

Also in 2004, Sony Computer Entertainment released the Harmonix project ''[[EyeToy: AntiGrav]]''. A departure from music games, the title used the PlayStation 2 [[EyeToy]] camera peripheral to enable one's body to perform as a controller for a futuristic extreme sports game. However, the game was poorly received by critics, despite selling four times as many copies as ''FreQuency'' or ''Amplitude''.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> These results left Rigopulos and Egozy depressed about the prospects for music games.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/>

At this time, [[RedOctane]], a peripheral manufacturing company that had enjoyed Harmonix' previous games, approached Harmonix about developing the software for a game that would be based on a guitar-shaped controller, inspired by ''[[GuitarFreaks]]'' which was popular in Japan. This relationship led to the creation of ''[[Guitar Hero (video game)|Guitar Hero]]'', published by RedOctane in 2005.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> The game features similar gameplay elements to ''FreQuency'' and ''Amplitude''. ''Guitar Hero'' uses a guitar-shaped controller designed uniquely for the game. Specifically, the ''Guitar Hero'' controller was designed with five color-coded "fret" buttons and a "strum bar". ''Guitar Hero'' became largely successful, both critically and commercially, resulting in the well-received 2006 sequel ''[[Guitar Hero II]]'', also developed by Harmonix.<ref>Totilo, Stephen. (14 December 2005) [https://web.archive.org/web/20150121102218/http://www.mtv.com/news/1518159/guitar-hero-the-video-game-that-literally-rocks/ 'Guitar Hero': The Video Game That Literally Rocks - Music, Celebrity, Artist News]. MTV.com. Retrieved on 1 June 2013.</ref>

=== Purchase by Viacom ===
In the early part of 2006, [[Activision]] acquired RedOctane, and several publishers became interested in acquiring Harmonix.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/> In September 2006, [[ViacomCBS Domestic Media Networks|MTV Networks]], a division of [[media conglomerate]] [[Viacom (2005–2019)|Viacom]], announced that it was acquiring Harmonix for $175 million.<ref>[http://www.harmonixmusic.com/p092206.html Harmonix<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913221221/http://www.harmonixmusic.com/p092206.html |date=13 September 2007 }}</ref> Harmonix's last ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' game for RedOctane, ''[[Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s]]'', was released in July 2007, thus fulfilling their contractual obligations with the publisher. Before they left the series, Harmonix had already envisioned expanding the gameplay of ''Guitar Hero'' to multiple instruments, a concept that would eventually lead to ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]'' that would develop under MTV.<ref name="edge interview LoPiccolo">{{cite magazine | url = https://www.next-gen.biz/features/harmonix-interview | title = Harmonix Interview | magazine = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] | date = 20 October 2008 | access-date = 21 October 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111005153217/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/harmonix-interview | archive-date = 5 October 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Shortly after the acquisition by MTV in December 2006, the initial discussion between [[Dhani Harrison]], son of [[George Harrison]], and MTV President [[Van Toffler]] occurred that would eventually lead to meetings between Harmonix and [[Apple Corps, Ltd.]], leading to the creation of ''[[The Beatles: Rock Band]]'', though this was not publicly revealed until late 2008.<ref name="cnn hmx history"/>

Harmonix released ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]'' in November 2007. As Harmonix's first game as a part of MTV, ''Rock Band'' expanded upon the design of ''Guitar Hero'' by incorporating three different peripherals: guitar/bass, microphone, and drums. Harmonix continued to support the game after its initial release by offering [[List of downloadable songs for the Rock Band series|a variety of downloadable songs]] to [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] players on a weekly basis. As of March 2013 over 4,000 songs have been made available as [[downloadable content]], with over 100 million songs downloaded.<ref>{{cite web|title=RockBand.Com|url=http://www.rockband.com/songs|publisher=Harmonix|access-date=20 March 2013}}</ref>

{{Anchor|The Beatles}}
In October 2008, Harmonix, along with [[MTV|MTV Games]], announced an exclusive agreement with [[Apple Corps|Apple Corps, Ltd.]] to produce a standalone title based on the ''Rock Band'' premise and featuring the music of [[The Beatles]], to be released late in 2009. ''[[The Beatles: Rock Band]]'' features a visual and musical history of the Beatles, and includes 45 songs from their 1962-69 tenure with [[EMI]], using United Kingdom-released versions of their albums ''[[Please Please Me]]'' through ''[[Abbey Road]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Gallo|first=Phil|date=30 October 2008|title=MTV cues up Beatles video game|url=https://www.variety.com/VR1117994943.html|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=3 November 2008}}</ref> The developers have worked with [[Paul McCartney]] and [[Ringo Starr]] to gain input on the game, and were using [[Giles Martin]], son of [[Sir George Martin]] who produced most of the Beatles albums, as music director for the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/making-music-interview | title = Making Music | first = Ellie | last = Gibson | date = 4 November 2008 | access-date = 4 November 2008 | website = [[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Harmonix stated, despite building on the ''Rock Band'' gameplay, this would not be a ''Rock Band'' branded title, and that the songs would not be available as [[downloadable content]] for the ''Rock Band'' series.<ref name="reuters rock band">{{cite news | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE4A004520081101 | title = MTV and Activision face off in battle of the brands | first = Antony | last = Bruno | date = 31 October 2008 | access-date = 3 November 2008 | work = Reuters}}</ref> The agreement had been in discussion for more than 17 months before the announcement.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Kohler|first=Chris|date=30 October 2008|title=Live Blog: Beatles, Rock Band Makers Team For New Game|url=https://www.wired.com/2008/10/live-blog-the-b/|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|access-date=30 October 2008}}</ref>

In November 2008, Viacom paid Harmonix a $150 million bonus as part of the terms of the company's 2006 acquisition. The previous quarter's bonus was $150 million.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a2SYAQng5w7U&refer=home Bloomberg]. Bloomberg. Retrieved on 1 June 2013.</ref> In a 2009 survey of the best places to work in the Boston area, the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' ranked Harmonix as the 3rd best workplace overall, and the top mid-size business in its poll.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.boston.com/jobs/topworkplaces/2009/articles/when_everyones_in_tune/ | title = When everyone's in tune | first = Hiawatha | last = Bray | date = 10 November 2009 | access-date = 10 November 2009 | work = [[Boston Globe]] }}</ref>

On 10 December 2009, Harmonix laid off 39 of its employees, primarily in the QA department.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/restructuring-layoffs-hit-harmonix-the-band-plays-on/ | title = Restructuring layoffs hit Harmonix, the band plays on | first = Alexander | last = Sliwinski | date= 10 December 2009|work= [[Joystiq]]}}</ref>

=== Sale by Viacom ===
On November 11, 2010, Viacom stated that it was in talks with potential buyers for Harmonix, having already marked the unit as a discontinued operation to write off a $299 million loss for its 2010 third-quarter earnings statement.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703848204575608160054525710 | title = Viacom Net Falls 59%, Plans to Sell Harmonix | first = Nathan | last = Becker | date = 11 November 2010 | access-date= 11 November 2010 | work = [[Wall Street Journal]] }}</ref> Such talks had been in place since September 2010, before the release of either ''Rock Band 3'' or ''Dance Central''.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703848204575608160054525710 | title = Viacom to Unload 'Rock Band' Unit | work = [[Wall Street Journal]] | date = 12 November 2010 | access-date = 15 November 2010 | first = Sam | last = Schechner}}</ref> Viacom president and CEO, Philippe Dauman, stated the reason they were selling the company was to refocus Viacom as an entertainment creator, and that "the console games business requires expertise [Viacom doesn't] have".<ref>{{cite web | url = https://gigaom.com/2010/11/11/419-viacoms-dauman-harmonix-sale-is-about-focus-digital-dollars-not-dimes/ | title = Viacom's Dauman: Harmonix Sale Is About Focus; Digital Dollars, Not Dimes | first = David | last = Kaplan | date = 11 November 2010 | access-date = 11 November 2010 | publisher = Paid Content | archive-date = 11 March 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150311085727/https://gigaom.com/2010/11/11/419-viacoms-dauman-harmonix-sale-is-about-focus-digital-dollars-not-dimes/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> Viacom also recognized that without dedicated resources to support video game development, the company was not able to take advantage of efficiencies the dedicated video game publishers have.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/11/viacom-looks-to-sell-rock-band-developer-after-years-of-losses.html | title= Viacom looks to sell Rock Band developer after years of losses [updated] | first = Ben | last = Fritz | date = 11 November 2010 | access-date= 11 November 2010 | work = [[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> Martin Peers of the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' noted that Viacom lacked the physical distribution channels that other entertainment companies like [[Time Warner]] have, and instead were forced to rely on [[Electronic Arts]] to distribute the game and cut into their potential profits.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704658204575610671422176704 | title = Viacom Hits Wrong Note | date = 13 November 2010 | access-date= 13 November 2010 | work = [[Wall Street Journal]] | first = Martin | last = Peers }}</ref> Industry analyst Michael Pachter suggested that while ''Rock Band 3'' and ''Dance Central'' would generate significant revenue in 2010 holiday sales, Viacom likely made the move to sell Harmonix while the developers were doing well and in the news.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2010/11/12/viacom_will_sell_harmonix_as_rock_band_sales_wane/ | title = A game they couldn't win | work = [[Boston Globe]] | date = 12 November 2010 | access-date= 11 November 2010 | first = Hiawatha | last = Bray }}</ref> [[Electronic Arts]] CEO John Riccitiello, commenting on the potential purchase of Harmonix by his company, called Harmonix a "falling knife" in regards to the diminishing size of the rhythm game market since 2009, and stated that "more people have been cut trying to catch falling knives than have benefited from getting the timing exactly right".<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-30/electronic-arts-chief-riccitiello-hunts-video-game-bargain-bin-for-deals.html | title = Electronic Arts Hunts Video-Game Bargain Bin for Acquisitions | first = Sarah | last = Rabil | date = 30 November 2010 | access-date = 30 November 2010 | publisher = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] }}</ref> John Drake of Harmonix affirmed that Viacom would continue to support Harmonix until the sale is complete, and the developer would still continue their normal operations for their games which is unaffected by the sale.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rockband4.com/forums/showthread.php?208088-Response-to-Questions-about-Viacom-Selling-Harmonix | title = Response to Questions about Viacom Selling Harmonix | first = John | last = Drake | date = 11 November 2010 | access-date = 11 November 2010 | publisher = Harmonix Music Systems | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101114020543/http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?208088-Response-to-Questions-about-Viacom-Selling-Harmonix | archive-date = 14 November 2010 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

In late December 2010, Viacom announced that it had sold Harmonix to Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC, a holding company for the family office of investor Jason Epstein. Epstein is a senior managing partner at investment firm [[Columbus Nova]], though the buy-out of Harmonix was conducted by Epstein personally, and not Columbus Nova. The terms of the sale were undisclosed, though estimated at $200 million.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/dec/24/rock-band-developer-sold-by-viacom | title = Viacom sells Rock Band game studio | first = Josh | last = Halliday | work = [[The Guardian]] | date = 24 December 2010 | access-date = 24 December 2010 | location=London}}</ref> This sale returned Harmonix to its origins as an independent developer. The resulting sale did not affect present or future support plans for Harmonix' games; Harmonix retained the intellectual property rights for ''Rock Band'' and ''Dance Central'' in the sale, allowing Harmonix Music Systems to continue to develop these series.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/23/-viacom-sells-harmonix-to-columbus-nova.aspx | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101226065644/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/12/23/-viacom-sells-harmonix-to-columbus-nova.aspx | url-status = live | archive-date = 26 December 2010 | title = Viacom Sells Harmonix To Columbus Nova | first = Meagan | last = Marie | date =23 December 2010 | access-date = 23 December 2010 | magazine = [[Game Informer]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/gaming//2010/12/23/harmonix-viacom-split-rock-band/ | title = Harmonix Leaves Viacom, Can Continue Making 'Rock Band' And 'Dance Central' | first = Russ | last = Frushtick | date = 23 December 2010 | access-date = 23 December 2010 | publisher = MTV | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101225120339/http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/12/23/harmonix-viacom-split-rock-band/ | archive-date = 25 December 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> According to Peter Kafka of the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', the sale of Harmonix was heavily discounted, possibly as low as fifty dollars, the equivalent of a [[fire sale]] and allowing Viacom to claim certain tax benefits; meanwhile, the new independent owners would assume all ongoing liability for Harmonix' projects, including music licensing fees and unsold inventory.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20110104/viacom-sold-rock-band-for-a-song-a-really-really-cheap-song/?mod=ATD_skybox |title = Viacom Sold Rock Band for a Song. A Really, Really Cheap Song. | first = Peter | last= Kafka | date = 4 January 2011 | access-date = 4 January 2011 | publisher = All Things Digital | work = [[Wall Street Journal]] }}</ref> Viacom later affirmed that they received nearly $115 million in tax benefits from the Harmonix sale.<ref name="viacom tax benefits">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/viacom-confirms-major-tax-benefits-from-harmonix-sale-lawsuit-defense | title = Viacom Confirms Major Tax Benefits From Harmonix Sale, Lawsuit Defense | first = Frank | last = Cifaldi | date = 29 April 2011 | access-date = 29 April 2011 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref> Following the purchase, Harmonix underwent a restructuring in February 2011, laying off about 12-15% of the 240-person staff.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32880/Staff_Cuts_Hit_Rock_Band_Dance_Central_Creator_Harmonix.php | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110209033550/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32880/Staff_Cuts_Hit_Rock_Band_Dance_Central_Creator_Harmonix.php | url-status = dead | archive-date = 9 February 2011 | title = Staff Cuts Hit Rock Band, Dance Central Creator Harmonix | first = Leigh | last = Alexander | date = 7 February 2011 | access-date = 7 February 2011 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref> Shortly after this, Activision announced it was shuttering its ''Guitar Hero'' division and cancelling planned games for 2011, which many journalists considered to mark the end of the rhythm game genre; Harmonix's Director of Communications, John Drake, in response to this closure, called the news "discouraging", but affirmed that Harmonix would continue to invest itself in further ''Rock Band'' and ''Dance Central'' developments for the foreseeable future.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32983/Harmonix_We_Will_Continue_to_Invest_in_Rock_Band.php | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110214063350/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32983/Harmonix_We_Will_Continue_to_Invest_in_Rock_Band.php | url-status = dead | archive-date = 14 February 2011 | title = Harmonix: We Will Continue to Invest in Rock Band | first = Mike | last = Rose | date= 11 February 2011 | access-date = 11 February 2011 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref>

While Viacom sought a buyer for Harmonix, shareholders of Harmonix, including founders Rigopulos and Egozy, filed a lawsuit against Viacom, alleging misconduct in providing performance payouts in line with the terms of the purchase of Harmonix by Viacom. Harmonix' suit contests that while Viacom had paid Harmonix $150 million for success of the ''Rock Band'' series in 2007, the shareholders are due a substantially larger sum for continued success in 2008, as determined by their proxy, Walter Winshall. Viacom countered the claims, stating that Winshall rejected various offers made by Viacom for the payout. The lawsuit also contends that Viacom has withheld $13 million in payouts from 2007, which Viacom had claimed at the time were to cover potential losses in patent lawsuits that were initiated against Harmonix by Activision and Gibson which have since been settled out of court.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/12/harmonix-shareholders-sue-viacom-as-part-of-dispute-over-hundreds-of-millions.html | title = Viacom, Harmonix former shareholders in fight over Rock Band payments worth hundreds of millions [updated] | first = Ben | last= Fritz | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = 21 December 2010 | access-date = 22 December 2010 }}</ref> Viacom has stated it would "vigorously" defend itself in this lawsuit,<ref name="viacom tax benefits"/> and initiated a counter-suit in September 2011, suing Harmonix for $131 million believing the $150 million payout was overcalculated.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-20-viacom-sues-harmonix-for-USD131m | title = Viacom sues Harmonix for $131m | first = Fred | last = Dutton | date = 20 September 2011 | access-date = 20 September 2011 | website = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> In late 2011, [[BDO USA, LLP|BDO USA]], the contract-assigned arbitrator on the matter, concluded that Viacom owed $383 million to Harmonix in addition to the money already paid out, a total of $708 million when combined with the initial purchase by Viacom and initial $150 million advance payment in 2007. Viacom disputed this figure, claiming that BDO's report excluded specific evidence supplied by Viacom.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/12/viacom-rock-band-harmonix-383-million.html | title = Viacom is ordered to pay $383 million more to Rock Band makers | first = Ben | last = Fritz | date = 27 December 2011 | access-date =27 December 2011 | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/viacom-owes-former-harmonix-shareholders-383m-says-accountant | title = Viacom Owes Former Harmonix Shareholders $383M, Says Accountant | first = Frank | last = Cifaldi | date = 28 December 2011 | access-date = 28 December 2011 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref>

Of the $383 million owed to Harmonix, Viacom agreed to pay $84 million in part to settle the 2007 payments, leaving the dispute for the 2008 payments in court. In August 2012, the [[Delaware Court of Chancery]] dismissed Viacom's claims, and ordered the company to pay Harmonix the remaining $299 million, though Viacom stated that it was seeking what further options it had.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/viacom-rock-band-million-court-361322 | title = Viacom Hit With $300 Million Court Ruling in 'Rock Band' Case | first = Eriq | last = Gardner | date = 13 August 2012 | access-date = 13 August 2012 | work = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] }}</ref> Viacom appealed the decision, but the previous judgement was upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/17/4532194/viacom-loses-harmonix-lawsuit-must-pay-299m-disputed-bonuses | title = Viacom loses Harmonix lawsuit, must pay $299M disputed bonuses | first = Samit | last = Sarkir | date = 17 July 2013 | access-date = 17 July 2013 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>

=== As an independent developer ===
Approximately 6 to 9 months after its sale from Viacom, Harmonix started to grow again, boosted by sales of ''Dance Central'' which led to the development of its sequel ''[[Dance Central 2]]'' in late 2011.<ref name="gamasutra reinventing">{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/interview-reinventing-harmonix | title = Interview: Reinventing Harmonix | first = Kris | last = Graft | date = 16 August 2011 | access-date = 17 August 2011 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref> By mid-2011, the company began developing new IP in both the mobile and social game markets, and began rehiring to aid in the development of these games.<ref name="gamasutra reinventing"/> Continued support of the ''Rock Band'' franchise has remained a "meaningful source of profitability" to Harmonix through 2011, according to Rigopulos.<ref name="gamasutra reinventing"/> [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] then projected that Harmonix would post $100 million in profit in 2011, based on sales of ''Dance Central'' and continued downloadable content for the game.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-02/harmonix-rebounds-with-dance-central-bets-on-music-downloads.html | title = Harmonix Rebounds With Dance Central, Bets on Music Downloads | first = Alexandra | last = Dean | date= 2 November 2011 | access-date= 2 November 2011 | publisher = [[Bloomberg L.P.]] }}</ref>

At the onset of the 2013 E3 conference, Harmonix announced that its next title would be the Kinect-enabled ''[[Fantasia: Music Evolved]]'' produced in association with [[Disney Interactive]]. The game is based around the animated film ''[[Fantasia (1940 film)|Fantasia]]'', and puts the player in control of music in a manner similar to Harmonix' previous rhythm games, affecting the virtual environment and interactive objects within it. The game is based on licensed contemporary rock music such as [[Queen (band)|Queen]] and [[Bruno Mars]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2013/06/04/harmonix-fantasia-video-game/2384195/ | title = Music, movement are new realms for classic 'Fantasia' | first = Mike | last = Snider | date = 4 June 2013 | access-date = 4 June 2013 | work = [[USA Today]] }}</ref>

In February 2014, Harmonix announced a new title, ''Chroma'', co-developed with [[Hidden Path Entertainment]], which combines their music genre experience with [[first-person shooter]]s. The players' actions are timed to the music in the game, influencing their effect with certain actions like gunfire, grenade explosions, and team healing. ''Chroma'' was planned for release in late 2014 on [[Microsoft Windows]] systems via [[Steam (service)|Steam]].<ref>{{Cite magazine | url = https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2014/02/harmonix-chroma/ | title = Rock Band Maker's Next Game Is a Musical First-Person Shooter | first = Chris | last = Kohler | date = 17 February 2014 | access-date = 17 February 2014 | magazine = [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] }}</ref>

In May 2014, along with about 37 layoffs, Alex Rigopulos stepped aside from CEO to become the company's chief creative officer, while Steve Janiak would take over as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2014/05/29/harmonix-lays-off-37-and-replaces-ceo/ | title = Harmonix lays off 37 and replaces CEO | first = Jeffrey | last = Grubb | publisher = [[Venture Beat]] | date =29 May 2014 | access-date = 29 May 2014 }}</ref>

In March 2015, Harmonix announced their plan to return to ''Rock Band'' with the next major title in the series, ''Rock Band 4''. The new title, aimed to support backwards compatibility with all previous songs and instrument hardware, was aimed to be more of a platform for the [[Eighth generation of video game consoles|eighth-generation consoles]], the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]], as they have no plans to release another standalone title during this console generation but would continually provide free and paid features and content updates throughout its lifetime.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc0RECohAZ0 | title = Rock Band 4: Behind the Scenes With Harmonix | website = [[YouTube]] | date = 5 March 2015 | access-date = 8 March 2015 }}</ref> Harmonix had $15 million in investor funding from [[Spark Capital]] and [[Foundry Group]] to support ''Rock Band 4'', ''Amplitude'' and additional projects going forward including [[virtual reality]]-based games.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/harmonix-nets-15-million-investment-ahead-of-i-rock-band-4-i-release | title = Harmonix nets $15 million investment ahead of Rock Band 4 release | first = Alex | last = Wawro | date = 8 September 2015 | access-date = 8 September 2015 | website = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2015/10/5/9454919/with-the-release-of-rock-band-4-harmonix-reveals-source-of-investment | title = With the release of Rock Band 4, Harmonix reveals source of investment | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = 5 October 2015 | access-date = 5 October 2015 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref>

In September 2015, Rigopulos announced that he would go to the advisory board for the [[crowdfunding]] site [[Fig (company)|Fig]], through which Harmonix would obtain funding for its next, yet-announced game.<ref name="polygon harmonix">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2015/9/3/9255295/harmonix-crowdfunding-fig-rock-band-4 | title = Harmonix partners with crowdfunding site Fig, takes seat on advisory board | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = 3 September 2015 | access-date = 3 September 2015 | website = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] }}</ref> On 1 March 2016, Harmonix confirmed that the campaign was indeed to raise funds to port ''Rock Band 4'' to the PC, but gamers would only have until 5 April to pledge US$1.5 million to make it happen.<ref name="rb4 pc">{{cite web | url = https://www.fig.co/campaigns/rock-band-4-pc | title = Rock Band 4 for PC + Rock Band Network | date = 5 March 2015 | access-date = 5 March 2015 }}</ref> The campaign was unsuccessful raising a total of $792,817.{{Citation needed|date=January 2018}}

On 20 March 2017, Harmonix released Rock Band VR, a virtual reality based Rock Band game, onto Oculus Rift, with Oculus Studio assuming the publishing role.

Harmonix and [[NCSoft]] announced a publishing deal in August 2018 for an unspecified title developed by Harmonix and published by NCSoft across personal computers and console systems.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/harmonix-signs-multiplatform-publishing-deal-with-ncsoft | title = Harmonix signs multiplatform publishing deal with NCSoft | first =Chris | last = Kerr |date = August 2, 2018 | access-date = August 2, 2018 | work = [[Gamasutra]] }}</ref> This was revealed in February 2020 as ''[[Fuser (video game)|Fuser]]'', a DJ-inspired title to be released for Microsoft Windows, [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] in late 2020. Players, as a DJ, interactively mix tracks of popular licensed songs alongside specific rules as they appear on screen.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fuser-isnt-harmonixs-dj-hero-and-it-wont-need-a-plastic-turntable-either | title = Fuser Isn't Harmonix's DJ Hero, and It Won't Need a Plastic Turntable Either | first = Matthew | last = Olsen | date = February 26, 2020 | access-date = February 26, 2020 | work = [[USGamer]] | archive-date = 26 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200226142812/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/fuser-isnt-harmonixs-dj-hero-and-it-wont-need-a-plastic-turntable-either | url-status = dead }}</ref>

===Purchase by Epic Games===

Harmonix was acquired by [[Epic Games]] in November 2021. Harmonix stated that this would not affect their support for ''Rock Band 4'' or ''Fuser'' DLC, though ''Fuser'' was discontinued in 2022. The company also stated it would develop "musical journeys and gameplay for ''[[Fortnite]]''" in addition to making musical projects in the [[metaverse]].<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/11/23/epic-games-acquires-rock-band-maker-harmonix/ | title = Epic Games acquires Rock Band maker Harmonix | first = Dean | last = Takahashi | date = November 23, 2021 | accessdate = November 23, 2021 | work = [[Venture Beat]] }}</ref> This ultimately culminated in the release of ''[[Fortnite Festival]]'' on December 9, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/2/23978521/fortnite-the-big-bang-eminem-chapter-5 | title = Fortnite's Eminem concert teased the future of the game | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = December 2, 2023 | accessdate = December 2, 2023 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref> ''Fortnite Festival'' follows a similar approach to ''Rock Band'', allowing players to match notes to popular songs, while also offering a "jam" mode that allows players to mix parts from different songs, as in ''Dropmix'' or ''Fuser''. According to Rigopulos, the company plans to treat ''Fortnite Festival'' as a [[Games as a service|live-service]] musical experience for ''Fortnite''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/9/23992574/fortnite-festival-harmonix-guitar-hero-rock-band | title = Fortnite Festival is Rock Band without the plastic instruments | first =  Andrew | last = Webster | date = December 9, 2023 | accessdate = December 9, 2023 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref> He also confirmed plans for [[Guitar controller|instrument controller]] support, describing it as "very much a priority" for the team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2023-12-09 |title=Epic Says Rock Band Controller Support a 'Priority' for Fortnite Festival |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/epic-says-rock-band-controller-support-a-priority-for-fortnite-festival |access-date=2023-12-10 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> On January 17, 2024, Harmonix announced that they would discontinue ''Rock Band 4'' DLC, with the final DLC songs released on January 25, 2024. The company noted that "if you are a fan of the rhythm game category, ''Fortnite Festival'' is the place to be".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |title=An Update on Rock Band 4 DLC |url=http://www.harmonixmusic.com/blog/an-update-on-rock-band-4-dlc |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=www.harmonixmusic.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Games developed ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year
! Title
! Platforms
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Frequency (video game)|Frequency]]''
| rowspan=6 | [[PlayStation 2]]
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2003
| ''[[Amplitude (2003 video game)|Amplitude]]''
|-
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution (2003 video game)|Karaoke Revolution]]''
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2004
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Vol. 2]]''
|-
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Vol. 3]]''
|-
| ''[[EyeToy: AntiGrav]]''
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2005
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|Karaoke Revolution Party]]''
| [[GameCube]], PlayStation 2, [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
|-
| ''[[Guitar Hero (video game)|Guitar Hero]]''
| rowspan=2 | PlayStation 2
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2006
| ''[[Karaoke Revolution|CMT Presents: Karaoke Revolution Country]]''
|-
| ''[[Guitar Hero II]]''
| [[Xbox 360]], PlayStation 2
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2007
| ''[[Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s]]''
| PlayStation 2
|-
| ''[[Phase (video game)|Phase]]''
| [[iPod]]
|-
| ''[[Rock Band (video game)|Rock Band]]''
| rowspan=2 | Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, [[PlayStation 3]], [[Wii]]
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Rock Band 2]]''
|-
| rowspan=4 | 2009
| ''[[Rock Band Unplugged]]''
| [[PlayStation Portable]]
|-
| ''[[The Beatles: Rock Band]]''
| Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii
|-
| ''[[Lego Rock Band]]''
| Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, [[Nintendo DS]]
|-
| ''[[Rock Band Mobile]]''
| [[iOS]]
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2010
| ''[[Green Day: Rock Band]]''
| Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii
|-
| ''[[Rock Band 3]]''
| Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, DS
|-
| ''[[Dance Central (video game)|Dance Central]]''
| rowspan=2| Xbox 360
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2011
| ''[[Dance Central 2]]''
|-
| ''VidRhythm''
| iOS
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2012
| ''[[Rock Band Blitz]]''
| Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
|-
| ''[[Dance Central 3]]''
| Xbox 360
|-
| rowspan=5 | 2014
| ''Record Run''
| iOS, [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
|-
| ''[[Dance Central Spotlight]]''
| [[Xbox One]]
|-
| ''[[A City Sleeps]]''
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|-
| ''[[Fantasia: Music Evolved]]''
| Xbox 360, Xbox One
|-
| ''Chroma''
| Windows
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2015
| ''[[Rock Band 4]]''
| Xbox One, [[PlayStation 4]]
|-
| ''Beat Sports''
| [[Apple TV (device)|Apple TV]]
|-
| ''BeatNiks''
| iOS, Android
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2016
| ''[[Amplitude (2016 video game)|Amplitude]]''
| PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
|-
| ''[[Rock Band 4#Expansions|Rock Band Rivals]]''
| Xbox One, PlayStation 4
|-
| ''Harmonix Music VR''
| PlayStation 4
|-
| rowspan=4 | 2017
| ''[[Rock Band|Rock Band VR]]''
| [[Oculus Rift]]
|-
| ''SingSpace''
| [[Gear VR]], Oculus Rift
|-
| ''[[DropMix]]''
| iOS, Android
|-
| ''Super Beat Sports''
| [[Nintendo Switch]]
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2019
| ''Audica''
| Oculus Rift, [[HTC Vive|Vive]], [[Oculus Quest]], PlayStation 4
|-
| ''[[Twitch Sings]]''
| Windows, [[macOS]]
|-
|''Dance Central''
| Oculus Rift, [[Oculus Rift S]], Oculus Quest
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Fuser (video game)|Fuser]]''
| Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One 
|-
| 2023
| ''[[Fortnite Festival]]''
| Android, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, [[PlayStation 5]], Windows, Xbox One, [[Xbox Series X and S|Xbox Series X/S]] 
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120204041028/http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/top/features/documents/04669652.asp ''Games people play''], Harmonix profile by Camille Dodero, May 2005

{{ViacomCBS}}
{{Epic Games}}
{{Harmonix games}}
{{Guitar Hero series}}
{{Rock Band series}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:American companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:Companies based in Boston]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1995]]
[[Category:Video game companies based in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Video game development companies]]
[[Category:1995 establishments in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:2006 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Epic Games]]
[[Category:Spike Video Game Award winners]]