That's right. Harmonix has just been sold, 
 
http://scorephoria.com/2010/12/23/harmonix-has-just-been-sold/  
 
This actually happened sooner than I thought. There's no news on who they sold to, but I have money that it's EA. 

I would imagine it must be EA, though it sounds like they're doing fine and that's good to hear.

I heard on twitter that they were "invested into" and are now independent.

" I heard on twitter that they were "invested into" and are now independent. "

"The new owners, investment group Columbus Nova, have purchased Harmonix for an undisclosed sum, according to a Viacom statement this morning."
 
It's not EA.

" "The new owners, investment group Columbus Nova, have purchased Harmonix for an undisclosed sum, according to a Viacom statement this morning."  It's not EA. "

" @benjaebe: I'm surprised Harmonix didn't go out swinging at Viacom, but it's probably better to end it on good terms instead of in a lawsuit. "

A@ch13696 said:

" @buwchbach said:

" I heard on twitter that they were "invested into" and are now independent. "

It would be cool if that happened, but the Viacom press release says differently. 
 
http://www.viacom.com/news/Pages/newstext.aspx?RID=1510571 "

From what I managed to gleam from the post was that  Viacom sold Harmonix Music Systems to Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC which is affiliated with Columbus Nova LLC.  Maybe this is just my poor knowledge of how these deals take place, but to me it reads that Harmonix bought its freedom with some money from Columbus Nova.  However I could be wrong in my interpretation of what was written in the messed up leagalize.

Awesome. Best wishes to all at Harmonix!

" @ch13696 said:

" @benjaebe: I'm surprised Harmonix didn't go out swinging at Viacom, but it's probably better to end it on good terms instead of in a lawsuit. "

I don't see why they'd want to take swings at Viacom.  They had a healthy working relationship, from what I could tell from my view in the peanut gallery. "

" From what I managed to gleam from the post was that  Viacom sold Harmonix Music Systems to Harmonix-SBE Holdings LLC which is affiliated with Columbus Nova LLC.  Maybe this is just my poor knowledge of how these deals take place, but to me it reads that Harmonix bought its freedom with some money from Columbus Nova.  However I could be wrong in my interpretation of what was written in the messed up leagalize. "

they are now an indie devolper being invested by Nova

Harmonix going back to being independent was the best thing that could happen in that situation. 

Yes, Harmonix is basically independent again with the help of a venture capital firm. They essentially bought themselves. 
 
From John Drake himself!! 
 
"Hey Guys:

We’re happy to confirm the news today that the sale of the company is complete. We appreciate all of your support, comments and warm wishes in the preceding few weeks.

Viacom and MTV Networks have been an amazing home for us over the past 4 years. It’s where we launched both Rock Band and Dance Central, worked with The Beatles, Green Day, AC/DC, The Who and thousands of other artists. We want to take a moment to thank everyone in that organization who helped make these awesome games possible.

We’re excited to be returning to our roots as an independent and privately owned studio. As for what it means for you, the DLC schedule marches on for Rock Band, we will continue our support of previously released titles and we’re hard at work on some unannounced projects that we think you’re going to be pumped about. 

Thanks for your continued support and stay tuned for more information here on RockBand.com, over @RockBand on Twitter and at http://www.facebook.com/RockBand.

Yours,
Harmonix" 
 
http://www.rockband.com/forums/showthread.php?t=211766