Report: Viacom Steps Back From Console Game Biz

Amidst a decision to sell Rock Band developer Harmonix, Viacom has indicated it's stepping back from the console game business, potentially imperiling the status of games made in conjunction with TV and film producer Jerry Bruckheimer. "The console game business requires an expertise and scale that we don't have," Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman said in a conference call, as reported by the L.A. Times. Along with Bruckheimer, Viacom subsidiary MTV serves as co-owner of Bruckheimer Games as an extension of a development deal signed with the producer three years ago. The Times commented of Bruckheimer's game studio status: "It's now unclear whether Bruckheimer Games will find a way to complete its deal with MTV, sign a deal with a new publishing partner, or have to end its efforts. People familiar with the matter said the company is currently assessing its options." Last year the studio added Ubisoft veteran Jay Cohen and former Halo 3 Executive Producer Jim Veevaert to its stable as the company began work on original IP for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Gamasutra has reached out to Bruckheimer Games and MTV for comment and will update when we hear more.