Harmonix Founders Get $300 Million Bonus

Viacom may be part of the same media empire as the money-hemorrhaging Midway, but that hasn't stopped the MTV Games parent from giving $300 million to just two men: Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, founders of Rock Band developer Harmonix.

Bloomberg reports that the duo, who started Harmonix in 1995 during their time at MIT, "received $150 million last quarter for exceeding performance targets" and are due another payment "exceeding $150 million" in 2009.

"We may not have anticipated the payment would be that high, but it's based on what they have achieved," said Viacom spokeswoman Kelly McAndrew.

Lest readers think that Rigopulos and Egozy have suddenly stumbled upon a goldmine, the team have received performance-based bonuses for some time. $208 million was set aside to be paid out to former Harmonix shareholders in 2008, adding to the $175 million also paid to acquire the Boston-based developer.