Harmonix founders getting $300 million in bonuses for Rock Band

Bloomberg is reporting that Viacom will be paying Harmonix co-founders Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy a total of $300 million in bonuses for the runaway success of Rock Band.

The huge payday for the two men is part of the conditions of Viacom’s purchase of Harmonix, which occurred back in 2006. Rigopulos and Egoz have already received $150 million from Viacom during the third quarter of 2008. They will earn at least an additional $150 million in 2009 as a reward for Rock Band‘s popularity far exceeding expectations.

The original Rock Band has sold more than 7 million copies worldwide thus far, with over 26 million downloadable songs purchased. As for the Harmonix co-founders’ bonus, it’s seemingly left even Viacom wide-eyed. Here’s what Viacom spokeswoman Kelly McAndrew told Bloomberg:

“We may not have anticipated the payment would be that high, but it’s based on what they have achieved. If they are making more money for us and we have to give a little back, that’s OK.”

Rock Band 2 was recently released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with Wii and PlayStation 2 debuts on track for December. Who knows how much dough Rigopulos and Egozy will be rolling in if Rock Band 2 ends up outselling the original.

Read [Bloomberg] Also Read [1UP]