Evidently fifty bucks is all it takes to purchase a developer that was once bought for $175 million, provided the genre they specialize in has hit a tremendous cold streak. All Things Digital reports that, according to "people familiar with the transaction," when Viacom sold Rock Band developer Harmonix to investment group Columbus Nova last month, Columbus Nova only paid a scant $49.99.

Yes, that's crazy cheap, considering -- once again -- that Viacom originally purchased Harmonix for $175 million. But Viacom didn't exactly get screwed in the deal, which is apparently more complex than it seems. As part of the terms, Columbus Nova also reportedly assumed all of Harmonix's liabilities, including music rights fees and responsibility for all unsold games and accessories occupying warehouse space. On top of all that, the deal was also reportedly structured in a way that netted Viacom $150 million in tax benefits.

So Viacom, in a way, appears to just about break even, and Harmonix gets a new financier. Still, if these sales terms are indeed accurate, it's a shocking example of just how sour sales in the once red-hot rhythm game genre have apparently gone. The most up-to-date numbers aren't available, but initial results showed both Rock Band 3 and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock were off to far slower starts compared to past games in their respective franchises.