‘Rock Band’ music video game developer Harmonix lays off 39 workers in an effort to trim costs

‘Rock Band’ video game developer cuts 39 jobs

BOSTON — The Massachusetts software company that created the “Rock Band” video game series has eliminated 39 jobs in an effort to trim operating costs.

The Boston Globe reported Friday that Harmonix Music Systems Inc. has fired about 13 percent of its employees, just as it announced that “The Beatles: Rock Band” game has sold more than 1 million copies.

Cambridge-based Harmonix says it had added to its quality assurance department ahead of the game’s release and now will rely on part-time workers and outsourcing.

Its hugely popular “Rock Band” series lets players use simulated guitars and drum kits to perform popular songs. The first two versions have sold about 13 million copies, making them among the most popular video games of all time.