Sony: Activision lost Beatles deal because “it was presented as if they were doing the music business a favor”

By Patrick Garratt

The Beatles game eventually went to MTV because, from the sound of it, Sony Music wasn’t going to get what it wanted. And what it wanted, probably, was money.

“It was presented as if they were doing the music business a favor,” Sony/ATV CEO Martin Bandier told Reuters.

“It’s true you can choose other types of music, and somewhere along the line someone’s going to do it for free for the exposure … When it comes to the Beatles, the leverage changes. We’re very happy with the terms of our arrangement with MTV.”

MTV’s understanding of what Sony was after ultimately led to a “very rich” deal.

Game’s out at the end of next year.

Thanks, Kotaku.