The Beatles Inspire New Music Video Game; Apple Corps Ltd., MTV and Harmonix Come Together for Unprecedented Deal

New York (ots/PRNewswire) -

- Exclusive Agreement Set to Bring The Beatles Music to Fans for
the First Time in Interactive Form Here, There and Everywhere in
2009

The Beatles' extraordinary music and phenomenal legacy is set to
rock across the universe in the form of a video game through an
exclusive partnership between Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV
Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

This partnership marks the first time that Apple Corps, along
with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has
agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game
format. Published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world's
premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling
Rock Band(R), the game will be an unprecedented, experiential
progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The
Beatles. The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul
McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia
Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin,
co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his
expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles
project.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The
Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get
to know the music from the inside out," Sir Paul McCartney said.

"It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and
Harmonix / Rock Band partnership," said Ringo Starr. "The Beatles
continue to evolve with the passing of time and how wonderful that
The Beatles' legacy will find its natural progression into the 21st
century through the computerized world we live in. Let the games
commence."

"It's cool. I love it and hope it will keep inspiring and
encouraging the young generation for many decades," said Yoko Ono
Lennon.

"People are having so much fun playing Rock Band. Combined with
The Beatles tracks, it is a great way to either listen or
participate," said Olivia Harrison. "If you like the music, it
doesn't take much persuasion to get you to play."

"Introducing the genius of The Beatles to a whole new generation
of music lovers through original and inspired ways is extremely
exciting to us at Apple Corps," stated Jeff Jones, CEO, Apple Corps.
"We are truly pleased to be working with the innovative forces at MTV
and Harmonix as they embody our mutual passions for music and
creativity."

"Many of us have been part of a generation that has long enjoyed
an enduring love affair with The Beatles and now we're looking to
extend that love affair for future generations to enjoy," said Van
Toffler. "Our inspiration for this project comes from a keen sense of
history and a place of utmost reverence and respect for the band,
their music and their heritage."

"The impact of The Beatles is forever ingrained in the hearts,
minds and souls of millions the world over," said Judy McGrath,
Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "The Beatles are the reason many of
us are WHERE we are, and some of us are WHO we are."

"We are honored to be part of this new way for people to discover
the timeless music and art of The Beatles -- the most creatively and
commercially successful, critically acclaimed, and influential band
in the history of popular music," stated Paul DeGooyer, MTV's Senior
Vice President of Electronic Games & Music.

"By presenting their music and artistry through the creative
filter of a groundbreaking video game, we are giving legions of fans
and music lovers all over the world a profound, new way to experience
The Beatles," said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and Co-Founder, Harmonix.
"This game will be a celebration of the Beatles undeniable legacy."

A replay of today's Apple Corps and MTV announcement will be
available beginning at 1:30pm ET through Tuesday, November 4. To
access the replay, dial +1-888-203-1112 (U.S.) or +1-719-457-0820
(International) and enter the passcode 7847158.

A satellite feed with art and video assets will be offered today
from 12:00pm - 12:30pm ET.

CIRCUIT PATH: ER 1515->AMV Gateway Via 05->Gateway UPLK
Satellite Space: Horizon 2 K/19
12140 Downlink Vertical
14440 Uplink Horizontal
For art and video assets, please visit http://www.mtvpress.com.

About Apple Corps Ltd.

Apple Corps Ltd. was founded by The Beatles in 1968 to look after
the group's own affairs. The London-based company has administered
the catalogue of The Beatles releases of the 1960s that have sold to
date more than 600 million records, tapes and CDs. Since the 1990s
Apple has piloted new Beatles projects that have become benchmarks
for pioneering accomplishment and which have included The Beatles
Anthology projects, the 28 million-selling album The Beatles 1 and
the The Beatles LOVE show and CD. Further information on The Beatles'
projects can be found at www.thebeatles.com.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of
the world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands
that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online,
mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company's
portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital
media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo,
Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames,
Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, GameTrailers and
Xfire.

About MTV Games

MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing
high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to
the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks
brands.

About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc

Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and
established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking
music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and
Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for
non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making
music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more
information please visit: www.harmonixmusic.com .

(c) 2008 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Harmonix, Rock Band, Rock Band 2 and all related titles and logos are
trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., an MTV Networks company.
Rock Band and Rock Band 2 developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
MTV: Music Television, MTV Games and all related titles and logos are
trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc
All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Web Site: http://www.harmonixmusic.com
http://www.mtv.com
http://www.mtvpress.com
http://www.thebeatles.com

ots Originaltext: MTV
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
For MTV Games / Harmonix - U.S. Media: Jeff Castaneda,
+1-212-846-6774, jeff.castaneda@mtvstaff.com, or Mariana Agathoklis,
+1-212-846-5755, mariana.agathoklis@mtvstaff.com; For Apple Corps
Ltd. - U.S. Media: Shore Fire Media: Matt Hanks, +1-718-522-7171,
mhanks@shorefire.com, or Brendan Gilmartin, +1-718-522-7171,
bgilmartin@shorefire.com; For Apple Corps Ltd. - UK / International
Media: MBC PR - Moira Bellas, +44-(0)207-483-9213, moira@mbcpr.com,
or Barbara Charone, +44-(0)207-483-9268, bc@mbcpr.com