Just yesterday, we received word from Harmonix that Activision was preventing Sony from releasing a software patch for the PlayStation 3 version of Rock Band, to resolve a compatibility issue with third-party peripherals such as Activision’s Guitar Hero III controller.

This is not the case at all, according to Activision:

The recent announcement by MTV Games/Viacom’s Harmonix division that Activision is blocking Sony from releasing a patch and their plea to enable Rock Band software to work with Guitar Hero hardware paints a very misleading picture.

In fact, Harmonix and its parent company MTV Games/Viacom recently declined Activision’s offer to reach an agreement that would allow the use of Guitar Hero guitar controllers with Rock Band. We have been and remain open to discussions with Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom about the use of our technology in Rock Band. Unfortunately for Rock Band users, in this case Harmonix and MTV Games/Viacom are unwilling to discuss an agreement with Activision.

Activision’s top priority is to provide consumers with a seamless marriage of best-in-class hardware and software. We are focusing our efforts on innovating hardware and software that are designed to work together, work flawlessly and provide an enjoyable gaming experience.

So what exactly is going on here? Sounds like Activision demanded a license fee, and Harmonix refused to pay up.

Read more: Activision To Harmonix: Pay Up, Sucka, Activision Holds Up Rock Band Guitar Compatibility Patch, February NPD: PS3 Outsells Xbox 360, Nintendo Tops Charts, NPD October: Wii Takes Top Spot, Konami Sues MTV Parent Viacom Over Rock Band