It wasn't hard to read between the lines in the recent Guitar Hero 3 vs. Rock Band guitar compatibility issue.

Harmonix, the makers of Rock Band, blamed Activision for blocking a patch that would have made GH 3 guitars playable with Rock Band. Activision responded with a firm: "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 assumed "reach an agreement" meant "give us a lot of money." Turns out we were right. In today's Boston Globe, Activision spokeswoman Maryanne Lataif said, "Unfortunately for Rock Band users, Harmonix has been unwilling to discuss an agreement that will allow us to provide that option in a manner that maintains the high standards people have come to expect from Activision." She added: "We believe we should be compensated for the use of our technology," said Lataif.

No one rides for free.

Boston Globe.com: Standoff hits a sour chord with gamers