Hey, kids, remember back in 2005, when RedOctane teamed up with Harmonix to create Guitar Hero? It was a glorious launch for music/rhythm games, which thrived on the market for several years. Then the party was over, as both EA and Activision ended their support for their Rock Band and Guitar Hero brands. Alas, it may just live on again, as RedOctane Games is ready to rock on.
The studio announced its arrival earlier today, with its official website (where you can sign up for their newsletter!).
On it, it made the following statement:
“Welcome, a new era of rhythm gaming begins here. Founded by veterans, developers, and passionate players from across the rhythm gaming scene, our mission is simple: to bring rhythm gaming back with more power, more precision, and a deeper connection than ever before. We’re not just making games, we’re creating connected rhythm experiences that unite cutting-edge controllers, genre-defining titles, and a thriving community, all moving to the same beat. From day one, this is a journey we take together. The next great rhythm game is in the works. Let’s make history.”
Simon Ebejer heads up the studio, who served as Production Director on several Guitar Hero games. The team also includes other creators and developers who worked on that franchise, as well as the lost DJ Hero series. Charles and Kai Huang will also be part of the special advisory board, having previously worked on founding the release of Guitar Hero to begin with.
“Rhythm games are about more than just gameplay they’re about feel, flow, and connection to the music and to each other,” said Ebejer, who serves as Head of Studio. “RedOctane Games is our way of giving back to a genre that means so much to us, while pushing it forward in new and exciting directions.”
The studio hasn’t announced exactly what they’re working on just yet, although it is the next big rhythm game. We’ll have to see what it is in the months ahead.
In the meantime, though, rock on, dudes!
