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It has been two decades after Guitar Hero debuted across the Atlantic, providing players everywhere the tools to feel like a rock star. Not in reality, though you'd be hard-pressed telling that someone who's nailed Free Bird’s lengthy guitar solo in front of an enthusiastic crowd of friends.

Developed by the developers, the game gave players a guitar-shaped controller to match coloured notes moving along the screen synchronized to the music. Every sequence mimicked specific notes, creating the feel of a genuine performance.

The studio had already experimented with rhythm games prior to teaming up with RedOctane, later purchased by Activision during the mid-2000s. Together, they established the foundations for an unlikely billion-dollar series which made a significant impact for many of the artists included, showcasing decades-old groups to millions of younger players.

A former executive, former COO from the developer, recalls the early financial challenges of licensing the recordings – despite the fact the first two games primarily featured cover versions.

“We rerecorded all the music since the cost prohibitive,” he explains. “Even with the publishing rights by themselves, it was extremely difficult. We failed to secure bands like legendary groups – the publisher had virtually no money, and we were pretty convinced the project would flop. But once the game became a hit, album purchases and radio play increased, all artists desired to participate.”

He adds: “Among the amazing things was the number of mothers and fathers got in touch expressing gratitude for exposing their kids to the music they loved. It evolved into an intergenerational thing.”

Timeless Music Gains Younger Fans

Northern Irish blues-rock band one featured act included their track in the 2008 release the popular installment. Guitarist Paul Mahon remembers the way the game brought older hits to the forefront: “Guitar Hero provided a larger, younger audience. Generally this had been seen as outdated material, however when it was featured on the game young people discovered it, abruptly it was cool. That legitimised the genre, and got rid of the outdated tag. It gave all our music renewed popularity.”

At that time, the band's first record remained not available stateside, meaning Guitar Hero served as a primary platform for exposure for the band during their US tour opening for AC/DC. “The roadies were playing the song during travel, and some of them recognized us from Guitar Hero,” he notes.

Major Band Titles Enduring Influence

Rock’s biggest acts soon capitalised on the series’ popularity, with Aerosmith, Metallica and Van Halen featuring in specialized game editions that focused on each band’s catalogue and associated stories, imagery and legendary status. For example, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, it was said to have made the band greater revenue compared to their studio albums. It sold well over half a million copies upon release, while demand for their songs saw an increase of up to 40% during an era as the industry faced decline.

Guitar Hero still motivates quick-handed dedication within the community. Recently, an online personality achieved an impressive attempt of DragonForce’s Through the Fire and Flames – an infamously tough power-metal song popularized through the game – on Clone Hero, a freeware game with almost identical mechanics and extensive customisation options. This track is challenging enough on the hardest setting, let alone played at increased tempo while hitting every one of the thousands of cues. They stated requiring nine months of practice.

“The game is a fun, fantasy thing. Just as with other games, it doesn't imply you should use a real gun and enlist,” says DragonForce guitarist the artist.

DragonForce previously completed a successful tour when their hit was featured in the third game, but Li says it made them a household name. “I recall our distributors calling to tell me that our selling albums like crazy,” he shares. “Popularity surged on the subsequent tour, and we performed right ahead of top acts on the Mayhem festival.”

Indeed, the band's visibility via the game was so immense that it has risked overshadow everything else accomplishments. Last year, the song featured in a trailer for a major film. “In the past I thought differently, but now I accept it,” he admits. “Should you just listen to one DragonForce song, it’s totally cool – each person has their own path in music and I’m glad we’ve been part in fans' experiences”.

Enduring Legacy from the Plastic Guitar

The best marketing, whether it’s for automobiles, clothes or video games, goes further mere transactions – it evokes a longing. Did Guitar Hero harness this? “Precisely what we were aiming to achieve,” he confirms. “The excitement of being a rock star on the stage. Since the beginning, the creators felt that humans have a natural human desire to create songs, and their goal was to use technology to enable everyone to participate”.

Most of Guitar Hero games came out over a mere five-year period from 2005 to 2010, including spin-offs such as the DJ version, including a spinning deck, and the band-focused game. Subsequently, the publisher’s interest in plastic instruments died down, aside from a short-lived revival several years later.

Games like the fan project and Fortnite Festival have maintained the community active, and there’s set to be a new product from the original publisher in development. A new studio has begun production on their first music game. The initial creators are both involved as special advisers. Is the world prepared to welcome another game following Guitar Hero?

“We thought such titles might become like Madden where you can releases,” Dornbrook says. “There’s so much new music it could remain evergreen, thus I remain hopeful. There’s no reason for it to continue with new generations.”