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It has been 20 years since the legendary game first launched across the Atlantic, giving players everywhere the opportunity to become rock legends. Figuratively speaking, but try convincing someone who has nailed the epic lengthy guitar solo in front of a packed crowd of friends.

Created by Harmonix, the game provided users with a guitar-shaped controller to follow coloured notes moving along the display synchronized to a song. Every sequence mimicked specific notes, producing the feel of an authentic performance.

The studio had already tried its hand with rhythm games prior to teaming up with RedOctane, later acquired by Activision in 2006. Together, they laid the groundwork for a surprising massively profitable franchise which made a significant influence on numerous musicians included, introducing classic bands to a new generation of younger players.

Michael Dornbrook, former COO from the developer, recalls the initial financial challenges in securing the songs – even though initial releases primarily featured rerecorded tracks.

“We reproduced every song because the cost prohibitive,” he explains. “Despite having the necessary permissions by themselves, it was extremely difficult. We couldn’t get bands like legendary groups – the publisher had virtually no money, and our team was fairly certain the project would flop. But once the game became a hit, and record sales and radio play were going up, all artists desired to participate.”

He adds: “Among the amazing things was how many parents reached out expressing gratitude for introducing their children to the music they loved. It evolved into an intergenerational phenomenon.”

Timeless Music Gains Younger Fans

Irish blues-rock band one featured act had Never Too Late on the 2008 game Guitar Hero World Tour. Guitarist the artist recalls how the series brought classic rock back into vogue: “The game offered a bigger, younger audience. Generally such music was considered outdated material, but then when it was included in the title young people were finding it, abruptly it was cool. This validated it, eliminating the outdated tag. It provided our catalog a new life.”

At that time, the band's first record was still unreleased in the US, meaning the game was a key medium of discovery for the group during their a North American tour opening for AC/DC. “Their crew had on Never Too Late during travel, and some of them recognized us thanks to the game,” he notes.

Rock’s Heavyweight Spin-offs and Lasting Influence

Rock’s heavyweight names quickly capitalised on the game's success, including bands like Aerosmith, Metallica and Van Halen starring in dedicated game editions centered around their music collections and associated stories, imagery and legendary status. In the case of, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, reportedly earned the band more money than any of their studio albums. It sold more than half a million copies in its first week, while demand for Aerosmith’s music saw an increase significantly at a time when the music business was already collapsing.

The series continues to inspire nimble-fingered dedication among its fans. Earlier this year, an online personality completed a remarkable feat of DragonForce’s the challenging track – a notoriously difficult power-metal song made popular by the game – on Clone Hero, a freeware game with similar gameplay but an array of personalization features. The song is difficult enough on the hardest setting, not to mention played at increased tempo while hitting a single one of its near 4,000 notes. They claimed requiring nine months to accomplish.

“Guitar Hero offers a, imaginary experience. If you play Call of Duty, it doesn't imply you ought to pick up a real gun and enlist,” notes DragonForce guitarist Herman Li.

DragonForce had already completed a successful tour before their hit was featured on Guitar Hero III, yet he explains it turned them into a household name. “I recall our distributors calling to tell me that our selling albums like crazy,” he shares. “Popularity surged when we next toured, and we performed right ahead of the headliners at the event.”

In fact, DragonForce’s exposure from Guitar Hero was so immense that it threatened to eclipsing all other accomplishments. Recently, the track was used in a trailer for a major film. “In the past I felt differently, but now I accept it,” Li says. “Should you just listen to one DragonForce song, it’s totally cool – everyone’s got their own musical journey and I'm pleased we played a role in fans' experiences”.

Enduring Legacy of a Plastic Guitar

Top-tier marketing, be it for cars, apparel or video games, extends beyond mere transactions – it inspires a longing. Did Guitar Hero harness this? “Precisely what our team trying to create,” he confirms. “That thrill of being a rock star on the stage. From day one, the creators believed humans have a natural human desire to create songs, and they wanted to leverage innovation to allow people to participate”.

The majority installments came out in just a five-year period from 2005 to 2010, including derivative titles such as DJ Hero, including a spinning deck, and Band Hero. Subsequently, corporate focus in plastic instruments waned, aside from a brief comeback in 2015.

Games such as the fan project and Fortnite Festival have kept the scene active, and there’s set to be a new product from the founders on the way. A new studio has begun work on their first music game. Original co-founders are both involved in advisory roles. Is the world ready to embrace another game in the spirit of the classic?

“Our team believed such titles could be similar to sports games allowing annual update every year,” Dornbrook says. “With abundant fresh tracks it could remain evergreen, so I’ve always been optimistic. There’s no reason why it can’t continue with new generations.”