When Guitar Hero debuted in 2005, it was to rave critical and commercial acclaim. It inadvertently spawned a video game series and, over the years, sold over 25 million units. Unfortunately, its popularity took a nosedive in 2009 and the series hasn’t recovered since despite an attempt at a comeback in 2015.
Now, almost a decade later, it appears Activision is considering launching the title again. According to an exclusive report by Windows Central, the company’s CEO Bobby Kotick had an all-hands meeting with staff earlier this week where he hinted that a reboot is under consideration.
During the meeting, Kotick expressed his thoughts on the benefits of being acquired by Microsoft. He said, “A big part of what I’ve seen in Microsoft is research. And they do development in areas that are extraordinary. And so being able to tap into their AI and machine learning capability, the data analytics, new ways of thinking about graphics — I just see unlimited potential for what we do.”
Kotick then used the above statement as a launching pad to hint at a Guitar Hero reboot. In his words, “We’re uniquely situated as a company because we have the very best franchises in all of video games. The re-emergence of Guitar Hero and other things would not be possible without the different types of resources. And so, you know, just the endless possibilities for the future that are just incredibly exciting.”
Unfortunately, Kotick didn’t provide further information on the title. He has been talking about a Guitar Hero revival for some time, though, which gives us the impression it is something of a passion project for him.
His first mention came in January 2022 when he admitted his interest in reviving retired video game series like Guitar Hero and Skylanders. Even then, he confessed this would only be possible if Microsoft succeeds with its planned acquisition of Activision.
Kotick also touched on the subject during an interview with Variety in June. He said that the advent of AI and other modern technologies will be useful in the development of a new and very exciting Guitar Hero game. He didn’t say more but he shared that they have ideas on how to go about it, including new elements they would add to the game.
With the Microsoft – Activision Blizzard acquisition saga close to an end, a Guitar Hero return might be closer than ever. However, it is hardly set in stone. For all we know, Kotick’s words only reflect his own thoughts on the topic, which Microsoft can very well choose to discard.
If it turns out that Microsoft holds the same view, fans of the series will definitely heave a collective sigh of relief for its return. We don’t advise you to hold your breath, though – at least, not until the deal is completed.
