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It has been 20 years since Guitar Hero debuted across the Atlantic, offering players everywhere the tools to become rock legends. Not in reality, but try convincing someone who has nailed the epic four-minute guitar solo before an enthusiastic crowd of friends.

Developed by the developers, Guitar Hero gave players a guitar-shaped controller to follow on-screen cues moving along the display synchronized to the music. Every sequence corresponded to particular chords, creating the sensation of a genuine live show.

Harmonix had already experimented with rhythm games before partnering with the publisher, later acquired by Activision in 2006. Collaboratively, they laid the groundwork for an unlikely billion-dollar franchise which made a significant influence for many of the artists included, showcasing decades-old groups to a new generation of gaming enthusiasts.

Michael Dornbrook, ex-chief operating officer from the developer, recalls the initial financial challenges of licensing the songs – even though the first two games mostly used cover versions.

“We reproduced every song because the cost prohibitive,” he explains. “Even with the necessary permissions alone, it proved extremely difficult. We failed to secure bands like the Who – the publisher had virtually no money, and our team was pretty convinced it would fail. But once the game became a hit, and record sales airtime increased, everyone wanted to participate.”

He continues: “Among the amazing things was how many mothers and fathers got in touch expressing gratitude for exposing their kids to the music they adored. It became a multigenerational thing.”

Timeless Music Finds Younger Fans

Irish group one featured act included Never Too Late in the 2008 release Guitar Hero World Tour. Guitarist the artist recalls the way the game revived classic rock back into vogue: “The game offered a larger, younger audience. Typically this had been considered music that was past it, however once it got featured on the game and teenagers discovered it, abruptly it was cool. This validated the genre, eliminating the outdated label. It provided all our music renewed popularity.”

In 2008, the Answer’s first record remained not available stateside, so Guitar Hero served as a primary platform of discovery for the group during their US tour supporting AC/DC. “Their crew were playing Never Too Late on the tour bus, and some of them recognized us thanks to the game,” he notes.

Major Band Titles Enduring Impact

Rock’s biggest acts quickly capitalised on the game's success, with Aerosmith, Metallica and Van Halen starring in dedicated spin-off titles that focused on each band’s catalogue and associated lore, imagery and rock’n’roll mythology. In the case of, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, it was said earned the band more money than any of their studio albums. It moved more than 500,000 units upon release, and sales of Aerosmith’s music saw an increase of up to 40% at a time when the music business was already collapsing.

Guitar Hero still motivates nimble-fingered dedication within the community. Earlier this year, a streamer achieved an impressive attempt of DragonForce’s Through the Fire and Flames – an infamously tough anthem made popular by Guitar Hero – on Clone Hero, a freeware game with almost identical gameplay but an array of personalization features. This track is difficult even in the hardest setting, let alone performed at double speed and without missing every one of the thousands of cues. The streamer stated requiring nine months of practice.

“The game is a fun, imaginary experience. If you play other games, it doesn't imply you should pick up a real gun and enlist,” notes DragonForce guitarist the artist.

DragonForce previously wrapped up a successful tour when Through the Fire and Flames was featured on Guitar Hero III, yet he explains it turned them into widely recognized. “I remember the record label informing us that we were selling albums rapidly,” he shares. “It exploded when we next toured, and we performed just before top acts at the event.”

In fact, the band's visibility via the game was so immense that it has risked eclipsing everything else the band has done. Recently, the track featured in promotional material for Despicable Me 4. “Previously I thought differently, but now I accept it,” he admits. “If you only listen to one DragonForce song, it’s totally cool – everyone’s got their own musical journey and I’m glad we’ve been part in fans' experiences”.

The Lasting Legacy from the Plastic Guitar

Top-tier promotion, be it for automobiles, clothes or video games, extends beyond mere transactions – it inspires a desire. Was the game able to harness this? “Precisely what our team aiming to achieve,” Dornbrook says. “The excitement of being a music icon on the stage. From day one, the creators believed there’s an instinctive urge to make music, and their goal was to leverage innovation to allow people to participate”.

The majority of Guitar Hero games were released in just a half-decade between 2005 and 2010, featuring derivative titles such as the DJ version, including a spinning deck, and Band Hero. Subsequently, corporate focus in plastic instruments died down, aside from a short-lived revival in 2015.

Titles like the fan project and Fortnite Festival have maintained the community alive, with set to be a new product from the founders on the way. Recently formed developers has entered production on their first music game. Original co-founders are both involved in advisory roles. Are gamers ready to embrace a new entry following the classic?

“Our team believed such titles might become like Madden where you can releases,” he remarks. “There’s so much fresh tracks that it could be evergreen, thus I remain hopeful. It's entirely possible for it to continue for future fans.”