RedOctane Games, a studio founded by veterans of the music rhythm game world, has officially launched. Focused “solely on advancing the [dormant] rhythm game genre,” the studio is headed by Simon Ebejer, who previously served as Production Director on several Guitar Hero titles, Studio Head at Vicarious Visions, as well as VP of Operations at Blizzard Entertainment, where he “played a pivotal role in the organization and delivery of Diablo IV.“
After months spent in pre-production, RedOctane’s debut rhythm-based game has now officially entered production. Although details remain scarce at this point in time, an official announcement is expected later this year.
RedOctane Games Studio to Develop Rhythm Titles
The team working on it is comprised of “creators and developers who helped create and scale Guitar Hero and DJ Hero” alongside developers and community leaders who have proven their mettle in the modern rhythm gaming space.
Furthermore, RedOctane Games is built with the community in mind, aiming to ensure “that players are part of the creative journey from day one.”
Brothers Charles and Kai Huang, the original founders of the Guitar Hero franchise, will also join a special advisory board for the company.
“Rhythm games are about more than just gameplay they’re about feel, flow, and connection to the music and to each other,” said Simon Ebejer, 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.”
Hearing the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero names rekindles fond memories in the minds of older gamers, as the two series not only allowed players to rock out or mix their favorite tunes using bespoke controllers, but likely convinced some to start learning actual instruments.
After enjoying high levels of popularity for several years, interest in the genre – or at least the approach Guitar and DJ Hero took to it – gradually waned, to the point where it now feels dormant.
Whether or not Redoctane Games can manage to both bring it back into the spotlight and evolve it in a manner that attracts and holds enough attention remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, chances are that at least some of the people who enjoyed their time with Guitar and DJ Hero are keeping their eyes peeled for the reveal of the studio’s debut title.
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