A rebooted incarnation of RedOctane Games, known for developing the initial Guitar Hero title, has released an initial preview video for its upcoming rhythm-based title, Stage Tour. The original iteration of the studio ceased operations under Activision in 2010 but has been revived recently by Embracer Freemode to launch a fresh series of music experiences this August 2025.
According to the developers at RedOctane, Stage Tour allows for individual play or group performances simulating a band setup. It accommodates control via keyboard and mouse in addition to traditional peripherals like guitar controllers, drum kits, and microphones. The team intends to distribute the title mainly through digital channels, though they aim to offer a package including a guitar peripheral and access code, as it aligns naturally with the genre's heritage. For post-launch maintenance, the approach draws inspiration from Fortnite's ongoing enhancements by Epic, moving beyond simple track additions. RedOctane states that they envision frequent themed events creating meaningful experiences, complete with substantial updates to refine and grow the game in collaboration with its community.
In 2006, RedOctane partnered with Harmonix to produce the debut Guitar Hero entry; soon after, Activision bought out RedOctane to sustain the series, while Harmonix pivoted to developing the Rock Band lineup. Stage Tour's production is spearheaded by RedOctane, with assistance from Eidos Montréal on motion-capture technology and quality assurance, plus contributions from Third Kind Games in broader development efforts. Notably, the parent company Embracer Freemode also controls CRKD, a specialist in gaming peripherals with prior work on rhythm-game hardware.
Registration for an early alpha version of Stage Tour will commence shortly, with the developers scheduling initial restricted testing for late spring or early summer. Although the heyday of titles such as Guitar Hero has passed, the rhythm-game category persists through fan-made projects like Clone Hero and licensed modes in games including Fortnite Festival. Stage Tour stands poised to emerge as a compelling additional choice upon its release sometime in 2025.