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Guitar Hero Is Dead, Activision Discontinues Brand

posted Feb 10, 2011 at 11:10 AM by zMETALlica.  (52 Comments)

Video game publisher Activision has announced the discontinuation of the Guitar Hero series due to declining sales. The series started in 2005 and generated billions of dollars in sales, paving the way for other popular music franchises such as Rock Band and dozens of spin-offs for PCs and mobile devices.

According to MSNBC.com Activision made the decision, "due to continued declines in the music genre, the company will disband Activision Publishing's 'Guitar Hero' business unit and discontinue development on its 'Guitar Hero' game for 2011... These decisions are based on the desire to focus on the greatest opportunities that the company currently has to create the world's best interactive entertainment experiences."

Source: MSNBC.com

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52 Comments on "Guitar Hero Is Officially Dead"

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Anonymous Reader
1. wrathchild writes:

about f***ing time

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 11:57 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Rance_Metal_Head's avatar

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2. Rance_Metal_Head writes:

rock band ftw

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 12:27 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
3. ZMA writes:

Yea I liked Rock Band way better then Guitar Hero. But both games are still retarded. Why don't we play actual instruments. Although I have to say that certain drum kits for Rock Band and GH really do wonders for starting off drumming.
I work in a music shop and kids come in all the time wanting to play drums and get lessons but the only drums they've played are the RB stuff. And when they start learning they already know how to keep good time and have decent chops.
So it didn't do all bad. It's definitely had it's run though.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 12:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
4. Speedkiller writes:

Rock band died a few weeks before this happened btw....

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 12:49 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

Member

5. BrianMN writes:

Can someone PLEASE just invent a game where I can plug my real guitar into my Nintendo Will and play along with any CD???
You know, show the tabs and everything right on the tv?
Guitar Pro is ok but a game would be a lot more fun.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 1:20 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
deathbringer's avatar

Founder, owner & programmer

6. deathbringer writes:

That would be cool, but sadly the market would be far too limited for the investment to make such a game. The pool of musically untalented is much larger than those who can actually play an instrument.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 1:47 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

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7. BrianMN writes:

There is something called V1 openchord...anyone use it?
Is sounds cool and it's not that expensive.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 2:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
8. dmasa writes:

good

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 2:06 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
9. bradddd writes:

Will there still be DLC coming out??

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 2:14 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
10. Austin writes:

No more Guitar Hero? WTF?

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 2:17 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
spiral_architect's avatar

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11. spiral_architect writes:

i always thought it was silly to walk through the local best buy store and see kids playing guitar hero like it was something actually heroic. on the other hand, i guess it was good, clean fun.

now listening to: soundgarden "telephantasm"

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 2:29 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
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12. btbamfav20 writes:

Holy f***, Thank you ZMA! My friend jon rocks every single metal song on rock band drums better than i've seen anyone do it! He jumped on my brothers drumkit one day and i showed him the basic double kick, Snare, high-hat, and tom similarities to the rock band kit. He picked it up INSTANTLY, playing from basic beats to full double-kick, symbol smashing cannibal corpse type drumming in 5 minutes!
Yet he won't buy a kit... I've been hounding him for years about it, but he wont get one... has lots of money, can do it *snap* like that, but just wont.
Its the perfect pre-instrument game for drummers, and it helps get your finger strength up for shredding and rhythm sections, so this game has been a great help to the music scene.

NP: Shades Of War - Testament

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 2:33 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
13. ZMA writes:

Good sh*t btbamfav20. That's the kinda stuff that GH and RB helped with. I think it helps drummers a lot more then it helps guitarists but after playing Painkiller by Judas Priest or Sulfur by Slipknot a few times you can definitely build stamina and finger strength like you said. At least my arms were killin' me.
Your friend should buy a f*ckin' kit.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 3:43 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
MetalFan420's avatar

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14. MetalFan420 writes:

Well i was a big fan of GH2 and warriors of rock but activision milked it for every dollar and produced too many titles full of extra crap that was not needed. i know everyone that plays a real instrument think GH is sh** but GH has introduced so many young kids to metal bands and possibly saved them from becoming fans of Bieber or Jonas bros !

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 4:56 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
BrianMN's avatar

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15. BrianMN writes:

I disagree, I thought GH Metallica was a blast.
I just felt guilty for not using my actual guitar and longed for it during game play...

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 5:05 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
livingDeaDbeat00's avatar

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16. livingDeaDbeat00 writes:

Poor Dragonforce. There goes the meal ticket.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 5:20 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
thrasherlegend's avatar

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17. thrasherlegend writes:

doesn't suprise me they've been groveling over the decline in music game genre sales since guitar hero: world tour

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 5:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
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18. thegoosegoblin writes:

Finally! Once again people will use their Wiis to play Mario and their guitars to play Megadeth.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 6:03 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
n0thinghead's avatar

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19. n0thinghead writes:

LMAO!!! @ LDB

but this kinda sux. as much as i love the tracks on RB, the gameplay is just sofa king retarded and targeted to musical idiots. GH's gameplay FTW, but in the end, it was an epic fail

i'll still play my GH when i have friends over that would wanna just eat sh** playing mediocre songs.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 6:09 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
livingDeaDbeat00's avatar

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20. livingDeaDbeat00 writes:

I feel bad for the guys who are used to getting a ton of chicks from putting up youtube videos of their guitar heroics. Maybe now you can impress the ladies with your furious kill/death ratio on Call of Duty.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 6:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
thegoosegoblin's avatar

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21. thegoosegoblin writes:

lol@20

I really don't think this should surprise anybody. These home rhythm-based games just exploded overnight a couple of years ago, and like all super-fads it was destined to peak quickly and then die shortly afterward. Same sh** happens in movies, music, and even books...I think Activision is really pushing "pop" gaming with their ultra popular GH and COD franchises, the latter of which I'm predicting will be following GH into the grave before too long. Good riddance.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 7:01 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Metal_loving_asshole's avatar

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22. Metal_loving_asshole writes:

Mixed feelings about this.

I've mostly grown out of playing Guitar Hero (I only had five titles but have often played on other versions). And whenever I've been shopping (on very rare occasion) or shopping for games (on an even rarer occasion) I never think about buying a new GH anymore. I used to want to play more of it, but now I've kinda lost the urge for it (but never for music). Ok, once in a while (if I'm in a "games" mood) I might play on the Aerosmith version or Legends of Rock, but I often feel a tad too "old" playing the game. Even with friends. Many say that it is unrealistic and is not like playing an actual guitar, which aside from minor similarities is true. More to the point there has always been a certain "poser" image surrounding the game, which kind of ruined it for most people, including me. For example, the annoying kid who knows sh** all about music would suddenly say he's Metallica's biggest fan just because he's mastered "One" on beginner. :-/

On the plus side, I'm pleased that GH made an impact on many young kids deprived of actual music. For example a kid who grows up with parents, relatives or friends who never listened to music (or at least real music) but plays games - Buys a copy of GH - Gets hooked on say, Black Sabbath - would probably become a fan on rock and metal music and check out other bands - A positive outcome for the game. I know GH hasn't been the main "revival" (if that's what some people call it) of the popularity of certain musicians and bands, or the impact on most of today’s music-loving youth, but it has helped. Definitely one of the more entertaining musical games out there.

Several people say Rock Band is better, haven't really played that yet, though.

Besides I'm not as big on games today as I used to be (especially newer games).

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 7:02 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Cynic's avatar

Senior Reviewer

23. Cynic writes:

Did you just say "I only had five titles"? Lol.

# Feb 10, 2011 @ 7:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
24. awesome truly awesome writes:

YAAAYYY!!! fVCK GUITAR HERO, now rock band needs to die. play some real instruments. even if you suck you atleast have integrity.

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 1:07 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
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25. Caveman1 writes:

post 24- go f*** yourself. Its a game you dont lose integrity playing a game.

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 1:48 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Jackrum's avatar

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26. Jackrum writes:

does this mean Axl Rose wins his lawsuit by default??

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 3:13 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
TheIronMan's avatar

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27. TheIronMan writes:

It means society wins.

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 6:12 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
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28. Metal_loving_asshole writes:

@Cynic: Lol yeah, now it's just two!

They were:

GH
GH2
GH3: Legends of Rock
GH: Aerosmith
GH: Smash Hits

Seemed like a tiny amount compared to the ones my hardcore gamer schoolfriends had. One of the other reasons why I'm somewhat pleased to see it go.

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 8:44 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
n0thinghead's avatar

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29. n0thinghead writes:

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!! @ cynic and MLA, also TIM @ #27

LDB: my k/d ratio's pretty awesome ;)

on a side note-i think cod should have a seperate or subset of k/d ratios solely on virgins (virgins killed/death by virgins).

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 9:14 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
kpura33's avatar

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30. kpura33 writes:

so....many...plastic...instruments...don't...know...what to...do...with...them...now *weeps* -_-

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 10:59 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
mikey808's avatar

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31. mikey808 writes:

About time! lol. i will say it was pretty helpful for drummers who were just starting out.

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 11:05 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
32. b.bristowe writes:

Gaise, cod is rl.

# Feb 11, 2011 @ 4:35 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
tallica_fan's avatar

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33. tallica_fan writes:

hahaha nothinghead, virgins killed by virgins i like it.

this is a massive relief, some people have talked about how playing rock band got people's chops up for real drumming..but i think the same amount of practice on an actual kit would be more worthwhile as far as getting your technique up to scratch. the only good thing about GH was the opportunity for south park to crack me up with their parody. (id say the same about world of warcraft)

basically i hate GH coz i suck at it ill stick to real guitar i think :p

# Feb 12, 2011 @ 5:11 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
TheIronMan's avatar

Member

34. TheIronMan writes:

^Kits are expensive, loud and take up sh** loads of room. The GH kit could be placed on a table top and kept in a cupboard. Also, it makes you sound much better than you are.

I'm using to start playing drums :P

# Feb 12, 2011 @ 9:21 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
35. GuitarQueerO writes:

That's true, for a guitar it was $50... Glad to see them off the video games and maybe it'll inspire people that it's time to pick up an instrument.

# Feb 12, 2011 @ 4:10 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
n0thinghead's avatar

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36. n0thinghead writes:

tallica and TIM: yeah dudes, but as much as i'd rather play my beautiful drumset (mapex m-series 5-piece [with a hazed orange finish] w/ double bass pedal, extra splash and crash/ride, AND a fvckin' cowbell!!), it's just rlly loud and so when i get the jitters to play, i just play some GH on the plasty (lol), IF i EVER even have time cuz of work, skool, and gf, since GH's gameplay is ACTUALLY realistic UNLIKE rockband.

# Feb 12, 2011 @ 7:18 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
37. greyback writes:

I'd rather play a real guitar anyway.

# Feb 12, 2011 @ 9:32 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
tallica_fan's avatar

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38. tallica_fan writes:

haha yeh but electric drumkits arent too much of a hassle and they can sound half decent, im more pokin sh** at the dudes who play they plastic guitars really but yeh like i said i dont play it coz i suck at it, forever tryin to instinctively reach for higher frets that dont exist..and if its a song i know how to play on a real guitar im ratsh** on GH :p

NH you can NEVER have enough cowbell!!

# Feb 13, 2011 @ 7:30 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
btbamfav20's avatar

Member

39. btbamfav20 writes:

Exactly Greyback, thats what i always say when people "beat" me on guitar hero. i just throw back that i play REAL guitar, not this fake sh** loool. they usually dont like that :P

NP: Born Headless - Cryptopsy

# Feb 13, 2011 @ 3:05 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
n0thinghead's avatar

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40. n0thinghead writes:

tallica: i've got a fever and the doctor tells me that the only prescription is more cowbel.

# Feb 13, 2011 @ 5:44 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Valentine_no_more's avatar

Supporter

41. Valentine_no_more writes:

fine. its rock band time.

# Feb 13, 2011 @ 10:05 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Triforce's avatar

Member

42. Triforce writes:

About time, maybe the Guitar Hero faithful will pick up a real axe now?

# Feb 13, 2011 @ 11:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
tallica_fan's avatar

Member

43. tallica_fan writes:

haha NH when i met marty friedman at a guitar clinic i had my 'more cowbell' tshirt on and he loved it, was talking to me about that sketch for ages when i was grabbin his autograph lol.

# Feb 14, 2011 @ 1:08 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
n0thinghead's avatar

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44. n0thinghead writes:

LMFAO!!!! awesome!!

# Feb 14, 2011 @ 11:35 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Valentine_no_more's avatar

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45. Valentine_no_more writes:

Rock band!

# Feb 14, 2011 @ 4:47 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
46. ahhhh writes:

Activison shouldn't be trusted......Alot of people lost their jobs because the idiots had a hench long haired metalhead playing songs from coldplay and paramore......song selection was the downfall.....Also the popularity of Call of duty played it's part,that to will fizzle out!

# Feb 15, 2011 @ 3:49 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
toxic.clown's avatar

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47. toxic.clown writes:

about damn time im am tierd of people thinking that there are cool because thay can press buttens on a fake pice of junk

# Feb 17, 2011 @ 2:30 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
GORECUNT's avatar

Member

48. GORECUNT writes:

I was getting sick of douchebags on little plastic guitar controllers talking to me like they're the sh** just because they were good at a fake guitar. I was at a friend's place at some party, this fa**ot starts talking to the girls there like "Oh, my hands are so cramped from playing" And there I was, a real [damn good] guitarist, looking at him like "Who the f*** are you?"

If there was a real guitar and amp available, I'd listen for whatever song they'd pick on the game and then [actually] play the song alongside them. It was fun pissing them off.

Besides, the game doesn't even help with actual guitar work. The few times I'd play it, I'd always end up trying to do chords and move my hand on the neck where the chords are actually supposed to be because its f***ing second nature to me. I will not miss this game, or its douchebag fanbase.

# Feb 20, 2011 @ 6:22 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Valentine_no_more's avatar

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49. Valentine_no_more writes:

ROCKBAND!

# Feb 20, 2011 @ 5:28 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader
50. LoganCan writes:

i think that guitar hero should have quit there game making a long time ago becouse they never even had good songs on it and i swear that the "notes" would lag and they do not even go fast enough compared to a real guitar. i own a LTD ESP alexi laiho 600 and im pretty good at it and guitar hero doesnt help at all

# Feb 22, 2011 @ 3:42 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
hellrat's avatar

Member

51. hellrat writes:

Guitard Hero ist tot? WAS???? Was ist loss?? wo ist mein Guitard Hero??? alles toten? NEIN!!! ich BRAUCHE mein Guitard Hero!!!

GH----where every Tard's a Hero....na?

ach so....kein mehr spass fur uns G-Tarderen, ohne unser GuiTARD Hero....schade :(

# Feb 22, 2011 @ 4:20 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
n0thinghead's avatar

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52. n0thinghead writes:

rat's drunk cmting again.

# Feb 24, 2011 @ 9:17 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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