Activision killing off Guitar Hero

[murph]

YAY! Rock Band wins! Although with both latest games sales...i'm not exactly sure what the prize is

ACTI investor conference call this afternoon. We should hear more.


Activision kills Guitar Hero News - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ls-guitar-hero

Activision has hit DJ Hero developer Freestyle Games with severe layoffs and axed the Guitar Hero series, Eurogamer understands.

United Front's open world game True Crime has been cancelled, sources have told Eurogamer.

An announcement is expected tonight ahead of the publication of Activision's financial results.

In December last year Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg said Guitar Hero, and the music genre, had a future following dismal sales of Warriors of Rock.

"It's no secret that not just Guitar Hero, but also Rock Band, and the music category in general, do not have the same mass appeal today that they did a few years ago," he said.

"That said, I think that we would be foolish to not try and build on the strength of the Guitar Hero brand, because as you said, it's a pretty strong brand with great recognition and great likeability, and there's a lot to work with there.

"I think the road to rejuvenating that category goes through innovation," he continued. "The premise of Guitar Hero - that everyone has an inner rock star - it's something that we've all done forever. Some version of singing into a hairbrush, or holding a tennis racket like a guitar, or singing karaoke, or singing into the bathroom mirror - we all do that.

"I think a lot of video game genres that have had tremendous staying power have a fantasy-fulfillment element at their core, whether it's driving the fast car, or participating in professional sports, or going into battle. People don't get to do this in everyday lives.

"So I think the core premise and the core insight at the heart of the Guitar Hero franchise is still very relevant. I just think we need to escalate the experience for people and innovate. I think the genre is still fairly new, and so I think it's probably time for us to really look at what the next level looks like for that genre."

The publisher had confirmed the return of the franchise in 2011.

Eurogamer's calls to UK developer Freestyle Games went unanswered this evening. United Front Games had not responded to Eurogamer's request for comment at the time of publication.

Eurogamer has contacted Activision for comment.

[Rockox]

This is not good news. A little competition is good for everyone.

[Malacandra]

This is not good news. A little competition is good for everyone.

In many cases, I'd agree. The exception is when you're dealing with craftsmen and innovators, who are driven by their own high standards. I'd consider Harmonix an example of both.

[Jglaubman]

Where in the article did it say the series was done? It actually says there is a confirmed GH game in 2011... or did I misread it?

[princessjessa13]

Where in the article did it say the series was done? It actually says there is a confirmed GH game in 2011... or did I misread it?

yeah, I was wondering the same thing :S

[whofan]

yeah, I was wondering the same thing :S

This little quote right at the beginning of the article:
Activision has hit DJ Hero developer Freestyle Games with severe layoffs and axed the Guitar Hero series, Eurogamer understands

And the reference to the 2011 entry was "HAD", as in the past tense.

[lvmathemagician]

Where in the article did it say the series was done? It actually says there is a confirmed GH game in 2011... or did I misread it?

I believe the first sentence claims that Guitar Hero has been axed. I like the pun.

[princessjessa13]

Yeah, I read the first sentence, and was like "Oh, ok!" but then the rest of the article confused me >_<

[dog037]

Personally, I believe Guitar Hero will soldier on, releasing a new game each year that only the die hard fans will buy.

[HeyRiles]

Sounds about right

Rest in peace, Guitar Hero. Thank you for the third iteration with Slash and all them, it got me into rhythm gaming in the first place

Competition does not concern me. Madden NFL makes an excellent game year in and year out despite having no real competition