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It has been 20 years after Guitar Hero debuted in North America, providing players everywhere the means to become a rock star. Not in reality, though you'd be hard-pressed convincing anyone who has nailed Free Bird’s four-minute instrumental break before a packed living-room audience.

Developed by Harmonix, the game provided users with a guitar-shaped controller to follow on-screen cues scrolling down the display in time with the music. Each riff mimicked particular chords, producing the sensation of an authentic live show.

Harmonix previously experimented in the music genre prior to teaming up with RedOctane, later acquired by Activision during the mid-2000s. Collaboratively, they laid the groundwork for an unlikely billion-dollar series which made a significant impact for many musicians included, introducing decades-old bands to millions of younger players.

Michael Dornbrook, former COO from the developer, remembers the early financial challenges in securing the songs – even though the first two games primarily featured rerecorded tracks.

“We rerecorded every song because the dollar figure was so high,” he explains. “Even with the necessary permissions by themselves, it was extremely difficult. We failed to secure bands like legendary groups – RedOctane was operating on a shoestring budget, and we were pretty convinced it would fail. But once the game took off, and record sales airtime increased, all artists desired to participate.”

He continues: “One of the remarkable aspects was how many mothers and fathers got in touch expressing gratitude for introducing their children to the songs they loved. It became an intergenerational phenomenon.”

Timeless Music Gains Younger Fans

Irish blues-rock band one featured act included Never Too Late in the 2008 release the popular installment. Lead musician Paul Mahon recalls how the series brought older hits to the forefront: “Guitar Hero provided a larger, younger audience. Typically such music was considered music that was past it, but then when it was included in the title and teenagers were finding it, abruptly it was cool. This validated the genre, eliminating the outdated tag. It gave our catalog a new life.”

In 2008, the Answer’s debut album remained not available in the US, so the game served as a primary platform of discovery for the group during their a North American tour opening for AC/DC. “The roadies had on the song during travel, and several knew us from Guitar Hero,” Mahon says.

Rock’s Heavyweight Titles and Lasting Influence

Rock’s biggest acts quickly took advantage of the series’ popularity, with Aerosmith, Metallica and others featuring in specialized spin-off titles centered around their music collections and related stories, visuals and rock’n’roll mythology. In the case of, the Aerosmith edition, reportedly to have made the group more money than any of their records. It sold well over half a million units in its first week, while sales of Aerosmith’s music rose of up to 40% at a time when the music business faced decline.

The series still motivates nimble-fingered fanaticism among its fans. Recently, an online personality completed a remarkable feat of DragonForce’s Through the Fire and Flames – a notoriously difficult anthem popularized through the game – on Clone Hero, a no-cost alternative with almost identical mechanics but an array of customisation options. The song is difficult even in the hardest setting, not to mention played at increased tempo while hitting a single one of the thousands of cues. The streamer stated it took months of practice to accomplish.

“The game is a fun, fantasy thing. Just as with Call of Duty, it doesn't imply you should pick up actual weapons and go to war,” notes DragonForce guitarist the artist.

DragonForce previously wrapped up a profitable run when their hit appeared on Guitar Hero III, but Li says it turned them into a household name. “I remember the record label calling to tell me that we were records were moving rapidly,” he says. “It exploded on the subsequent tour, and we performed just before the headliners at the event.”

Indeed, DragonForce’s exposure from Guitar Hero proved so vast that it risked overshadow all other accomplishments. Last year, the track featured in promotional material for a major film. “Previously I felt differently, but now I accept it,” he admits. “If you only listen to a single track, that's fine – each person has their own musical journey and I'm pleased we’ve been part of people’s lives”.

Enduring Legacy of a Iconic Controller

The best promotion, whether it’s for cars, apparel or games, extends beyond mere transactions – it inspires a desire. Was the game able to harness this? “Precisely what our team aiming to achieve,” he confirms. “That thrill of performing as a rock star on the stage. Since the beginning, the co-founders believed there’s an instinctive urge to make music, and their goal was to use technology to enable everyone to do it”.

Most installments came out in just a half-decade between 2005 and 2010, including spin-offs such as DJ Hero, complete with a turntable controller, and the band-focused game. After that, the publisher’s interest in plastic instruments died down, except for a brief comeback in 2015.

Games like the fan project and Fortnite Festival have maintained the scene 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. The initial creators are participating as special advisers. Is the world prepared to welcome another game following the classic?

“Our team believed such titles could be similar to sports games where you can releases,” he remarks. “With abundant new music it could remain evergreen, thus I remain optimistic. It's entirely possible why it can’t continue with new generations.”