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RedOctane, the studio behind Guitar Hero, makes a comeback with its spiritual successor Stage Tour

Last August, it was announced that RedOctane, the studio behind the original Guitar Hero games, had returned under a new identity—RedOctane Games—reuniting veterans from the rhythm gaming industry.

The studio has now officially revealed Stage Tour, a new music game currently in development with a planned launch during the 2026 holiday season.

According to the developers, Stage Tour is conceived as a long-term platform developed alongside its community, with continuous updates and content additions planned post-launch.

The game will feature new instrument controllers while maintaining compatibility with standard gamepads and keyboards for players who prefer not to invest in specialized peripherals.

RedOctane Games also announced a multi-year collaboration with Gibson, which means instruments from Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer will appear in the game.

“Stage Tour represents our tribute to rhythm gaming,” said studio head Simon Ebejer. “We want it to feel genuine and recognizable, yet contemporary—leveraging current technology to connect players with their favorite music through a platform designed for continuous growth.

“With innovative instruments and sophisticated charting systems, we’re expanding what rhythm games can deliver while remaining welcoming to players seeking an enjoyable and approachable experience.”

Closed alpha testing is set to commence this summer, with seasoned rhythm gaming community members invited to contribute feedback throughout development.