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It has been 20 years since Guitar Hero hit the market across the Atlantic, giving everyday gamers the tools to become a rock star. Figuratively speaking, but try convincing someone who has nailed the epic four-minute instrumental break before an enthusiastic crowd of friends.

Created by the developers, Guitar Hero provided users with a plastic guitar peripheral to match on-screen cues moving along the screen synchronized to a song. Each riff mimicked particular chords, producing the sensation of an authentic live show.

The studio previously tried its hand with rhythm games before partnering with the publisher, which was purchased by the gaming giant in 2006. Collaboratively, they established the foundations for a surprising billion-dollar series which made a significant impact on numerous of the artists included, introducing classic bands to millions of younger players.

A former executive, former COO from the developer, remembers the early budgetary hurdles in securing the recordings – despite the fact initial releases primarily featured cover versions.

“We reproduced every song since the dollar figure prohibitive,” he says. “Despite having the publishing rights by themselves, it proved nearly impossible. We failed to secure bands like legendary groups – the publisher had virtually no money, and our team was fairly certain it would fail. But once the game took off, and record sales airtime increased, everyone wanted to be in.”

He adds: “Among the remarkable aspects was the number of mothers and fathers got in touch and thanked us for introducing their children to the music they adored. It evolved into an intergenerational thing.”

Timeless Music Gains Younger Fans

Northern Irish blues-rock band the Answer included their track on the 2008 game the popular installment. Lead musician the artist recalls the way the game brought older hits back into vogue: “Guitar Hero offered a larger, new demographic. Generally this had been seen as music that was past it, but then once it got included in the game young people were finding it, abruptly it was cool. This validated it, eliminating the outdated tag. It provided our catalog a new life.”

In 2008, the band's debut album remained not available in the US, so Guitar Hero was a key medium for exposure for the group as they went on US tour supporting AC/DC. “Their crew were playing the song during travel, and some of them knew us thanks to the game,” he notes.

Rock’s Heavyweight Titles Enduring Influence

Music's biggest acts soon capitalised on the series’ popularity, including bands like Aerosmith, Metallica and Van Halen featuring in specialized game editions centered around their music collections and associated stories, visuals and legendary status. For example, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, reportedly to have made the band greater revenue compared to their records. It sold more than 500,000 units in its first week, while sales of their songs rose of up to 40% during an era when the music business faced decline.

The series continues to inspire quick-handed fanaticism within the community. Recently, an online personality achieved an impressive attempt featuring the challenging track – an infamously tough power-metal song made popular by Guitar Hero – using a fan-made version, a no-cost alternative with similar mechanics and extensive customisation options. The song is difficult even in the hardest setting, let alone played at double speed and without missing every one of its near 4,000 notes. The streamer claimed requiring months of practice of practice.

“The game offers a, imaginary experience. Just as with Call of Duty, it doesn't imply you ought to pick up actual weapons and go to war,” notes musician the artist.

DragonForce previously completed a profitable run when their hit was featured on Guitar Hero III, yet he explains it turned them into a household name. “I recall our distributors informing us that our selling albums like crazy,” he says. “It exploded on the subsequent tour, and we were playing just before top acts at the event.”

In fact, DragonForce’s exposure via the game proved so vast that it risked overshadow all other the band has done. Recently, the song featured in a trailer for Despicable Me 4. “Previously I thought otherwise, but I’ve made peace with it,” he admits. “If you only hear one DragonForce song, that's fine – everyone’s got a unique musical journey and I'm pleased we played a role of people’s lives”.

Enduring Legacy of a Plastic Guitar

The best promotion, be it for cars, apparel or games, extends beyond mere transactions – it inspires a desire. Was the game able to tap into that? “Precisely what we were trying to create,” he confirms. “The excitement of performing as a music icon on the stage. From day one, the creators believed humans have a natural urge to make music, and their goal was to use technology to allow people to participate”.

The majority installments came out in just a half-decade from 2005 to 2010, featuring spin-offs such as DJ Hero, complete with a spinning deck, and Band Hero. Subsequently, the publisher’s interest in plastic instruments died down, aside from a brief comeback several years later.

Games like Clone Hero and newer releases have maintained the scene alive, with expectations of a new product from the founders in development. A new studio has begun production on their first music game. Original co-founders are both involved as special advisers. Are gamers prepared to welcome a new entry following Guitar Hero?

“Our team believed those games might become like Madden where you can update every year,” Dornbrook says. “There’s so much new music it could remain evergreen, so I’ve always been optimistic. There’s no reason why it can’t continue with new generations.”