After a lengthy gap of 15 years since its closure by Activision, RedOctane is back in action under the new title of RedOctane Games, now part of the Embracer Group. This revitalized studio is led by Simon Ebejer, who has a rich history working on Guitar Hero titles at Neversoft.

The original founders, Kai and Charles Huang, have joined as advisors to support the ambitious plans. The crew consists of dedicated developers who significantly contributed to the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises, as well as fresh talent from the contemporary rhythm gaming scene.

They are already working on a new rhythm game that is distinctly different from Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Guitar Freaks, or Rock Band, aimed at creating a community-centric experience. Lee Guinchard, now the CEO of Embracer’s Freemode, emphasizes that the new game will reflect a deeper connection with the music.

Guitar Hero began its journey as a PlayStation 2 exclusive in 2005, soaring in popularity and becoming a cultural phenomenon before fading out by 2010. RedOctane, initially a gaming accessory maker, was bought by Activision in 2006 for nearly $100 million, only to be shut down four years later.

Despite its past setbacks, Ebejer is optimistic about the brand’s future, noting that rhythm games are about more than gameplay—they encapsulate experience, flow, and connection to music. “RedOctane Games is our opportunity to give back to a genre that means a lot to us while pioneering it forward in exciting new avenues.”

Expect the details on the new rhythm game to emerge later this year.