Overview
Making everyone a rock star. Harmonix developed Guitar Hero for RedOctane, creating a phenomenon, then lost the franchise when Activision acquired the publisher. Their response—Rock Band—added full band gameplay and proved they were the creative force. Through MTV ownership, Viacom sale, and independence, they’ve continued making music games when most studios abandoned the genre.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1995.
- Founders: Alex Rigopulos, Eran Egozy.
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Ownership: Various (currently independent).
Rhythm game evolution
| Title |
Year |
Innovation |
| Frequency |
2001 |
Tunnel rhythm |
| Amplitude |
2003 |
Refined formula |
| Guitar Hero |
2005 |
Guitar controller |
| Rock Band |
2007 |
Full band |
Corporate journey
| Period |
Owner |
| 1995-2006 |
Independent |
| 2006-2010 |
MTV Games |
| 2010-2014 |
Viacom |
| 2014+ |
Independent (MBO) |
Guitar Hero departure
| Event |
Impact |
| Activision acquisition |
Lost franchise |
| Rock Band response |
Superior execution |
| Creative ownership |
Retained expertise |
Continued development
| Title |
Year |
Approach |
| Rock Band 4 |
2015 |
Platform approach |
| Fuser |
2020 |
DJ mixing |
| Ongoing support |
- |
DLC continuation |
See also