Rhythm game fans may want to dig out those old plastic guitars again. A new studio formed by veterans of the classic Guitar Hero era has revealed Stage Tour, a “spiritual successor” designed to recapture the feel of five-fret music gameplay while modernizing the experience for today’s players. The game is currently slated to launch in fall 2026.
RedOctane Studios, created last August by developers with deep roots in Guitar Hero, officially unveiled Stage Tour during IGN Fan Fest 2026. The reveal highlighted exactly what longtime fans have been hoping to see: the familiar five-fret note highway, a strong performance-first vibe, and customizable band members so players can put their own stamp on the group they take on stage.
Rather than releasing as a one-and-done title, Stage Tour is being built as an evolving platform. RedOctane says it plans to support the game with ongoing updates over time, using community feedback to shape improvements and additions. If that approach works, Stage Tour could maintain momentum well beyond launch and keep players coming back with fresh content and refinements.
Accessibility also appears to be a major focus. While an upcoming Gibson Kramer guitar bundle is on the way for players who want the full instrument-style experience, Stage Tour will also support standard controllers and traditional keyboards. That means newcomers and casual players won’t be locked out if they don’t want to invest in dedicated hardware, while rhythm game purists can still chase the authentic “plastic guitar” feel.
On the hardware front, RedOctane has secured a multi-year partnership with Gibson. The collaboration aims to recreate authentic controllers based on instruments across Gibson’s, Epiphone’s, and Kramer’s lineups, a detail likely to appeal to collectors and players who want gear that feels closer to real-world guitars.
Simon Ebejer, head of RedOctane Games, described the project as a passion-driven return to form for the genre, calling Stage Tour a “love letter to rhythm gaming.” The goal, he says, is to make it feel familiar and authentic while still fresh, using modern technology to better connect players with the music they love and to deliver a platform that grows over time. He also emphasized a balance between depth for dedicated players—through new instruments and deeper charting systems—and a more casual, pick-up-and-play experience for anyone who just wants to have fun.
As of now, development is said to be progressing smoothly. Stage Tour has been confirmed for PC release via Steam, while console versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch have not been announced yet.
