Today, a team of developers behind Guitar Hero and DJ Hero have announced the formation of a new studio within Embracer Freemode. The new studio is called RedOctane Games and its mission is “to bring rhythm gaming back with more power, more precision, and a deeper connection than ever before.” RedOctane Games says “we’re not just making games. We’re creating connected rhythm experiences that unite cutting-edge controllers, genre-defining titles, and a thriving community, all moving to the same beat. From day one, this is a journey we take together.”

We are RedOctane Games!

The next great music rhythm game is in the works.

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— RedOctane Games (@redoctanegames) August 6, 2025

RedOctane Studios is headed by Simon Ebejer, the former production director on several Guitar Hero titles at Neversoft. Ebejer was also the former studio head at Vicarious Visions and the Vice President of Operations at Blizzard Entertainment. “Rhythm games are about more than just gameplay, they’re about feel, flow and connection to the music and to each other,” Ebejer said. RedOctane Games is our way of giving back to a genre that means so much to us, while pushing it forward in new and exciting directions.”

RedOctane was the publisher of the original Guitar Hero and the PlayStation 2 version of Guitar Hero 2 before becoming an Activision subsidiary when they acquired Call of Duty. 

Activision closed RedOctane back in 2010.

In addition to Ebejer, Charles and Kai Huang, the original founders of the Guitar Hero franchise back in 2025, will join a special advisory board for RedOctane  Games, bringing “deep heritage and insight to the studio’s future direction.”

The development team includes creators and developers “who helped create and scale Guitar Hero and DJ Hero,” as well as “emerging development talent and community leaders from across today’s rhythm gaming space.”