STAGE TOUR Rhythm Game From Guitar Hero Creators Lands December 10
The release marks a mainstream rhythm game push from a studio staffed by Guitar Hero veterans, backed by Embracer Group, and tied to Gibson and a Kramer-branded controller, indicating a return to dedicated instrument hardware rather than software-only play.
Key Facts
- STAGE TOUR will release on December 10 for PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- RedOctane Games announced the release date at gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 on August 26.
- STAGE TOUR includes 90 or more licensed tracks from artists including Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Paramore, Muse, and Ed Sheeran.
- The game supports multiplayer for up to four players with roles including lead guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and PC keyboard.
- RedOctane Games was founded last August as a studio under Embracer Group and includes staff from the original Guitar Hero series.
Reporting from 3 sources: Denfaminicogamer, Automaton, Game Spark.
RedOctane Games announced on August 26 during the gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 broadcast that its rhythm game STAGE TOUR will release on December 10. The title will be available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. STAGE TOUR supports solo play and cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, with teams freely formed from roles including lead guitar, bass, drums, vocals, and PC keyboard. The game includes 90 or more licensed tracks, with artists such as Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Paramore, Muse, and Ed Sheeran named in the reveal footage. Players can unlock over 180 types of guitars, including instruments from Gibson, with which the game has a partnership. The game features four difficulty levels and hardware support, including guitar-shaped controllers, drum kits, and microphones. RedOctane Games was founded last August as a studio under Embracer Group, carrying on the name of the original RedOctane that developed Guitar Hero.
- Kramer-branded guitar-shaped controller: the instrument is planned for release alongside the game, though the sources do not name a price or date for the controller itself.
- Gibson partnership: the deal covers instruments from Gibson's brands appearing in the game, and over 180 unlockable guitar types including Gibson models.
- PC keyboard as a role: the part list includes PC keyboard alongside lead guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, a nod to players without instrument hardware.
- Local and online multiplayer: the four-player co-op works both locally and online, and teams can be formed freely from the available roles.
- 90 or more licensed tracks: the count is confirmed by Game Spark, which also names Red Hot Chili Peppers alongside Metallica and The Rolling Stones.
- Four difficulty levels: the game ships with four difficulty settings, and official hardware on the website covers guitars, drum kits, and microphones.
- RedOctane name lineage: the studio carries the RedOctane trademark owned by Embracer Group, and its staff includes people who worked on the original Guitar Hero series.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.