Guitar Hero at 20 – how a plastic axe bridged the gap between rock generations

Guitar Hero, launched 20 years ago, revolutionized gaming by allowing players to experience the thrill of rock stardom from their living rooms. Developed by Harmonix and inspired by Konami's GuitarFreaks, the game featured a guitar-shaped controller that enabled players to match colored notes on-screen with popular songs. This innovative gameplay not only made the game a cultural phenomenon but also revitalized interest in the bands featured, turning them into household names once again. Guitar Hero bridged generational gaps in music appreciation, making rock music accessible to a new audience and creating a unique interactive experience that resonated with fans of all ages.