Guitar Hero Mobile: A Rocky Start for a Legendary Franchise
The rhythm game genre may not have exploded in the West, but Guitar Hero was a monumental exception. Its return, this time on mobile, should be cause for celebration. However, Activision’s announcement stumbled badly, undermining initial excitement.
Instead of a thrilling trailer or press release, the reveal consisted of a jarring, AI-generated image on Instagram. This immediately overshadowed the news, particularly given Activision’s recent controversy surrounding AI art in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Details about Guitar Hero Mobile remain scarce. While the franchise previously ventured onto mobile nearly two decades ago (see image below), expectations are understandably high for a modern iteration.
A Sour Note: The AI Art Controversy
The AI art used in the announcement drew widespread criticism for its poor quality and dated style. This misstep could significantly impact the game's launch, especially considering the strong competition from titles like Space Ape’s BeatStar.
Despite the immense potential of Guitar Hero on mobile, Activision's missteps are undeniable. While the concept is thrilling, the execution of the announcement has cast a shadow.
For those interested in exploring other successful mobile adaptations of major franchises, check out our list of the top 9 Final Fantasy games on mobile.