RedOctane Games launches in 2025, founded by veterans of Guitar Hero and DJ Hero alongside emerging talent and community leaders. Led by Simon Ebejer, the studio focuses solely on rhythm gaming, with Guitar Hero creators Charles and Kai Huang on its advisory board. Its first community-driven title will be announced later this year.
A new chapter in rhythm gaming begins as RedOctane Games officially launches, bringing together veteran developers, innovative new talent, and respected community leaders from across the global music gaming scene. The studio is dedicated exclusively to creating rhythm-based experiences, combining proven expertise with fresh perspectives to push the genre forward.
RedOctane Games is formed by a team with decades of experience in the rhythm game space, including creators who played a key role in shaping Guitar Hero and DJ Hero nearly two decades ago. The studio also welcomes a new generation of developers and creators who are actively involved in today’s rhythm gaming communities worldwide.
The team has been in pre-production in recent months and is now in full development on its debut title. The first game is scheduled for announcement later in 2025.
Leadership with Proven Experience
At the helm is Simon Ebejer, a veteran games industry leader who previously served as Production Director on several Guitar Hero titles during his time at Neversoft. He later became Studio Head at Vicarious Visions and Vice President of Operations at Blizzard Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in the organisation and delivery of Diablo IV.
Speaking on the launch, Simon Ebejer says:
“Rhythm games are about more than just gameplay – they’re about feel, flow, and connection to the music and to each other. 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.”
Advisory Board Strengthened by Guitar Hero Founders
Adding further heritage and insight, brothers Charles and Kai Huang – the original founders of the Guitar Hero franchise – join the company’s special advisory board. The duo launched the groundbreaking title in 2005 in partnership with Harmonix Music Systems, helping to define a generation of rhythm gaming.
Their advisory roles aim to guide the studio’s direction while drawing on their extensive experience in both game development and the commercial growth of the genre.
Community-Centred Development
RedOctane Games is placing the player community at the core of its development approach. The studio plans to build games hand in hand with fans, ensuring player feedback and participation influence the creative process from the earliest stages.
This collaborative approach aligns with the team’s vision of rhythm games as shared experiences – connecting players not only to the music but also to one another.
About RedOctane Games
Founded in 2025, RedOctane Games LLC is a specialist studio focused entirely on rhythm gaming. Its team includes rhythm game veterans, hardware innovators, and community leaders, alongside emerging talent shaping the future of the genre.
Operating under Embracer Freemode Inc., the studio is committed to delivering innovative music gameplay experiences with technical excellence, creative ambition, and deep community involvement. The first title from RedOctane Games will be revealed later in 2025.
© 2025 RedOctane Games, LLC (“RedOctane Games”). RedOctane Games is a game studio that creates music and rhythm games and accessories. RedOctane Games is a company within Embracer Freemode Inc. RedOctane and RedOctane Games are registered or unregistered trademarks of Freemode Go LLC. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.
