“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top was my go-to jam in Guitar Hero. On a great day, I could tackle it with ease, on Medium difficulty when friends joined, and I dared to try Expert just once. That was my sweet spot in the world of Guitar Hero. This iconic game, with its plastic guitars, turned living rooms into concert stages, and the songs—featuring both legendary and fictional bands—became massive hits. Before TikTok reshaped the music scene, landing a track on a Guitar Hero playlist was a game-changer for musicians.

In this episode of Version History, we delve into the fascinating journey of Guitar Hero. It all starts in the bustling arcades of Japan, then crosses the ocean to an unexpected duo of U.S. companies, nearly collapsing before becoming a sensational success. For a time, Guitar Hero stood shoulder to shoulder with the biggest games, but eventually, its popularity waned. Although the game itself is no longer in the limelight, its influence still resonates in some of today’s top video games.

David Pierce, Ash Parrish, and Chris Grant, who have all witnessed the rise and fall of Guitar Hero, convene at the Version History roundtable. They explore the franchise’s origins and inspirations, the pivotal E3 moment that catapulted it to fame, the emergence of Rock Band, and the gradual decline of its allure. Dusting off their old guitar controllers, they see who can still rock out like old times.

This marks the fourth installment of Version History (the previous episodes covered hoverboards, BBM, and the Sony Watchman). If you’re eager to tune in, there are three prime platforms to check out:

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has watched or listened to the show and provided feedback! We’re busy crafting the next episodes and are eager to hear your thoughts on what we should tweak or keep. As we revise the eight Version History Questions, your input is invaluable. Meanwhile, if you’re yearning to revisit the Guitar Hero days, here are some resources to help you dive back in: