When Guitar Hero was released in 2005, it redefined the rhythm game genre and turned millions of players into virtual rockstars. Developed by Harmonix and published by RedOctane, the game introduced a unique guitar-shaped controller, allowing players to strum along to famous rock songs. At a time when rhythm games were mostly limited to Japanese arcade titles, Guitar Hero brought the experience to home consoles, making music-based gaming mainstream.

Unlike traditional games that relied on complex mechanics and deep storylines, Guitar Hero delivered a simple yet highly engaging experience. Players would follow a sequence of colored notes that scrolled down the screen, pressing