Guitar Hero is coming to mobile, and stumbles out the block with AI announcement

Guitar Hero Mobile: A Rocky Start for a Legendary Franchise

The rhythm game genre might 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, immediately overshadowing the excitement.

Instead of a captivating trailer or a polished press release, the reveal relied on a jarring, AI-generated image on Instagram. This isn't the first time Activision has faced criticism for using AI art, as the recent Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 reveal also drew similar negative attention. This misstep has understandably dampened enthusiasm for the upcoming mobile title.

Details about Guitar Hero Mobile remain scarce. While the franchise had a mobile presence 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 is widely considered subpar, raising concerns about the overall quality and attention to detail surrounding the game's development. This, combined with strong competition from games like Space Ape's BeatStar, suggests a potentially difficult launch.

Despite the initial missteps, the potential for a successful Guitar Hero mobile game is undeniable. However, Activision's poor announcement has significantly impacted early perceptions. The company's repeated reliance on AI-generated art, despite the negative feedback, is concerning.

For those curious about other successful mobile adaptations of major franchises, exploring the top 9 Final Fantasy games on mobile might be a worthwhile endeavor.