Harmonix
Harmonix business and news from across the web.
Plastintstrumentens gyllene eraThe article reflects on the golden era of plastic instrument rhythm games, primarily focusing on the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series. It highlights how these games, with their unique guitar controllers and accessible gameplay, allowed players to live out rockstar fantasies. The piece also touches upon the genre's eventual decline due to market saturation and the attempts at comebacks in 2015.
Guitar Hero Hardware Still Worth the Investment in 2026 | HappyGamerDespite the advent of modern consoles and GPUs, legacy Guitar Hero hardware from the mid-2000s is presented as a worthwhile investment in 2026 due to its durable build quality and enduring fun factor. While compatibility issues exist across modern platforms, the PC scene and community-driven solutions like Clone Hero keep the rhythm game alive. The article highlights that well-maintained controllers are appreciating in value on the used market, contrasting with the rapid depreciation of contemporary gaming hardware.
Shuhei Yoshida Sees Gaming's Future As Indie, Not "Generic" AAA GamesFormer PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida believes the future of gaming lies with indie titles rather than large AAA games, which he finds too time-consuming and often generic. He highlights the creative freedom and innovation found in indie development, contrasting it with the group-vision approach of many AAA projects. Yoshida also discusses the impact of digital distribution and community building on the success of independent games.
Analyst says Epic Games layoffs send a clear signal: 'This will not get any easier'Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced over 1,000 layoffs due to a decline in Fortnite engagement since 2025, leading to the company spending more than it earns. Analysts suggest this signals a challenging period for the entire industry, exacerbated by inflation and increased competition from platforms like Roblox. The company is also shutting down several Fortnite game modes, including Rocket Racing and Festival Battle Stage.
Fortnite Rocket Racing and more are being sunsetted amidst layoffsEpic Games is shutting down several Fortnite modes, including Rocket Racing, Ballistic, and Festival Battle Stage, amidst significant layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees. The company is also discontinuing downloads for the original Horizon Chase and Horizon Chase Turbo. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated the company is rebuilding its foundations to navigate industry upheaval and focus on seasonal content for Fortnite and future Unreal Engine development.
Epic Games layoffs serve as a timely reminder that accountability is deadEpic Games has announced layoffs affecting over 1,000 employees, despite Fortnite remaining a highly successful live service game. The company also secured a $1.5 billion investment from Disney for a new entertainment universe. The layoffs have raised questions about accountability within the company, particularly concerning its acquisitions of Harmonix and Mediatonic.
Fortnite is Shutting Down Three Popular Game Modes After Recent LayoffsEpic Games is shutting down three popular game modes in Fortnite: Rocket Racing, a Battle Royale mode, and the Festival Battle Stage. This decision follows recent layoffs at the company aimed at streamlining cost economics. While Rocket Racing will be removed in October 2026, the other modes will cease operations sooner, with the Festival Battle Stage shutting down on April 16.
Fortnite developer Epic Games is cutting over 1,000 jobsEpic Games, the developer behind Fortnite and Unreal Engine, is laying off over 1,000 employees due to declining Fortnite engagement and increased spending. CEO Tim Sweeney stated the company needs to downsize to achieve financial stability, with cost-saving measures also impacting contracting and marketing.
"The player base never disappeared; they just didn't have anything to play" – Echo Foundry on reviving the rhythm game genreEcho Foundry Interactive, a studio founded by veterans of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, is aiming to revive the rhythm game genre with their upcoming title, Sound System. CEO Marcus Henderson and President Lennon Lange discuss the genre's past oversaturation and their approach to creating a sustainable, community-driven platform with modern technology. Sound System is set to launch on October 16th with a focus on user-generated content and affordable microtransactions.- Sound System Rhythm Game by Guitar Hero and Rock Band Veterans Launches October 16 on PCEcho Foundry Interactive announced that its rhythm game Sound System will launch on PC via Steam on October 16, 2026, for $24.99. The game features guitar, bass, and vocal gameplay with various peripherals and multiplayer modes. It will launch with over 50 songs and plans for ongoing DLC content.
- Indie rhythm game Beat Weaver looks like a mix of Amplitude and ThumperBeat Weaver is an upcoming indie rhythm game from solo developer Christopher Lerch, inspired by Amplitude and Thumper. Players control a ship on tracks, hitting notes to activate and maintain instrument tracks, with a unique energy system that disables tracks if depleted. The game is slated for release on Steam later this year and supports Steam Deck.
RedOctane's 'next evolution in rhythm gaming' sure looks a lot like 2007's Rock BandRedOctane Games has announced Stage Tour, a new rhythm-action game that heavily resembles Harmonix's Rock Band. The game aims to revive the plastic-instrument rhythm genre with new features and a focus on long-term content and live events, rather than sequels. Sign-ups for a closed alpha test are expected soon, with a holiday season release planned for PC.