Forget Prototype, It’s Time Activision Revives a Game That Defined the Mid-2000s Era

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After more than ten years, fans of the original Prototype have reason to be excited! Evidence suggests a remastered version, a remake, or even a brand new sequel might be in development. This isn’t a surprise, as many consider the 2009 open-world action game to be one of Activision‘s most overlooked titles.

Rumors about a new Prototype game started circulating in the summer of 2025 after a Reddit user named Bigbyy shared information about both Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and a potential new Prototype title. While Bigbyy’s Reddit account is now gone, their accurate predictions about Black Ops 7 have made people take the Prototype claims more seriously. Recently, the original Prototype game—which is 17 years old—received an update, its first in years, that unfortunately broke a fan-made PC patch that allowed it to run on newer computers.

Even more noteworthy were changes to the game’s credits. They mention a version of the game linked to Ubisoft Connect that doesn’t exist yet, and they now include Iron Galaxy Studios, a company famous for revitalizing classic Activision titles like Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. For many, these updated credits strongly supported earlier reports from Bigbyy. However, Activision should continue exploring further possibilities.

Bigbyy, who says they participated in an Activision research project, shared information hinting at a completely new Prototype game. This contrasts with recent updates to the original Prototype, which appear to be focused on a remake or remastered version.

If Activision Is Bringing Back Prototype, It Should Bring Back Guitar Hero Too

The game Prototype reminds us of a time when Activision made different kinds of games – focusing on single-player experiences or games you could play with friends locally, rather than the large, ongoing online games they create now. While Guitar Hero is a better example of that earlier Activision, many gamers in their 20s and 30s still have fond memories of it. Despite how popular it was, Activision has largely moved away from the Guitar Hero style of game, and it’s time they reconsidered.

If you’re not familiar with them, the Guitar Hero games are simple rhythm games where you press buttons to the beat of popular rock songs to get the highest score. What made Guitar Hero stand out was the special controller that came with the game: a plastic guitar with five buttons that acted like the frets on a real guitar. A switch let you simulate strumming, making it feel like you were actually playing. Some controllers even had a whammy bar for extra points! Later versions of the game added drum kits and microphones, allowing you to play with multiple instruments at the same time.

While other games had tried unique controllers before, Guitar Hero really nailed it. Games like Donkey Kong Jungle Beat felt like expensive toys that didn’t add much, but Guitar Hero‘s instruments felt central to the fun. You could play without them, but it wouldn’t be the same. Those plastic guitars and drums made the game memorable and opened it up to people who didn’t normally play video games – it became a huge hit, much like Wii Sports, with everyone wanting to join in. It’s great that game developers are starting to embrace that playful spirit again.

Living On a Prayer: The Challenges Facing a Guitar Hero Revival

What made Guitar Hero so fun is also what makes a new game difficult to create. The special guitar controllers were essential to the game, but they’re costly to make for both the company and players. The original game in 2005 cost $70 with the guitar, but a new version would likely be much more expensive today. This is due to things like inflation, investors wanting higher profits from games, and the rising cost of materials needed for the controller, such as computer chips. It’s not a coincidence that Guitar Hero production slowed down during the financial crisis of 2008 – the economic climate was very different back then for all industries, including gaming.

And that doesn’t even consider the environmental cost of making all these new devices, which would probably be substantial.

How Guitar Hero Might Be Able to Come Back

Bringing back Guitar Hero doesn’t necessarily require complicated, costly plastic guitars. While virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are possibilities, they wouldn’t capture the satisfying, hands-on feel that made the original game so popular. Unlike games like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip, which were built for VR from the ground up, adapting Guitar Hero to VR wouldn’t be a natural fit.

To appeal to more players, a new Guitar Hero could work with older controllers – either through updates or adapters. Another option would be to design the game like apps such as Rocksmith and Coach Guitar, letting players use real guitars and microphones as controllers. This could even be enhanced with virtual or augmented reality to recreate the feel of the original Guitar Hero games.

Regardless, it’s time to rock with a new Guitar Hero.

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2026-01-08 18:35