Which company developed the original Guitar Hero?

Harmonix developed the original Guitar Hero.

Harmonix was the music-game studio responsible for designing and programming the first Guitar Hero, released for PlayStation 2 in 2005. Before Guitar Hero, the company had created rhythm titles such as Frequency, Amplitude, and Karaoke Revolution, giving it the experience needed to build a note-matching game around a guitar controller.

RedOctane was an essential partner, but it was not the game’s developer. The company specialized in video-game controllers and worked with Harmonix to bring a GuitarFreaks-style guitar game to Western audiences. RedOctane published the original title and supplied the distinctive guitar peripheral, while Harmonix handled the core game development.

Another frequent mix-up is Activision. Activision later acquired RedOctane and became the major publisher of the franchise, but it did not develop the original Guitar Hero. Neversoft also became an important developer for later entries, beginning with Guitar Hero III. Harmonix’s early work established the series’ signature five colored fret buttons, strum bar, performance visuals, and licensed-rock soundtrack.