Forget the prototype, it's time for Activision to revive a game that defined the mid-2000s

Prototype fans have reason to be excited for the first time in over a decade thanks to some remarkable evidence of a remaster, remake, or maybe even a sequel. The excitement surrounding this possibility shouldn't be surprising, as the 2009 open-world action game is widely regarded as one of the most neglected games in Activision's portfolio.

Grandmother of continued Prototype the development first surfaced in the summer of 2025, when a Reddit user with the handle Bigbyy leaked information about Call of Duty: Black Ops 7except claims of a new Prototype game. Although Bigby's Reddit account has seemingly been deleted, the claims they made about Black Ops 7 proved to be correct, giving greater verisimilitude to Prototype claims. More recently, the 17-year-old game received an update – the first in years – that broke an unofficial PC patch that made it playable on modern hardware.

Attacking a helicopter in the air in Prototype (2009)

More significant than this were the additions to the original game's credits. Not only do the updated credits refer to a currently non-existent Ubisoft Connect version of the game, but they also now credit Iron Galaxy Studios, a company known for remakes/remasters of Activision games such as Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Needless to say, these updated credits all but confirmed Bigbyy's previous claims, in the eyes of many. But Activision won't stop here.

It is worth noting that Bigby's information about the new Prototypewhich they claim they got by being part of an Activision study, seems to suggest a full-scale sequel, while the latest Prototype update seems to indicate a remake or remaster.

If Activision brings back the prototype, it should also bring back Guitar Hero

Prototype recalls a very different era for Activision, one where the company was less focused on massive, persistent live service games and more on single-player or local multiplayer titles. Much more emblematic than Prototype of this Activision era was Guitar Hero franchise, which any player in their mid-20s or older likely remembers fondly. Despite its cultural significance, Guitar Hero and its associated design pillars have more or less been abandoned, and that should change.

For the uninitiated, the Guitar Hero Games are at their core rather rudimentary rhythm-based games, where players must press buttons in time with popular rock songs to reach the highest possible score. What really elevated Guitar Hero Within the rhythm genre, however, there were its peripherals: the games were sold together with a plastic guitar-shaped controller, on which there were five buttons that roughly correlated with different positions on a fingerboard. Additionally, there was a flip switch to be used with the player's haphazard hand, effectively simulating the basic movements of real guitar playing. Some guitars even had a whammy bar, which could be used to score extra points. Later entries would also include a drum kit and a microphone, all of which could be used simultaneously with the guitars.

Guitar Hero wasn't the first game with themed peripherals and controllers, but it was by far the best execution of the idea. While something similar Donkey Kong Jungle Beatthe bongo set was seen as a dull, costly gimmick, Guitar Heros approximation of real instruments was undoubtedly crucial to its playing experience. Sure, you could play the games with a regular gamepad, but this would defeat the purpose. The tangibility of toy guitars and drums did Guitar Hero games unforgettable, but also accessible and appealing to non-gamers. It was a similar phenomenon Wii Sports: everyone and their grandmother wanted a piece of Guitar Hero craze. It's about time the industry took back this kind of whimsy.

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

The best part of Guitar Hero is also the biggest roadblock preventing new entry. Those peripherals are vital to the franchise, but creating them is undoubtedly expensive for both Activision and the consumer. The original in 2005 Guitar Hero sold for just $70 for both the game and the guitar controller, but a modern version of this would likely be more expensive for several reasons, including inflation, higher expected returns for video game investors, and the rising costs of critical materials such as microprocessors and rare earths. It shouldn't surprise exactly that Guitar Hero production began to decline during the 2008 financial crisis; before 2008 was a different time for all industries, including gaming.

This is to say nothing of the environmental impact of producing so many new peripherals, which would likely be significant.

How Guitar Hero can come back

There are a few possible options for resuscitation Guitar Hero without the need for expensive, resource-heavy peripheral electronics. VR and AR are always options, even if these lack the tangibility that is so central to Guitar Heros appeal. This was not to be Beat Saber or Pistol whipwhich was designed with VR controls in mind from the start.

Backwards compatibility with older Guitar Hero controllers, provided these devices can either be updated or made compatible with modern systems via a dongle or cable, may be a more appealing option. Alternatively a new one Guitar Hero could adapt the game for guitar learning apps like Rocksmith and Coach guitarwhich would allow players to use real instruments, combined with a suitably sensitive microphone, as controls for the game. This could perhaps be combined with VR or AR technology for greater parity with classic Guitar Hero.

Regardless, it's time to rock a new one Guitar Hero.