The Tour Is Over For "Guitar Hero" Fans

A mere six years ago, becoming a rock legend was not easy. Mastering the guitar, years spent playing concerts in seedy bars, developing and then kicking a nasty drug habit were almost necessary to reach God status.

Then video game makers Activision Blizzard made the process a whole lot easier, faster, and less dangerous -- they created “Guitar Hero.”

Players young and old, regardless of musical ability could strap on a plastic guitar and rock out to their favorite songs, all while climbing the virtual ladder to rock legend status.

Success arrived quickly. Family game night was back. People who threw terrible parties had something fun to keep their guests entertained besides alcohol.

The franchise grew to include “DJ Hero” and “Band Hero,” which allowed gamers to play more dance or pop-based music. For a while, “Guitar Hero” was on top of the world.

But the music industry is a harsh mistress. Much like the ride for many bands on their way up, the end came earlier than expected.

On Thursday, Activision Blizzard announced Guitar Hero will soon be no more.

Continued decline

Citing a “continued decline in the music genre,” the Southern California-based game makers announced they will be turning the majority of their focus on their successful “Call of Duty” franchise.

“Call of Duty” is a first- and third-person shooter game, putting players in the middle of battle during World War II, modern times, or during the Cold War (the setting of the latest edition of the series, “Call of Duty: Black Ops.”

While “Call of Duty” is decidedly not a game most parents would want their kids playing (the games vary in rating from “T for Teen” to “M for Mature“), it’s profitable.

According to CNET.com, “Call of Duty: Black Ops” sold a record-setting $650 million within its first five days on store shelves.

Along with “Call of Duty,“ Activision Blizzard plans to also focus their energy on their other popular and profitable franchise of games, the role-playing “World of Warcraft.”

“These decisions are based on the desire to focus on the greatest opportunities that the company currently has to create the world's best interactive entertainment experiences,” the company said.

Fans of “Guitar Hero” will have at least one encore before the stadium lights come up: Activision Blizzard also announced Thursday they would release one last pack of songs available for download now through PlayStation, Wii, and Xbox.

The 10-song “mega pack” will include songs by Black Label, Marilyn Manson, Children Of Bodom, Relentless Reckless Forever, Firewind, and more.