RedOctane Games’ upcoming rhythm title Stage Tour will launch on December 10, 2026, alongside a trio of officially licensed Gibson guitar controllers designed by CRKD, according to multiple industry reports. The game, inspired by classic music titles like Guitar Hero, will debut on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, featuring 90+ officially licensed songs and 180+ collectible guitars from Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer.
Gibson-CRKD Collaboration Details
CRKD has developed three Gibson guitar controllers specifically for Stage Tour, including the Les Paul Oxblood Edition, SG Midnight Blue Edition, and 8K Gibson Explorer 20th Anniversary Edition. The Les Paul Oxblood Edition mirrors the iconic 1950s design, while the SG Midnight Blue Edition revives an abandoned PS2-era concept for Guitar Hero II. The Explorer 20th Anniversary Edition features a lightning-bolt motif inspired by the 2007 Guitar Hero II X-Plorer Controller. All models include Hall effect click strum bars, mechanical frets, and LED neck lighting, with polling rates up to 8,000Hz for the Explorer.
The Les Paul Oxblood Edition is available in two configurations: one for Xbox Series X/S and PC at $129.99, and a multiplatform version for Android, PC, and Switch at $119.99. The SG Midnight Blue Edition, compatible with PS4, PS5, and PC, costs $130. The Explorer 20th Anniversary Edition, priced at $129.99, will ship in mid-January 2027, while the other two models launch on December 10, 2026.
Game Features and Hardware
Stage Tour includes 90+ songs spanning six decades, featuring artists like The Rolling Stones, Metallica, and Olivia Rodrigo. Players can unlock 180+ guitars, including Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer models, and customize 50+ bandmates. The game supports multiple playstyles, including Lead Guitar, Groove Guitar/Bass, Drums, and Vocals, with modes such as Quickplay, Practice, Judgements, Karaoke, and a roguelite Tour Mode.
The base game retails for $39.99, with hardware bundles available. The Stage Tour Kramer Guitar & Game Bundle costs $129.99, and the Stage Tour Band Kit + Game Bundle is priced at $299.99. Additional peripherals include a drum kit ($199.99), wireless microphone ($29.99), and wired USB microphone ($19.99). However, the drum hardware will not be compatible with Switch 2 at launch, though Joy-Con 2s or a Switch 2 Pro Controller can be used.
Release Date and Availability
Stage Tour is scheduled for release on December 10, 2026, across all platforms. Pre-orders for the game and hardware are available through the official Stage Tour website and CRKD. The game’s development team, led by former Guitar Hero creators, aims to revive the rhythm genre with a massive tracklist
and fresh game modes.
RedOctane Games, originally founded in the 1990s, was revived in 2025 after a hiatus following Activision’s 2010 closure of the studio.
The game’s hardware lineup includes the Stage Tour Kramer Wireless Guitar Controller at $109.99, with additional regional pricing notes. The Explorer 20th Anniversary Edition will be the only Gibson model unavailable at launch, with a mid-January 2027 shipping window. All hardware is designed to complement the game’s streamlined button and bar layout,
ensuring compatibility with Stage Tour’s mechanics.
Market Context and Industry Reactions
Industry analysts note the game’s potential to attract both nostalgia-driven fans and new audiences. With over 90 songs and 180+ guitars, Stage Tour aims to “redefine” the genre’s offerings. The inclusion of cross-platform play and customizable bandmates emphasizes accessibility, while the hardware’s premium pricing reflects its focus on authenticity and performance.
