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GameSpot Video Games, PC, Wii, PlayStation 2, GameCube, PSP, DS, GBA, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Activision calls dibs on Guitar Villain, Drum Villain

Trademark applications filed late last year suggest a pair of Guitar Hero spin-offs in the publisher's future.
By Brendan Sinclair, GameSpot
Posted Jan 17, 2007 11:34 pm GMT

With MTV's purchase of Guitar Hero developer Harmonix and development duties on the franchise handed over to Neversoft, it seems inevitable that the game will undergo some changes. A pair of trademark application filings uncovered today by GameSpot indicate those changes could extend well beyond the studio making the game.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office Web site currently shows a pair of applications from Activision for "Guitar Villain" and "Drum Villain." The applications specifically state that they are intended to cover computer game software in a variety of forms, including downloadable games, games sold together with controllers, arcade games, and games sold with electronic toy guitars. The filings also mention entertainment services, such as online leaderboards that keep track of players' high scores.

The Guitar Villain mark was filed for on November 29, 2006, with the Drum Villain mark following days later on December 1.

These filings don't necessarily mean these games are coming soon, or even at all. Before it was acquired by Activision last year, RedOctane filed for trademarks on Keyboard Hero, Drum Hero, and Band Hero.

A representative from Activision acquisition and original Guitar Hero publisher RedOctane offered the following statement when asked about the trademark filings: "RedOctane is fully dedicated to, and currently focused on the production of Guitar Hero II for the Xbox 360. There have not been any announcements, or further information, on any titles and projects outside of this."

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214 Comments

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The_Weekend

Forget it, it would sound real silly to have a game of that title ... what are you gonna do in the game? Mess up the timing of a properly played song?

Posted May 13, 2008 6:24 am GMT
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Antilune

Jesus Christ can't you guys read at all ? They did it to prevent other companies to make cheap ripoffs using those names.

It's called playing it safe.

Posted Apr 22, 2008 4:36 am GMT
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roadruner666

i like rock as much as the next "Rocker" but i also like country,oldies, modern rock. All that could be turned into a Guitar hero, but change the name and add some more stuff "not gonna post it on here though not gonna let someone else take credit for my ideas".

Posted Mar 12, 2008 10:24 pm GMT
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michaelroy

Guitar Villian

I wanna play guitar hero, but with SERIOUS Death metal and black metal

Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth anyone?

Posted Mar 5, 2008 5:02 pm GMT
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Adam_the_Nerd

That would be totally gay It would be filled with hardcore death metal and gothic tunes.

Posted Mar 5, 2008 4:17 pm GMT
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webbut

How would a guitar villain game be any different form guitar hero. What r they gunna do have u play bad on purpose to bands that suck

Posted Mar 5, 2008 2:55 pm GMT
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Timmis_1

heroin hero
you try to catch the pink dragon but you never catch it and you inject yourself with heroin

Posted Feb 12, 2008 12:19 am GMT
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guile_charlie

Yeah, except that HIM sucks

Posted Jan 22, 2008 7:36 pm GMT
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AlpeXi

i think a guitar hero/villain with Him or Bullet for my valentine whole be awesome

Posted Jan 5, 2008 2:22 pm GMT
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Benjamin_m_d

I call dibs on Guitar, Drum, and Band apocalypse!

Posted Dec 6, 2007 6:45 pm GMT
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Teh_Jakester

Bumpage.

Posted Oct 10, 2007 2:48 pm GMT
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jack_sparrow_28

It'd be cool if they did make Drum Hero. I'm interested in the drums but I can't play them.

Posted Jul 10, 2007 11:15 pm GMT
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Chase_Man

Now lets totally draw the attention away from the Guitar Hero Series by calling the Game "Guitar Villain". Instead, they should name the game "Guitar Princess" so it can appeal more to the "Lady Rockers" out there. Next will be "Guitar Elder"; Ever wonder if your grandpa can rock out to an old Elvis or Hank Williams song? I sure have.

Posted Apr 7, 2007 5:31 pm GMT
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NeoNightmareX

I call dibs on Band Hero, my idea, it's the same game with online play, but you pick which version to buy, Bass, Guitar, Drums, etc. Create the Ultimate band and monthly Battle of the Bands competitions. It'll be awesome-ness.

Posted Mar 27, 2007 6:47 pm GMT
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incinerator1990

Poison_Me_Rum said:
Guitar Villain may never see the light of day, but as long as it has an awesome track list and plays the same as the others, I'll buy it.

I'd imagine it'd have a much darker, heavier tracklist.

I also wish they'd get rid of the censoring. Killing In The Name just isn't the same without all those eff words.
Yeah I was waiting for... **** YOU I WONT DO WATCHA TELL ME! **** YOU I WONT DO WATCHA TELL ME! MOTHER****ER! And for everyone who wonders what would be in the game, instead of lighthearted songs (not that all of them WERE lighthearted) like message in a bottle, think darker songs, Marilyn Manson, More Ozzy, Disturbed, not necessarily all metal, but just darker songs, with more morbid lyrics, maybe even some led zeppelin! Music where instead of a rock ICON you become a rock outcast, like tommy lee and Motley Crue.

Posted Feb 22, 2007 8:30 pm GMT
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mariokartguy

oh god a swarm of guitar hero derivatives, get your steak knives

Posted Feb 13, 2007 7:50 pm GMT
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crazyspaz

Oh God........i call "Guitar Astronaut" with like space rock songs, like muse and radiohead. that would actually be good

Posted Feb 3, 2007 6:52 pm GMT
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S1ckle

Interesting. I cant wait to hear more info on these games..

Posted Jan 26, 2007 8:59 pm GMT
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squirlnuts2005

I agree with Poison_Me_Rum and Jonny_Animal. those kind of heavier bands hae the best guitarist i have ever heard of. these games need metallica,slayer,and heavy stuff like that....so disappointed in GH2. IF hs game comes out and has a good track list like wat i described....i will deff buy it in a heartbeat

Posted Jan 24, 2007 8:09 pm GMT
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Amadeus_451

G. Villain may be alright, depends mainly on track list.

I really wish they'd do a "Guitar ~" game that was nothing but solid music--Cream, Yardbirds, Hendrix, The Who(who're still absent from a game to date!!), Queen, Bowie, maybe some Tom Waits...you know, the good stuff.


oh well, guess I'll keep dreamin

Posted Jan 23, 2007 8:13 pm GMT
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I2aven_The_God

drum hero will cost a arm n a leg.

Posted Jan 23, 2007 3:33 pm GMT
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clownofpoetry

Paul_TheGreat
They gonna ruined Guitar Hero franchise.

LOL. Lovely words you have there. Future Tense with Past Tense, they don't work together. Next time say.. "They are going to ruin the Guitar Hero franchise" instead. Also, I doubt that they'll ruin it. In an interview they said that they are going to stick with the same formula that the first 2 games have. Also, I and everyone else are hoping that the "Villian" means that they'll have a heavy metal edge to it. If it does, and they pick the right songs, it'll rock just as hard as Guitar Hero. I just wish that everyone would be more optimistic about this, as long as they stick to the formula and bring us great music. There's nothing to worry about.

Posted Jan 22, 2007 3:37 pm GMT
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Poison_Me_Rum

Guitar Villain may never see the light of day, but as long as it has an awesome track list and plays the same as the others, I'll buy it.

I'd imagine it'd have a much darker, heavier tracklist.

I also wish they'd get rid of the censoring. Killing In The Name just isn't the same without all those eff words.

Posted Jan 22, 2007 7:24 am GMT
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Jonny_Animal

Hopefully Guitar Villain (if it gets done) will be comprised mostly of death metal and black metal instead of the mainstream MTV and radio crap on Guitar Heroes.

Posted Jan 21, 2007 8:19 pm GMT
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the_chosen01

Keyboard Hero, Drum Hero, and even Band Hero sound like good ideas...but what the ponit with changing/making the game/games called Guitar Villain and Drum Villain?

Posted Jan 21, 2007 1:27 pm GMT
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saibot05

Humiliation at it's best...

Why on earth they had to Tamper GH? They did nothing wrong.

Posted Jan 21, 2007 11:43 am GMT
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Zacek1000

This is the beginning of the end to the GH series.

Posted Jan 21, 2007 6:11 am GMT
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SpE3dy1

Either stockin up on patents is a preventative measure or...

Consider this: Guitar "Villain" doesn't have to do with the music at all.
There could be the same quality of rockin' songs!

BUT...

Instead of "Starpower" and tilting upward, you "smash" the guitar
Instead of playing nicely with your friend, you attempt to "steal their thunder"

Awesome playing could overpower the lead singer's voice
Alienate your friend by playing both of your parts, while he stands idly

DITCH THE BAND AND GO SOLO. Now THATS a guitar villain!!!

Honestly, making an entire game based on metal or emo is an OBVIOUS mistake. I'm assuming with the amount of pay that the creative directors are getting, that they'll see a folly like that coming.

Posted Jan 21, 2007 12:48 am GMT
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tlabbe

My guess would be that this is a preventative measure against TAC(The Ant Commandos), owned by Kenami(is that spelled right? it looks wrong for some reason). If any of you missed it, which would be difficult with all the publicity on this site, there was a big suit between TAC and harmonix over the guitar controller. Both companies ended up settling the suit, but i'm sure it put the fear of limiting damage into activision. They'll prolly never make either of these titles, but in case they ever do, they know 100% that there cant be any property suits.
That's just my guess though, maybe they will make em. TAC has certainly proved that a drum game can be made, and that it will sell well. its been in place over in Japan for awhile.

Posted Jan 19, 2007 10:29 pm GMT
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sofalover

Lot's of negative comments, why?

I would say more Guitar hero type games can only be a good thing, wait for the actual song lists before dismissing a title not even in development.

Posted Jan 19, 2007 10:29 am GMT
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Paul_TheGreat

They gonna ruined Guitar Hero franchise.

Posted Jan 19, 2007 10:14 am GMT
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wiiman77

Stick to what works-guitar HERO. i'm all for a drum game, maybe for wii, but to go and change things from hero to villain...it makes it sound like you cant play. i mean, if a guitar hero is a great guitarist, whats a guitar villain...?

Posted Jan 19, 2007 6:52 am GMT
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plutoknight

Guitar Villian: For the sucky Guitar Hero in all of us.

Dodge the notes! ...

.....Guitar Hero is going down the drain now. I guarantee every installment after GHII on the 360 will suck. I mean..its owned by MTV...name something good thats come from anything owned by MTV?

GHIII will have songs from Enimiem, Chamillionaire, and Big Pappa B*tch and his pimp-slappin' girls with a guitar solo slapped into them for 100% no reason. Oh, and Emo rock. Can you say Growl?! Then you can be in Guitar Hero 3! Enter the "Be a Guitar Hero 3" Contest -Growlers wanted!

Oh yea. I vote for Ocarina Hero. With a special Cameo by 64-bit Link. >.>

Posted Jan 19, 2007 4:30 am GMT
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ghettofunk05

oh i guess other people had the same idea

Posted Jan 19, 2007 3:34 am GMT
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ghettofunk05

Drum Hero should be on the Wii

Posted Jan 19, 2007 3:33 am GMT
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NinjaFoot

I can only imagine how cheap and generic a drum peripheral would be. I will file this under LMAO.

Posted Jan 19, 2007 1:32 am GMT
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talnick

Man what the hell can guitar villain be? My take on it is nothing but Emo songs and Modern Metal. lets not make that happen. As for Drum hero lets hope they have some rush and Pantera songs on it. But i can only imagine the price for the drum set.

Posted Jan 19, 2007 12:49 am GMT
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sailingmanuel

Drum Hero!!! I want to play that!

Posted Jan 18, 2007 8:57 pm GMT
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CarnivaleClown

I dont know how much involvement MTV had with GH2, but I am afraid of later games that they start up. With the **** that they play on their "anything, but music channel" MTV, I am very afraid for later GH games. Friggin Viacom owns everything and it makes me sick. I have no problem with big businesses, but Viacom just seems to buy everything it sees for sale. Like a damn 10 year old in a candy store with a $5 bill.

Posted Jan 18, 2007 8:24 pm GMT
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SinfulSpikey

Neo_Zeke: Most actual goths do not listen to anything resembling emo. It's the gawths/Kindergoths/Hottopic **** who do that. =\ And yeah, somehow I think that's how Guitar Villain will turn out.

Posted Jan 18, 2007 8:22 pm GMT
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CT-Link

why don't make drum villian for wii, ya know two wiimotes...

Posted Jan 18, 2007 7:24 pm GMT
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neo_zeke

Not to be a jerk but what if guitar villain (sorry emo and goth people) is emo rock and the type of Sh*t oh arent they making guitar hero: 1980 or something like that

Posted Jan 18, 2007 6:19 pm GMT
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Eviltwin

For wii... ?

Posted Jan 18, 2007 6:16 pm GMT
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Chris_Mistery

Wow.....ive seen better things from activision but Guitar Villain? PLEASE MAN, why not a Guitar Hero 3 and a Drum Hero?? Guitar Hero 3 should have online play and online leaderboards, and i think the Drum Hero should go to the Wii...i mean think about it, youve already got the 2 flippin controllers yeh know?? But yeh Activision DONT be stupid and make a Guitar Villain, not only is the EXTREMELY low to take the name but it sounds absolutely CORNY. if your goin to do any Guitar things do a Guitar Hero 3 with my suggestions ^_^

Posted Jan 18, 2007 6:15 pm GMT
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simonguyen

Triangle Hero!

Posted Jan 18, 2007 6:05 pm GMT
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Geek12

Guitar villan... drum villian.. Give me a break. lets just stick to guitar hero and keep it "holy" if you will.

Posted Jan 18, 2007 5:12 pm GMT
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Gigatron

GUITAR VILLAIN!!!! SWEET!!
Think about it.... a new cast of characters and a HEAVIER soundtrack!!
Drum villain would beat the crap outta Donkey Konga & Taiko Drum Master.
good stuff.

Posted Jan 18, 2007 2:37 pm GMT
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Tommyboy0823

I say make all of them. I'd buy them all if there as money as Guitar Hero.

Posted Jan 18, 2007 1:17 pm GMT
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vamroc

Guitar Villain sounds like a great title for the next game in the franchise. Mabey this version will have you play back up and the object will be to out perform the lead. Instead of one track at a time a lot of people would like to play as though a whole concert is happening.

Posted Jan 18, 2007 11:58 am GMT
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