Few details are known, though the phrasing seems to imply that the game will feature contemporary artists. The details of the application confirms that the phrase applies to "computer game software and related instruction manual sold together" and a "video game comprised of a cartridge or DVD sold as a unit with a video game controller."

In addition to the October 26 release of Neversoft's multi-instrument music game sequel Guitar Hero World Tour (PS2, PS3, 360, Wii), the company is also planning to release Vicarious Visions' second DS Guitar Hero, dubbed Decades, on November 16.

"You mention milking the franchise--I don't think we're doing that," Vicarious Visions producer David Nathanielsz told Shacknews when asked about the short span between the release of Guitar Hero: On Tour DS and the announcement of the sequel. "People are asking for songs, and that's what we're giving them."

This year also saw the debut of the first band-centric Guitar Hero game, Guitar Hero Aerosmith (PC, PS2, PS3, 360, Wii), with upcoming releases believed to include Guitar Hero: Metallica and Guitar Hero: Jimi Hendrix.