Guitar Hero to continue on PS2

RedOctane will continue to support PlayStation 2 with the Guitar Hero series for as long as the platform is viable, according to publishing boss Dusty Welch.

"The PS2 was one of the top selling platforms in 2006, and every indication from Sony is that they will continue to manufacture and market the platform aggressively in 2007 and 2008," Welch told GamesIndustry.biz.

"Our plan is to be a multi-platform publisher, meaning viable platforms will be supported."

So far Guitar Hero has appeared only on PS2, but with an Xbox 360 version of the sequel due out this spring speculation has been mounting as to whether RedOctane's focus could shift.

Welch also confirmed recent reports that original developer Harmonix will no longer be involved with the series, with duties now in the hands of Tony Hawk developer Neversoft.

"At the moment, weâre still working with Harmonix on certain projects until completion, though moving forward, Neversoft will be taking over the development duties for the Guitar Hero franchise," he explained.

Harmonix was recently bought out by MTV, and although RedOctane - itself now a part of Activision - has been coy about the reasons behind its decision to part ways with the developer, some industry watchers suspect the moves were connected.

To read the full interview, visit Eurogamer.net.