Rhythm game fans will have plenty to explore at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con as Stage Tour continues building momentum ahead of its planned Holiday 2026 release. Developer RedOctane Games has announced a series of new updates, including a partnership with Dark Horse Comics, hands-on gameplay opportunities, an expanded soundtrack, and confirmation of the game’s launch platforms.
Stage Tour Heads to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
RedOctane Games confirmed that Stage Tour will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC later this year. Steam wishlists are available now, while PlayStation and Xbox wishlist options and pre-orders are expected to open in the coming months.
Inspired by the excitement of live performances and music culture, Stage Tour combines classic rhythm gameplay with modern progression systems and online features designed to appeal to both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers.
Dark Horse Comics Expands the Stage Tour Universe
Exclusive Comic Debuts at San Diego Comic-Con
One of the headline announcements is a collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, bringing the Stage Tour universe into comic book form for the first time.
The standalone comic explores the backstory of the game’s band members and expands the fictional world surrounding the upcoming title. The project features cover art by Kim Hu, a script by Zoe Tunnell, artwork by Liana Kangas, colors by Diana Sousa, and lettering by Comicraft’s Tyler Smith.
The limited-edition comic will be available exclusively to attendees at San Diego Comic-Con while supplies last. It will also be included as a bonus collectible with future Stage Tour hardware bundle pre-orders.
Jack Guinchard, Head of Marketing and Brand at RedOctane Games, said the partnership gives fans another way to connect with the game’s characters beyond the gameplay experience.
Hands-On Gameplay Coming to Comic-Con
Playable Demo at Booth #2834
Visitors to San Diego Comic-Con will be among the first to try the latest closed alpha build of Stage Tour at Booth #2834.
The demo will be playable on custom-built arcade cabinets created in partnership with Paradox Arcades and will showcase gameplay improvements based on feedback gathered during IGN Live 2026 and ongoing closed alpha testing.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to preview the officially licensed Kramer Guitar Controller before its commercial release. Pre-production versions of the controller will be available throughout the event, offering an early look at the hardware designed specifically for the game.
Fans can also collect the exclusive Stage Tour comic at both the Stage Tour booth (#2834) and the Dark Horse Comics booth (#2615), while supplies last.
Soundtrack Grows to 16 Confirmed Songs
RedOctane Games also revealed that the officially licensed soundtrack has expanded to 16 confirmed tracks.
The lineup spans multiple genres, including rock, heavy metal, pop-punk, and alternative music, featuring artists such as BABYMETAL & Electric Callboy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ghost, Slipknot, Weezer, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Rise Against, Static-X, Extreme, Honey Revenge, Good Kid, Castle Rat, The Long Faces, The Paradox, and Jfarrari.
According to the studio, these tracks represent only part of the final soundtrack, with additional music announcements planned ahead of launch.
Classic Rhythm Gameplay Meets Modern Features
Build a Band and Perform Across Multiple Modes
Stage Tour is built around the experience of forming a band and performing together using guitar, bass, drums, or vocals.
Players can use compatible guitar controllers, drum kits, microphones, standard gamepads, or keyboards to play through a variety of game modes. The game combines traditional five-fret rhythm mechanics with character progression, customization, and replayable content.
The development team includes veterans who previously worked on the Guitar Hero and DJ Hero franchises, alongside experienced members of the rhythm gaming community.
The game is also supported by a multi-year partnership with Gibson, allowing officially licensed Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer instruments to appear throughout the experience.
Looking Ahead to the Holiday 2026 Release
With its Comic-Con debut, expanded soundtrack, exclusive comic partnership, and confirmed release across major gaming platforms, Stage Tour continues to build anticipation ahead of its Holiday 2026 launch. RedOctane Games says additional announcements, including the official release date, pre-orders, new songs, and community initiatives, will be revealed over the coming months as development progresses.
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