The company behind Guitar Hero has said it is pulling the plug on one of the most influential video game titles of the new century.

Activision Blizzard, which also produces the Call of Duty series, is ending the Guitar Hero franchise after a run of more than five years.

The move follows Viacom’s decision in November to sell its money-losing unit behind the Rock Band video games. Harmonix was sold to an investment firm for an undisclosed sum.

Music games are often more expensive than typical shoot-’em-up games because they require guitars, microphones and other musical equipment. While extra songs can be purchased for download, this has not been enough to keep the games profitable.

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