The popular play-along computer game is being revamped for the Xbox One and PS4 consoles, according to industry experts.
They are believed to be gearing up to unveil the new-look Guitar Hero at the annual E3 games showcase this summer.
The series was a huge success on the ageing PS3 and Xbox 360 machines in the naughties.
But it slowly fell out of favour with gamers as sales dropped over five years of titles leading to it being shelved by develpers after 2010's Warriors of Rock entry.
The games involve cartoony visuals where players strum along to famous songs using a number of button presses on mock guitars.
The new version for the "next-gen" consoles is said to include more realistic visuals, where music crowds and performers will be "lifelike".
The new version for the "next-gen" consoles is said to include more realistic visuals [ACTIVISION]
Games expert Keza MacDonald, writing for Kotaku, said: "The new title, which one source says will be announced at E3 this year, takes a "more realistic" approach than previous Guitar Hero games, all of which have had a cartoonish visual style.“The new title, takes a "more realistic" approach than previous Guitar Hero games”Keza MacDonald, writing for Kotaku
"Crowds and performers will look more in-line with real life.
"We were told that there are new guitar peripherals in development for the title, and both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were mentioned.
"It is reportedly due for an E3 announcement and a full release before the end of the year."
The move comes amid speculation another beloved music game franchise, Harmonix's Rock Band, may be due a revival.
A spokesman for Activision said the firm did not comment on rumour or speculation.
But he added: "We don't comment on rumour or speculation, but have previously said, that as one of the most beloved entertainment franchises, we would only bring Guitar Hero back if we developed the right innovations to usher the franchise into the new generation of gaming."
