KISS Legends Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley on Their Favorite Video Games

World of Tanks is gearing up for another Metal Fest event, and in 2025, it will feature none other than KISS, the iconic band that donned rock star personas and set the live music scene ablaze. The nature of those personas is fascinating, and why they continue to live on through created fantasy worlds.

As part of our larger interview, rock legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley spoke with us about their gaming experiences and the numerous times KISS has been featured in the industry. As you might imagine, it’s a lot!

Gene Simmons Is Fond Of Guitar Hero

A Lot Of People Still Are, Too

Simmons has “dabbled” in games over the years and reminds us that KISS is no stranger to the world of video games. Hehas also been featured several times throughout gaming history, even as himself. Here’s what he had to say when asked about his relationship to gaming:

Gene Simmons: You know, I’ve dabbled! I was part of Guitar Hero II back in the day—we even did a live event in Times Square where fans played “Strutter” onstage with me. That was wild. I got to narrate Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. I’ve even shown up as a skater in Tony Hawk’s Underground. So, while I don’t sit around with a controller much, I’ve definitely been in the games…

Whenever I think of Guitar Hero, that Legends of Rock cover art is emblazoned in my mind. KISS is the very definition of the “rock band” vibe that the original incarnation of the Guitar Hero series was going for.

Paul Stanley Appreciates The Love

This Isn’t The First Time KISS Has Had A Video Game Collab

Paul Stanley doesn’t quite game as much as Simmons, but was still extremely appreciative of all the love that the gaming industry has bestowed upon KISS over the decades:

Paul Stanley: I’ve seen our songs show up in all kinds of games—Grand Theft Auto, Rock Band, Guitar Hero—and it’s always cool to know a new generation is discovering KISS through those experiences. I’m not much of a gamer myself, but I love the idea that KISS lives in so many different places—whether it’s a stage, or in a video game.

He’s right! KISS has appeared in numerous video games over the years, beyond those mentioned by Stanley (whether it’s their songs or their likenesses), including Brutal Legend, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Rocksmith, Madden, and Just Dance. Now, they can add World of Tanks to that lengthy list.