RedOctane was an American electronic entertainment company perhaps best known for producing the Guitar Hero series beginning in November 2005. RedOctane became a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision in 2006. In February 2010, Activision closed the RedOctane division.

RedOctane is known for its Guitar Hero games, Ignition dance pads, and other video game accessories, including arcade joysticks, drums, and guitars for existing music games. RedOctane teamed with developer Harmonix Music Systems to release Guitar Hero in November 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The game was successful and RedOctane had Jack McCauley design more sophisticated hardware for a sequel, which they released in 2006 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360.

In May 2006, video game publisher Activision announced plans to acquire RedOctane, completing the deal on June 6, 2006. Activision reportedly paid RedOctane $99.9 million in cash and common stock in the acquisition. Activision acquired McCauleys's consulting company, R0R3 Devices, at the same time.

McCauley has authored research papers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematical modeling of AI-based systems. His inventions, patents, and intellectual property span multiple technologies. He is one of the authors and originators of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) specification, and is an expert in Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

As architect and research head for RedOctane, he was a key contributor to the Guitar Hero game series and the chief engineer and designer. He designed the electronics for the Guitar Hero Guitars and the Guitar Hero drum controller, which formed the basis for all subsequent Guitar Hero versions. Through his development work on Guitar Hero and work for Electronic Arts and others, he is a key figure in incorporating MEMS technology into video games.

Among McCauley's many inventions are: the wireless video game steering wheel, the video game light gun, the composite HID USB device for gaming as well as the Guitar and Drum Controller for the Guitar Hero franchise. McCauley also holds patents and applications for patents in sports and medical physiology measuring devices. US 7,775,884, US 6,287,198, US 6,293,392 and many others.