Following its successful partnership with Adhoc Studios on Dispatch, Critical Role, the creator-owned media company behind the hit Amazon animated series The Legend of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein, has announced a new partnership with indie game studio LICHTHUND. Critical Role will co-publish and lend their voices to ROCKBEASTS, an upcoming story-driven rock-and-roll management RPG where players guide a 90s grunge band from garage obscurity to stadium glory.
Two bands. One stage. And the best gig yet! 🎸@LichthundStudio x @CriticalRole, together on ROCKBEASTS! Stay tuned to learn more at Triple-I on October 8th. pic.twitter.com/akBoYnfeOb
— Rockbeasts (@RockbeastsGame) September 29, 2026
ROCKBEASTS is set in an alternative 1990s America and puts players behind the scenes of the music industry as the manager of an up-and-coming grunge band trying to make the jump from garage obscurity to stadium glory. Players will book gigs, manage money and fragile egos, keep equipment running, schedule rehearsals, and navigate the music industry’s moral minefield, from predatory record labels and jaded venue owners to hard-nosed executives. Every decision shapes the band’s relationships, reputation and future, forcing players to decide when to protect their creative vision, when to compromise, and what they are willing to sacrifice for success.
“What immediately stood out to us about ROCKBEASTS was how much it feels like something the Critical Role audience will connect with. It’s character-driven, funny and emotional, and the choices players make truly shape the band and their relationships,” said Ben Van Der Fluit, SVP, Business and Content Development, Critical Role. “We’re excited to bring ROCKBEASTS to players as we continue to expand our presence in the video game business.”
Combining narrative RPG systems with hands-on management and rhythm-based performance gameplay, players will complete quests, manage limited resources and band dynamics, build setlists and take the stage, where every performance can bring new fans and opportunities or cost the band its reputation and morale.
ROCKBEASTS is written by award-winning narrative director Jakub Szamałek (The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, The Blood of Dawnwalker). The game features a hand-drawn visual art style inspired by adult animation, 17 original full-length tracks drawing from ’90s alternative rock and grunge, and a voice cast that includes legendary “Godfather of Punk” Iggy Pop.
“We’ve always seen ROCKBEASTS as an idea that deserves the full stadium treatment. Critical Role is helping us deliver it,” said Bartek Pieczonka, Creative Director, LICHTHUND. “The creative chemistry is already loud and clear, and it’ll bring the game to the players it will resonate with the most.”
ROCKBEASTS is set to launch in 2027.