Though best known for its epic, expansive actual-play Dungeons & Dragons tabletop campaigns, Critical Role hasn’t been shy about expanding into other entertainment, including comics, novels, and even video games. The creator-owned media company, known for the animated series adaptations of its D&D games The Legend of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein, is venturing into video games again by collaborating with indie game studio LICHTHUND on LICHTHUND's new game, ROCKBEASTS.
Critical Role will co-publish ROCKBEASTS, a story-driven rock-and-roll management RPG set in an alternative 1990s America. Players will take on the role of the manager of an up-and-coming grunge band, whose goal is to move beyond performing in their garage and achieve stadium glory.
However, getting the band to stardom won’t be easy. Players will need to book gigs, manage finances, maintain equipment, schedule rehearsals, and, most importantly, navigate the industry’s predatory record labels and jaded executives looking for a quick payday.
With so much to consider, players will face tough decisions—and the consequences, both good and bad, that come with them.
Alongside its RPG and choice-based systems, ROCKBEASTS also features rhythm-based performance gameplay. While each decision matters to the band’s reputation, how the band performs at each concert will also affect its overall success.
ROCKBEASTS isn't Critical Role's first game
Critters will remember that Critical Role was heavily involved in AdHoc Studios' comedy superhero game, DISPATCH, which also featured Critical Role co-founders Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Liam O’Brien, Ashley Johnson, and Travis Willingham. The voice cast will also be involved in ROCKBEASTS, which will bring the game’s cast of hardcore musicians to life. Critical Role isn't the only voice talent involved. Grammy Award winner Iggy Pop, known as the “Godfather of Punk,” will also appear, though in what capacity remains to be seen.
“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,” Ben Van Der Fluit, SVP, Business and Content Development for Critical Role, shared with Polygon. “We’re excited to bring ROCKBEASTS to players as we continue to expand our presence in the video game business.”
"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.”
Critical Role has found success in video games, with DISPATCH proving a major hit by selling over 1 million copies in just 10 days. It’s impossible to predict whether ROCKBEASTS will achieve the same success. That said, given the game’s many elements that will draw both Critters and gamers to it, namely its focus on narrative, RPG systems, and resource management, we wouldn’t be surprised if it did. Moreover, with the Critical Role cast involved, a loyal fandom like Critters will no doubt come running.
ROCKBEASTS is planned to launch on Steam in 2027.
Source: Polygon