Indie developer Lichthund and publisher Team17 Digital have pulled back the curtain on Rockbeasts, a gritty, story-driven band-management simulator set against the backdrop of the 1990s underground music scene. In a newly released gameplay trailer, would-be managers are invited to guide a fledgling rock group from dingy basements to sweaty dive bars, balancing artistic integrity against the lure of commercial success.

Players assume the role of a hard-nosed talent handler tasked with booking venues, fine-tuning set lists and keeping band morale intact as they weather the highs and lows of an aspiring rock career. Success hinges on strategic decisions—will you stick to your principles or pivot toward mainstream appeal? Each choice reverberates through the band’s evolving relationships, shaping multiple possible endings.

Rockbeasts features fully voiced characters brought to life by an ensemble cast, including a surprise cameo from punk legend Iggy Pop under the moniker Iggy Pup. The game’s darkly comic script comes courtesy of veteran writer Jakub Szamałek, whose previous credits include senior writing on The Witcher 3, principal writing on Cyberpunk 2077 and narrative work on the forthcoming Blood of Dawnwalker.

Musically, Rockbeasts offers 17 original tracks designed to immerse players in the raw energy of ’90s rock. Each song has been composed and mastered exclusively for the title, promising an authentic soundtrack for every simulated gig. Artistic direction leans into grunge-era aesthetics, with hand-drawn character art and moody lighting reinforcing the game’s underground vibe.

Founded in 2015 by two industry veterans, Lichthund has earned acclaim for unconventional game concepts. The studio’s lean team emphasizes tight design and bold creativity, aiming to deliver fresh experiences to players worldwide. Team17 Digital, operating under the publicly traded Team17 Group plc, brings publishing expertise culled from a portfolio of more than 120 independent titles, including Worms, The Escapists and Overcooked!