People of Note: Annapurna Interactive and Iridium Studios Announce Turn-Based Musical RPG for Nintendo Switch

Annapurna Interactive and Iridium Studios have unveiled their upcoming turn-based RPG, People of Note, confirming plans for a Nintendo Switch launch in 2026.

Both renowned for their commitment to innovative storytelling, Annapurna Interactive and Iridium Studios aim to deliver a genre-defying experience that fuses the excitement of role-playing games with the vibrancy of musical performances. People of Note invites players into the world of Note, following the journey of pop singer Cadence as she assembles a diverse ensemble of musicians to pursue her dream of stardom.

After missing out on the prestigious Noteworthy Song Contest, Cadence realizes her solo efforts are not enough to impress the judges.

She embarks on a journey across vivid locales—including the rock-infused city of Durandis and the electronic beats of Lumina—recruiting band members whose unique musical styles provide new gameplay strategies. The game’s unique structure blends traditional turn-based RPG mechanics with real-time rhythm elements.

Every combat encounter unfolds as an interactive musical performance, where players must time attacks to the beat of the music to maximize their battle effectiveness.

As the in-game music dynamically shifts genres, players are challenged to adapt their strategies, making each encounter a fresh and engaging experience.

In addition, team members can combine their musical energies to unleash powerful genre-mashup attacks, emphasizing collaboration and creativity in battles. One standout aspect of People of Note is its commitment to player choice and accessibility.

The full experience is customizable—environmental puzzles can be turned off, and alternative gameplay options are provided for those less inclined toward traditional turn-based combat.

This flexibility ensures the game appeals to both RPG fans and rhythm game enthusiasts on the Nintendo Switch platform. The game’s cast will perform full-length cinematic musical sequences across a variety of genres, bringing an immersive, theatrical layer to the gameplay.

Each area Cadence explores is thematically tied to a specific genre, creating a vibrant, culturally diverse world to discover.

Dungeons are packed with quirky enemies and inventive puzzles, reinforcing the game’s musical motif. Annapurna Interactive, noted for their success with titles like Sayonara Wild Hearts and What Remains of Edith Finch, brings their reputation for emotional storytelling and unique game design to this project.

Iridium Studios, best known for their innovative approach to interactive music games, further elevates this collaboration, setting high expectations for People of Note’s 2026 release on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Stay tuned for more updates and gameplay reveals in upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, as People of Note positions itself as a must-watch title for RPG aficionados and music lovers alike.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Annapurna Interactive Iridium Studios People of Note