Some games stick to a formula. People of Note feels more interested in remixing one.
Yep, this one takes the familiar rhythm of a turn-based RPG and layers it with something a little more expressive, where every battle feels less like a fight and more like a performance.
Now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC (with Play Anywhere support), PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, this latest from Iridium Studios and Annapurna Interactive puts music front and centre, building an adventure around sound, style and the search for something that clicks.
At A Glance
- Game: People of Note
- Developer: Iridium Studios
- Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2
- Game Type: Turn-Based RPG / Musical
Building A Band, Finding A Direction
At the heart of People of Note is Cadence, a young pop singer trying to carve out her place after being rejected from the Noteworthy Song Contest.
Rather than going it alone, she sets out to build something bigger. As you travel through different regions, from rock-inspired cities to electronic hubs, you’ll recruit musicians who bring their own abilities and styles into the mix. It’s not just about assembling a team, but about finding the right combination that works together.
Battles That Feel Like Performances
Combat is where People of Note really separates itself.
Encounters play out in turn-based fashion, but the twist comes from how your party interacts. Each character represents a different musical influence, and as you build your group, you can blend those styles together into mashup attacks that evolve as battles progress.
It creates a system where experimentation is key. Sticking to one approach rarely feels like the best option, and adapting your “sound” becomes just as important as your strategy.
Then, outside of combat, the game opens up with exploration, puzzles and dungeon-style progression. Each location has its own identity, and spending time away from battles helps give the world a bit more depth. It’s not just a series of encounters, but a journey through places that feel shaped by the music and culture they represent.
One We’ve Been Watching Closely
People of Note isn’t coming out of nowhere either. It already earned a spot in our Best New Xbox and Game Pass Games for April 2026 roundup, standing out for its creative approach to a well-worn genre.
People of Note doesn’t throw out the rulebook, but it definitely plays with it.
By blending music into its core systems, People of Note offers a take on turn-based RPGs that feels fresh without losing what makes the genre work. If you’re after something with a bit more personality – something that’s willing to experiment – this is one worth tuning into.
Keep your eyes peeled for our review. But until then, grab a copy of People of Note for yourself from the usual digital storefronts. We’ll point you to the Xbox Store. Don’t expect to be playing via Game Pass at launch though – you’ll need to stump up the hard-earned cash.
