Republic Records is making a major entry into the gaming industry with OnlyHands, a real-time mobile fighting game developed in partnership with Nothing Projects Interactive.
Set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, the game is being called by some fans the spiritual successor to Def Jam: Fight for NY, thanks to its unique combination of music, combat, and pop culture.
Players will be able to take control of avatars modeled after Republic Records’ top artists, using their music as the foundation for in-game battles. The label has yet to announce the full roster, but it is expected to include stars ranging from Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi, Ariana Grande, Lorde, to Taylor Swift.
The game promises to bring both rap heavyweights and pop icons into a dynamic digital arena.
CEO Zane Comer of Nothing Projects Interactive emphasized that OnlyHands is not just a blend of music and gaming, but the creation of a new medium entirely.
“Gaming and music were never truly separate—they just hadn’t found their native form…What we’re building isn’t a crossover, it’s a new medium,” he said.
Nothing Projects Interactive describes the game as a “music-first” ecosystem built on four key pillars. These include combat-driven streaming, where winning matches generates real music streams; artist avatars with signature movesets inspired by their songs and personas; instant content injections, allowing artists to release cosmetics, tracks, or moves in real time; and a live fan economy that combines streams, item drops, and in-game purchases.
Avery Lipman, Founder of Republic Records and Vice Chairman/COO of Republic Collective, highlighted the cultural significance of the collaboration.
“They’ve created a new paradigm with OnlyHands,” Lipman said. “It’s a seamless platform for the integration of gaming, music, and culture.”
The launch of OnlyHands aligns with Republic Records and Universal Music Group’s growing presence in interactive entertainment.
Recent projects include the Roblox music hub Beat Galaxy, TWICE’s metaverse fan experience, and a partnership with HEAT that allows games to integrate music from artists like Lil Wayne directly into their platforms.
Early previews of the game are already generating buzz.
Sauce Walka, featured in trailers and part of the development team, shared his excitement on Instagram, celebrating OnlyHands’ mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking gameplay.
The official OnlyHands website emphasizes humor and world-building, showcasing fictional “studies,” teaser videos, and cameos from artists such as Boosie, Key Glock, and Kodak Black.
Fans can expect a vibrant universe that reflects both internet culture and the energy of the music industry.
