Hubert, the pastoral adventure starring an excessively self-assured shepherd dog, has launched on Steam. Developed by Brocap Studio, the game places players at dog-eye level as its fluffy title character begins a new job herding a particularly unruly flock alongside Lily, a sharp-minded child who has managed to secure them both work from a reluctant local farmer.
The Steam release arrives after a brief two-day delay caused by the platform's build-review process. Brocap Studio acknowledged that the final days before release did not unfold as expected, while thanking players who had followed Hubert's path to launch. That path has included appearances at Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show, more than 80,000 Steam wishlists, and a Best Game award at Game Access 2026.
Hubert is available on Steam for $19.99, £15.99, or EUR19.49. A 10% launch discount will be active for the game's first two weeks on sale. Players who want to try the game before making a purchase can also download a free demo through Steam.
A shepherd dog who believes he is the hero
Hubert's setup is simple, but it gives the game a distinctive perspective. Players experience the world through Hubert's eyes as he takes on the practical challenge of moving dozens of sheep across the valley's pastures. The dog has plenty of confidence and apparently a strong instinct for finding trouble, whether or not that makes him the ideal employee for a job requiring patience, precision, and cooperation.
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Lily is at Hubert's side throughout the adventure. Her quick thinking has persuaded the valley farmer to give the pair a chance, setting the stage for their work with the flock. While Hubert may see himself as the central figure, the relationship between the dog and Lily is core to the game's premise, which frames its journey as a story about friendship, courage, and, naturally, barking at sheep.
The sheep are described as only mildly chaotic, although anyone familiar with the realities of herding may view that as an optimistic assessment. The game's tone leans into the comic potential of an eager dog facing stubborn animals, offering a gentler take on animal-management adventure rather than presenting rural work as a purely serious simulation.
From green pastures to the northern wilderness
Herding through the valley is only the beginning of Hubert's assignment. After guiding the flock through the pastures, Hubert and Lily venture north into territory that is less familiar and increasingly unusual. The wilderness beyond the farm is described as quiet and strange, suggesting that the game expands beyond its cozy opening setting as the duo travels farther from home.
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That shift gives Hubert an adventure structure to accompany its herding premise. The early work of keeping sheep together establishes the relationship between dog, child, farmer, and flock, while the northern journey introduces a more uncertain destination. Brocap Studio has positioned the overall experience around the contrast between the warmth and humor of its animal characters and a landscape that becomes more mysterious at its edges.
For players, the central appeal is likely to be the chance to inhabit the role of a working dog rather than merely commanding one from a distance. Hubert is not presented as a perfectly disciplined farm animal. He is enthusiastic, overly certain of his own importance, and prone to mischief. That personality is intended to shape the adventure, making the act of moving sheep part of a character-led story instead of only a mechanical objective.
"The past few days haven't gone quite as planned, and we know you've been waiting to get your paws on the game," the Brocap Studio team said. "We're so grateful to everyone who supported us along the way. It's been a long journey getting this little shepherd dog out into the world, and we can't wait for you all to meet him."
A launch supported by a growing audience
The Steam debut follows a notable pre-release period for the independent game. Hubert appeared at both Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show, putting its dog-led concept in front of attendees at two of the year's biggest game events. It also accumulated more than 80,000 wishlists on Steam before launch, a substantial marker of early interest for a new independent release.
Its Best Game recognition at Game Access 2026 adds another encouraging milestone to that buildup. Awards do not determine how a game will be received once it reaches a wider audience, but the combination of event exposure, wishlist support, and recognition from Game Access gave Brocap Studio's project considerable momentum heading into release.
The short delay did not change the game's arrival window by much, but it serves as a reminder of the technical and administrative steps still involved at the end of game development. Steam's build-review process held the release back by two days, leaving Hubert waiting slightly longer to start his herding career. Now that the review issue has passed, the full game and its demo are available on the platform.
Steam now, PlayStation 5 later
Hubert's first release is on Steam, making PC the currently confirmed place to play the game. Brocap Studio has also confirmed that a PlayStation 5 version is planned. However, the studio has not announced a date, price, or launch window for the console edition.
More news on the PlayStation 5 release is expected in the future. Until those details are shared, prospective console players will need to wait, while PC players can either begin the full adventure now or sample its opening through the free demo.
The launch price places Hubert in the accessible range for a character-focused indie adventure, and the opening 10% discount provides a temporary reduction during the first fortnight. Players should note that the stated regional prices are $19.99 in the United States, £15.99 in the United Kingdom, and EUR19.49 in Europe, with storefront pricing and local currency presentation potentially varying elsewhere.
What to expect from Hubert
Hubert's identity rests on a clear blend of ingredients: a dog protagonist, herding responsibilities, sheep with minds of their own, and an expanding journey beyond the farm. Its point of view is particularly important. Seeing events through Hubert's eyes gives the developers room to make the world feel shaped by canine priorities, from the importance of the flock to the temptation of any potential distraction.
The game also does not hide its playful tone. Brocap Studio's own warning highlights mild mischief, stubborn sheep, and a dog who is convinced he is the main character. That description captures the spirit of the premise: Hubert may be doing real work, but he is unlikely to approach it with the quiet professionalism of a veteran farmhand.
With the Steam release now live, players can see whether Hubert's confidence is justified. His journey begins among the pastures and their difficult flock, then heads toward a northern wilderness with stranger territory ahead. For Brocap Studio, it marks the end of a long road to launch. For Hubert, it is the first day of a career that may require more patience with sheep than he is prepared to give.
Hubert is out now on Steam. A free demo is available, and Brocap Studio plans to bring the game to PlayStation 5 at a later date.
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