The deformation process and failure mechanism of rock mass with increased joint roughness subjected to unconfined compression are investigated in this study using discrete element method. A numerical model is developed using soft-bonded particle and validated to realistically replicate the mechanical response of the rock mass. The micro-parameters of the rock material are first determined, and the effects of the joint roughness on the macromechanical response and fracture growth mechanism are then investigated. Analyses are also performed to examine the tensile and shear crack distributions, acoustic emission (AE) characteristics, coordination number, and crack anisotropy to advance the current understanding of the role of joint roughness on the mechanical behavior and deformability of rock mass. The results show that strength and deformability of the jointed rocks are highly dependent on the joint orientation and roughness. Joint roughness is found to restrain the propagation and coalescence of microcracks and AE events from the interlocking of asperities. In addition, the spatial distribution of the contact forces allows for better understanding of the effect of joint inclination angle on the response of the investigated rock samples.