After a mixed year that delivered standout hits alongside a few high-profile disappointments, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for video games, with major franchises, long-awaited sequels and ambitious new projects set to arrive across consoles and PC.
Topping the list is Grand Theft Auto VI, scheduled for release in November. Rockstar Games’ return to Vice City, featuring dual protagonists Lucia and Jason, is widely expected to become one of the biggest entertainment launches in history, building on the studio’s reputation for expansive, highly detailed open worlds.
Early in the year, Cairn offers a stark contrast, presenting a grimly realistic take on mountain climbing. The survival-focused title emphasises physical strain, isolation and risk, aiming for immersion over spectacle. Horror fans will also have plenty to look forward to with Resident Evil: Requiem, which introduces the ability to switch between first- and third-person perspectives in Capcom’s long-running survival-horror series.
Strategy and roguelike enthusiasts are eyeing Slay the Spire 2, which promises new characters, cards and systems in Early Access, while stealth-action fans will welcome the return of James Bond in 007: First Light. Developed by IO Interactive, the game blends methodical espionage with cinematic action in an origin story for the iconic spy.
Indie players can anticipate the Sea of Sorrow expansion for Hollow Knight: Silksong, while racing fans are set to explore Japan in Forza Horizon 6. Superhero titles also feature prominently, with Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Wolverine aiming for a darker, more violent tone than its Spider-Man series.
Rounding out the year, Subnautica 2 promises expanded underwater exploration and four-player co-op, marking another strong entry in the survival genre. Together, these releases highlight a year packed with variety, ambition and high expectations.