It’s quite the list, and we’re sure that you share our excitement for a majority of them. Without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced

Getting to return to the Caribbean to join Edward Kenway on his epic journey from a callous pirate to a noble Assassin is definitely something we’re very excited about. A revamped combat system, some extra story cutscenes, and those delightful visuals are just icing on the cake. This one comes out on July 9, 2026, for the PS5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC.

2. EA Sports College Football 27

The College Football franchise has been doing quite well for itself in recent years, and we don’t see why this year should be any different. We already know it’s bringing quite the roster for us to enjoy, with some very attractive goodies for those who pre-order any of its editions. Once again, it releases on July 9, 026, for the PS5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC.

3. Palworld 1.0 Release

We were blown away by the cinematic trailer that this one dropped recently, and it showcases stunning new locations with fascinating creatures for us to collect over the course of our adventure. It’s touted to be the game’s biggest update yet, and is sure to bring a lot of exciting new additions to the table as it brings us to the story’s finale when it drops on July 10, 2026, for all available platforms.

4. Splatoon Raiders

Getting to join a pirate musician group that’s raiding the Spirhalite Islands for treasure? Sign us up! Yesterday’s Direct showcase gave us quite a good look at this one, and it only made us all the more excited to try out its paint-based weapons, great progression systems, and of course, the Exploration Bot. Talk about the efficient use of tech. It’s slated for a June 30 release on the Switch 2.

5. Halo: Campaign Evolved

We’re still not over that awesome trailer that showed off the new Covenant faction, some very interesting footage from the new prequel missions, and of course, the return of Master Chief. The new weapons are equally intriguing, and we can’t wait to dive in and get blasting when this one releases for the XBOX Series X|S, PC, and PS5 on July 28 this year.

6. Beast of Reincarnation

Any journey that gives you a furry friend for company is definitely worth undertaking, in our book. When you combine that with some parry-focused Soulslike action and a very cool set of powers for Emma, the game’s protagonist, you get the recipe for a game that’s sure to have us grinding our teeth in frustration but determined to end whatever the Hush throws at us. It’s slated to release on August 4 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

7. Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

With a starting roster that brings some of Marvel’s best to the table for an action-packed gameplay loop, this one is definitely going to keep us occupied for quite a while. We’re particularly interested in the Episode Mode, where you participate against the enigmatic Champion in a Tournament where you’re surely going to have to bring your best skills to the table. Look our for this one on August 6 on your PC or PS5.

8. Mafia: The Old Country – Man of Honour

An expansion that doubles up on the nostalgia factor that put this one on the map in the first place is certainly welcome. It’s even better when it gives us a look at Don Salieri’s early days before his time in America that set the entire franchise in motion. The trailer was pretty interesting despite being a little to stingy with details, but it did tell us that this one’s releasing on August 14, 2026, on all available platforms.

9. The Sinking City 2

Lovecraftian adventures are always a great combination of thrills and chills, and the Slither is looking like a foe you don’t want to tangle with unless you’re Calvin Rafferty. Of course, the Deep Ones and Shadows are equally credible threats, and we’re quite curious to see how this one has us dealing with them when it comes out on August 18 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S. There’s even a playable demo on Steam if you want to try it before buying it.

10. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam

We were pretty bummed about this one getting delayed to August 13 but do appreciate Team 17 taking player feedback and the results from its own playtests seriously enough to ask for more time to further polish this one before releasing it for all of us. We’re hoping it builds on everything that was good about its predecessor while adding interesting new twists to the table.

11. Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2

If you’ve been with us for a while, you probably already guessed that this one is definitely something we’re eager to dive into. The chance to revisit two titles that cemented our love for the franchise is very welcome, and Solid Snake’s final chapter is the one that has us as excited as we are. Of course, Peace Walker is also something we’re eager to play again, and it’s going to be a difficult choice between them then this one drops on August 27 this year for the PS5, PC, XBOX Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and the Switch 2.

12. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

Sophie was among the more interesting characters in Requiem, and her role in Amicia and Hugo’s adventure in that one presented her as a complex and nuanced character. It’s only logical, then, that a look into her early days as a headstrong young smuggler exploring Minotaur Island has us itching to get started with it already. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too long until this one drops on August 27, 2026, for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series.

13. Star Wars Zero Company

A ragtag group of mercenaries that include a Jedi, a noble, a droid, and a former Separatist embarking on an adventure set during the Clone Wars is music to the ears of any Star Wars fan, and we’re no exception. The addition of Anakin Skywalker before his turn to the Dark Side is another interesting twist that makes this one a very compelling addition to this list. It’s out on August 27 this year for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S.

14. Elden Ring Tarnished Edition

The wait for this one has been a long one, but it’s finally coming out on August 28 this year on all available platforms and the Nintendo Switch 2. There’s new weapons, armor, and a very welcome option to customize Torrent being added to the base game and its DLC, and it’s as good a reason as any for us to begin a new playthrough in the run-up to its release. We’re pretty excited, even if that means taking on the Blade of Miquella yet again.

15. EA Sports Madden NFL 27

We were already looking forward to this one before EA highlighted how the Persona Engine is gearing up to make each athlete feel quite unique when they step onto the pitch, aside from the Superstar GOAT progression path giving us a reason to keep coming back to it for more. And that’s only the beginning of all the cool stuff this one’s bringing to the franchise when it releases on August 13, 2026, for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S.

16. The Blood of Dawnwalker

We’ve been very eager to play this one ever since it was first announced, and the wait for its September 3 release has been tantalizing at best, and agonizing every time we’ve got a new glimpse of its gameplay. Of course, the latest trailer has only exacerbated those feelings as we got to see Coen and Brencis’s fight transcend the passage of time, just as vampires should, making this one a game we’re going to be diving head-first into as soon as we get the chance.

17. Valheim 1.0 Release

The Deep North update and the end of this one’s Early Access period as it makes its PS5 and Switch 2 debut has us very interested in learning what new additions it’s bringing to the table in a survival crafting gameplay loop that’s also a great take on norse mythology. The snowy weather isn’t the only thing to look forward to, as there are going to be new enemies, places, and faces to engage with when it drops on September 9, 2026.

18. Marvel’s Wolverine

Boy, oh boy, was that look that we got into this one at the recent State of Play a good one. Insomniac made a lot of good choices in its take on Logan, and the inclusion of Jean Grey and some very high stakes for the cast make this one a very engaging title indeed. Wolverine looks like a fresh take on a very familiar character, and the mechanics look like they weave his unique powers into the gameplay loop quite well. It’s out on September 15, 2026, and is exclusive to the PS5.

19.Trials In The Sky Second Chapter

We’ve known that this one is coming for a while, and although a concrete release date is yet to be announced, it’s probably going to be out in late September. Its predecessor ended on quite the cliffhanger and it’s quite a tempting title to consider even in the midst of a very crowded release calendar thanks to one of the big names on our list. We’re definitely keeping an eye out for this one.

20. Trine 6: Together in Time

This puzzle platformer brings a vibrant color palette to a world that’s full of mysteries waiting to be explored, and a charming cast aimed at being memorable by virtue of their unique abilities and the synergies they build based off of them.You get to play it with upto three of your buddies, with a bunch of common abilities and a combat system that lets you make the most of them all thrown in. It’s releasing for the PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 and XBOX Series X|S on 17 September, 2026.

21. Control Resonant

How did Remedy choose to build on what made the predecessor to this one great? Well, it’s opened up the doors of the FBC and let its protagonist loose in a version of Manhattan that’s been warped beyond recognition. There are enemy designs that range from bizarre to surreal, while the combat takes a more hands-on approach this time around. This one’s out on September 24 for the PC, PS5, and XBOX Series X|S,

22. Hot Wheels Infinite Rush

Based on Mattel’s popular line of collectibles, this one is an open-world arcade racer that ditches photorealism in favor of a more amusing take on Hot Wheels, allowing it to bring its own version of the track sets we’ve always wanted to build to life. It also brings full cross-play compatibility to the table, allowing you to set up evenings of racing that could have you very entertained indeed. It’s coming to the PS5, PC, XBOX Series, and the Switch 2 on September 24, 2026.

23. Silent Hill: Townfall

Simon Ordell’s time in St. Amelia is vastly different from Hinako’s adventure in Silent Hill f, but that doesn’t make it any less unsettling in the limited glimpses we’ve got of this one. It has all the staples of the franchise, such as nasty monsters and an intense, moody setting, coupled with new additions that make this one a game to look forward to if you’ve got nerves of steel. It’s coming out for the PS5 and PC on September 24.

24. Valor Mortis

The chance to play as an undead soldier in a story set during the Napoleonic Wars is definitely something that made us sit up and pay attention, and everything we’ve seen of this one so far points to an experience that’s sure to test our skills and our patience in this first-person Soulslike. Once again, this one’s hitting the shelves on September 24 for the PC and PS5.

25. Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Miyamoto Musashi is back, and he’s bringing the Oni Gauntlet back in all its glory in a title that’s as brutal as they come on the gameplay front. The fight against Shuten-dōji in the recently released trailer was reason enough for us to be interested in this one, but the playable demo now has us itching to get into it in earnest. We’re going to have to wait until September 25 for that chance, though, and it’s coming to the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

26. Minecraft Dungeons II

A new evil, two new worlds, and the chance of a closer look at The Nether are all factors that contribute to our enthusiasm for this one. There’s also the new combat that was shown off in a recent trailer to look forward to, alongside the potential for some very cool DLC being added to it after its September 29 release for both iterations of the Switch, PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

27. Phantom Blade Zero

We’ve got high hopes for this one, and a lot of confidence that it isn’t going to disappoint when it comes out on October 29 after a delay that’s using the extra time for some polishing. It’s combat and traversal mechanics all point to a title that’s slick, fast, and challenging, all of which are very attractive features for any game to have. The premise is equally engaging, and we can’t wait to dive into this one when it comes out for the PS5 and PC.

28. Rayman Legends Retold

It’s always great to see Rayman again, and this time around, the classic character is coming back to the spotlight in style. There’s a fully-3D art style that brings a colorful world to life with aplomb, while the story might be familiar to those of you who’ve played through Rayman Legends. This platformer is definitely worth looking out for, and is coming out October 1, 2026, for the PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

29. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Taking to the skies in fighter jets is always going to be an exhilarating experience, and the addition of superweapons and the ability to send enemy fighters crashing into one another are all facets that add to the allure of this game. It’s out on October 2 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S and there’s an attractive bunch of content for those of you who pre-order it.

30. Gears of War: E-Day

This one’s been a long time coming and we can’t wait to rejoin Marcus Fenix on an adventure that’s going to take us back to the beginning of the war between mankind and The Locusts. Despite the lack of a PS5 version on its October 6 launch date, you’re still going to get to play it on XBOX and PC. It’s also going to be on Game Pass from day one, so there’s that. It’s as action-packed as you’d expect, going by the trailer from the XBOX Games Showcase.

31. Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Pod racing in a galaxy far, far, away sounds like the perfect way to unwind after a long day, doesn’t it? We doubt we’re going to be doing a lot of relaxing after seeing this one in action at the 2026 edition of Summer Game Fest, though. It comes with a lot of tension both on and off the tracks as you race to become the new champion of the Galactic Racing League. This one’s ready to go on October 6 for the PS5, PC, and XBOX Series X|S.

32. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

This 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania puts the Belmont family whip in the hands of a nimble new protagonist who must use it to take on Dracula’s forces in Paris, hitting them where it hurts while getting more powerful in the process. Trailers indicate that exploration is a crucial part of it, along with the potential integration of RPG mechanics into its progression loop. It’s coming to the PS5, PC, XBOX Series X|S, and Switch 2 on October 15, 2026.

33. Grand Theft Auto 6

This one’s certainly one that we’ve all been waiting for with patience (and a fair bit of impatience after last year’s delay), and is sure to take over the discourse around gaming when it arrives. It’s been imposing enough that other developers have done their best to give it a wide berth with some interesting effects on the year’s release calendar that you might have already noticed, even on this list. It’s out on November 19 for the PS5 and XBOX Series X|S, with no news of a PC release at the time of writing.

34. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake

One of the Zelda franchise’s heavy hitters getting a remake is obviously good news. However, Nintendo has been quite cryptic when it comes to details about its gameplay and potential improvements to the Ocarina of Time remake, and there’s no official release date at this time other than a rumored November-December release window. It’s exclusive to the Switch and Switch 2.

35. The Duskbloods

FromSoft has been rather quiet since Nightreign came out, and that’s because it has been hard at work on this PvEvP Switch 2 exclusive that lets you take control of the Bloodsworn, fierce warriors who are competing against each other for possession of the First Blood, although they might find themselves working together when the situation demands it. There are over 12 unique characters to engage with, although we’re yet to get an official release date on it.

And that’s about it for this one. It’s quite a crowded calendar for the second half of the year, but we’re sure a lot of you share our excitement for all the great titles that it’s set to bring. More games, more memories, and more fun is how we’re choosing to look at it.

We’re obviously excited and can’t wait to see what the latest edition of the event brings to the table. But we’re also hoping that it gives us news about a few titles we’re quite excited about. Without further ado, here are the things we’d love to see at The Game Awards 2025.

1. Fallout 3 Remastered Reveal Trailer

We’re itching at the chance to dive right back into what’s close to the best Fallout title we’ve played. With Bethesda doing a great job of bringing The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion back to life, we can’t wait to see what the studio does with a title that has the potential to have this one among the best remakes/remasters out there.

Given how the studio managed to modernize another of its classics, a trailer for this one would be quite nice, allowing us all to see just how well the remaster manages to recapture the magic of the original.

2. GTA 6 Trailer

Given the delay to this highly aniticpated title, we’d say it’s about time that Rockstar gives us more concrete news about it, It’s probably safe to guess that the game is atleast ready for a trailer at TGA 2025, and it would definitely reassure the gaming community at large that the game is indeed coming in 2026, given how much hype it already has behind it.

This is an opportunity to showcase what it can do, and we sure as hell hope Rockstar is ready to show off its upcoming flagship title.

3. Half-Life 3 Reveal Trailer

The rumor mill has already hinted at a reveal for Half-Life 3 at TGA, and we’re definitely hoping that it got things right this time. While Valve has chosen to let us stew in its silence on this one, that’s not to say that there is any good reason why the studio should choose to make an announcement about a title that’s going to bring back fond memories of the games that came before it.

Once again, it’s an opportunity to bring back a dormant franchise back to the mainstream and enthrall legions of players while you’re at it. Let’s hope Valve sees things the same way we do!

4. Alien Isolation 2

The next chapter of Alien Isolation is a fine choice for a reveal at TGA, considering just how well the first title managed to recapture the magic of the franchise as its players made their way to a desolate facility overrun with Xenomorphs.

With the first game’s story giving us the impression that things were only beginning to heat up, it’s more than about time that the next instalment makes itself known, and gives us an end to the agonizing wait for this follow-up to the first title.

5. The Next Metro Game Reveal Trailer

We think it’s safe to say that you’d agree that it’s about time we got a new Metro game. With speculation rife about a potential reveal at TGA 2025, this is another batch of rumors that have us hoping for their credibility.

A blend of Last Light and Exodus would certainly be a great addition to the franchise, and a trailer showcasing how the game could be the one that cements its future in modern gaming.

6. Max Payne 1 + 2 Remake Reveal Trailer

It’s always good to hear back from old friends, and Max Payne definitely fits the bill. A remake of both the first two games is already on the cards, with Remedy and Rockstar collaborating to bring both titles into one comprehensive package.

We’re hoping to see a trailer of what that new title could bring to the table, and perhaps get ourselves hyped up to dive back into an adventure that has given us so many fond memories.

7. OD

Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele collaborating on a horror title? Sign us up! We’re hoping to hear more about this game at TGA 2025, especially after knowing that Kojima was a part of a Silent Hill title before his infamous fallout with Konami.

This is a horror title that could change the genre if you consider the prodigious skill sets of its makers, and is definitely something we want to hear more about, no matter the occasion.

8. Metal Gear Solid 1 Remake

After Naked Snake’s current-gen debut, it’s only natural to want a franchise that’s been a source of so many fond gaming-related memories to get to us sooner rather than later. We’re hoping that Konami builds on the momentum it has achieved with Delta: Snake Eater, and brings us more remakes of a franchise that continues to be a crucial part of modern gaming.

If the previous remake was any indication, this is a title that’s going to be faithful to the original that inspired it while also making it relevant enough to appeal to newcomers as well.

9. The Next Wolfenstein

We loved The New Order and also enjoyed The New Colossus, which makes us believe that six years is way too long without a Wolfenstein game in the making. Here’s to hoping that TGA 2025 ends that long wait, and that a new title in a franchise that was part of our early gaming years hits the stage and puts it back on the map.

10. Ace Combat 8

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from the Ace Combat series since 2019’s Skies Unknown. With the game’s producer already giving cryptic hints about a new game, TGA 2025 might just be the best place to make it official.

It’s going to be great to see the franchise come to life with Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals and any potential tweaks to the gameplay loop that Bandai Namco chooses to bring to the table.

11. Kingdom Hearts IV

It’s been a while since this one was announced, and we’re hoping to hear more about it at TGA. A face-off between Sora and Heartless is surely going to come with a lot of twists and turns we weren’t expecting, and this is a game that we’ve been excited about for a very long time.

Fans of the franchise are sure to share our sentiments, and this is a title that needs to be a part of the festivities and might even prompt some folks to continue celebrating long after the event is over.

12. Final Fantasy Remake Part 3

With the game’s director recently stating that it’s more or less complete, TGA 2025 is the perfect stage to introduce this one to the world. We already know that the game is down to two final titles, with one being officially finalized at the end of the year.

Well, that time is almost upon us, and we’re sure that the game is going to have something for us to chew on at TGA 2025. An update would do well to keep the hype up for a game that many are waiting for, after all.

13. New Light No Fire Trailer

A new IP from the makers of No Man’s Sky is obviously a massive draw, considering the success of the latter. It’s quite an ambitious effort from Hello Games, although its premise and new world might be different from the studio’s previous offering.

A new trailer showcasing the game’s many pillars and gameplay loop is definitely something we’re not willing to wait for, and we’re hoping that TGA is a great occasion for more news.

14. The Division 3 Revealed

The developer might have managed to begin a revival of its fortunes, but so much hinges on its upcoming projects that the studio must get things right. Fortunately, this is a studio that has no dearth of talent that can help it regain its footing, and The Division is one among them

Let’s hope that the developer manages to get its resolutions for 2026 in place before TGA 2025, and that this highly anticipated title is a part of those plans.

15. The Wolf Among Us 2

It’s rare that we have the patience to wait for a sequel to an awesome game for nearly twelve years. However, our patience has now run thin, and we’re hoping that Telltale Games gives us a snippet about a sequel to one of our favorite episodic titles.

We look at it as a new season of a show that managed to capture our hearts and minds before vanishing off the map without a trace. We’re glad a sequel’s in the making, but would like to know more about it if its makers decide that TGA is a good place to give out more news.

And that’s a wrap on everything we’re hoping to see at TGA 2025. Let’s all hope that developers around the world feel the same way as we do, and bring all of their hard work to the spotlight that it deserves.

GRAND THEFT AUTO 6 GAMEPLAY

Rockstar Games does things at its own pace and leisure, so it’s very unlikely that the company is going to bother aligning its plans with an event rather than just dropping a new trailer of GTA 6 online whenever it’s good and ready. It’s highly unlikely, then, that we see a new trailer of the open world crime epic at Summer Game Fest or at Xbox Games Showcase or what have you- but boy oh boy would there be an explosion of hype if we did.

BLOODBORNE REMAKE/REMASTER

Looking at the way Sony treats the game, you wouldn’t believe that Bloodborne is widely considered one of the greatest games ever made, let alone one of the best first-party PlayStation games of all time, because even as demand for a Bloodborne sequel or remake or remaster or, hell, even a 60 FPS patch, grows louder, Sony insists on responding to that demand with pure silence. The chances of a Bloodborne remaster or remake ever happening are slim, but some part of us is just never going to be able to let go of that last shred of hope.

THE ELDER SCROLLS 6

Even though it’s been six years since Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls 6, it doesn’t take a genius to know that there’s zero chance we’re going to see it at the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase. The fantasy RPG entered production only a few months ago, while Bethesda is still also very much focused on post-launch support for Starfield. Are we going to see the sci-fi RPG’s first expansion? Almost certainly. But The Elder Scrolls 6? Unfortunately, as awesome as it would be, it just isn’t going to happen for a few years yet.

THE LAST OF US PART 3

While it’s unlikely that The Last of Us is the sort of franchise that’s just going to go on forever, it’s also almost definitely not done just yet. At the very least, fans expect one more game to round out Ellie’s story- but though that’s almost definitely going to happen at some point in the future, it’s highly unlikely that it’s going to happen anytime in the near future, much less the coming days. We’ll be all kinds of hyped when The Last of Us Part 3 really is announced, but we doubt it’ll happen anytime soon.

HALF-LIFE 3

Thanks to Half-Life: Alyx, this is no longer completely a joke inclusion. The 2020 VR game was like a bolt out of the blue, and impossibly enough, it once again gave series fans hopes that maybe Half-Life was going to have a future after all. Of course, you can never be too sure that Valve is ever going to do what you expect it will, so there’s still no guarantees that a new Half-Life game will ever come out- but there’s at least a semi-decent chance that it does, and if that happens, our excitement is going to be through the roof.

THE WITCHER 4

Cyberpunk 2077 was a major bump in the road for CD Projekt RED (if we’re putting it mildly), but after having righted those wrongs with post-launch updates and the excellent Phantom Liberty, the developer is now ready to return to the Witcher universe. Geralt of Rivia’s story is over, but CDPR has now started working on another new game in the series that will kickstart its own trilogy. The game is supposed to enter full production before the end of the year, so we’re not going to get an announcement just yet- but slowly but surely, it’s cooking behind the scenes, and we’re keeping one eye glued to it.

THE NEXT LIKE A DRAGON/JUDGMENT

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio puts out Like a Dragon and Judgment games at an incredible pace, which means even though it’s only been a few months since Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth came out, it’s not completely nuts to already start looking to the future. Given how long it’s been since Lost Judgment, it’s likely that a third instalment is what’s next for RGG Studio, but even so, we don’t think an announcement is coming just yet. Whenever it does though, given the developer’s track record, it goes without saying that we’re going to be more than a little keen to get our hands on whatever game ends up getting announced.

ACE COMBAT 8

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is five years old, so fans can’t be blamed for growing antsy about when the series’ next instalment will be announced, and if recent leaks are to be believed, Ace Combat 8 is indeed what Bandai Namco has lined up as its next big game. Do we expect an announcement in the coming days, especially with the publisher also focusing on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree? Probably not. The announcement is very likely coming soon though, and we couldn’t be more excited.

DEATH STRANDING 2 GAMEPLAY

Admittedly, this one isn’t as unlikely as many of the others we’ve spoken about in this feature, especially given how often we see Kojima trailers at Geoff Keighley events, but the fact that Sony didn’t showcase a new trailer of the game at its recent State of Play might suggest that maybe there just isn’t anything to show yet. Is there a chance that we still see a trailer at Summer Game Fest? There probably is- and we hope that that does happen, because Death Stranding 2 is looking set to be one of 2025’s biggest releases.

DINO CRISIS REVIVAL

Probably the textbook definition of a pie-in-the-sky dream scenario. There’s been loud demand for a revival of the Dino Crisis franchise for a while now, but though Capcom looks to have aggressive plans for remakes where Resident Evil is concerned, it doesn’t look like the company is eying a Dino Crisis revival just yet. We hope that it does end up happening sooner rather than later though, because a modern survival horror Dino Crisis game built in the RE Engine would be just too good to pass up.

NEXT MASS EFFECT

BioWare confirmed that it was working on the next Mass Effect game several years ago at this point, but the sci-fi RPG is still in pre-production, which means it’s still going to be at least few years before the game releases. Given that, and the fact that BioWare and EA are probably going to be focusing on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf this summer, how likely is it that we see glimpses of the next Mass Effect in the coming days? Not likely at all, unfortunately. We’re happy to be patient though, in the hope that it turns out to be worth the wait- which, admittedly, will be a tall order.

CONTROL 2

Remedy Entertainment only just released Alan Wake 2 less than a year ago, and the developer recently confirmed that Control 2 had still yet to enter full production. Is there a chance, then, that Control 2 gets announced at one of the upcoming events? All signs are pointing to no, especially since it’s looking likely that Remedy will instead be showcasing Alan Wake 2 DLC. Whenever Control 2 does get unveiled however, given how excellent the first game was, you can bet excitement for its sequel is going to be sky-high.

MAX PAYNE 1 AND 2 REMAKE

Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake is probably going to be Remedy’s next big project after Alan Wake 2, especially with the developer having confirmed that the combined remake will be entering full production soon. What that means, then, is that though it’s unlikely to get unveiled in the coming days, chances are high that it will be announced within the coming year or two. When that happens, you can look forward to widespread fervent anticipation, because the return of Max Payne is something we’ve been desperately waiting for for a long, long time.

MIYAZAKI AND FROMSOFTWARE’S NEXT GAME

When FromSoftware releases a new game, especially one directed by the mastermind Hidetaka Miyazaki, the entire industry sits up and takes notice, and that obviously will happen whenever it happens next. It won’t be happening anytime soon though, because FromSoftware is going to be entirely focused on Elden Ring’s upcoming expansion over the coming couple of weeks. Given the speed at which the studio works, there’s a good chance that we’ll be hearing about its next game faster than some may think, but we do think it’s unlikely that that happens as soon as this summer season.

METAL GEAR SOLID MASTER COLLECTION VOL. 2

A compilation of a bunch of old games wouldn’t be a hugely exciting thing under ordinary circumstances, but there’s a good chance that the next time Konami puts out a Master Collection for Metal Gear Solid games, it will also include Metal Gear Solid 4, making that game playable on a system other than the PS3 for the firs time ever. Our hope is that that happens sooner rather than later, but there’s been little to no indication of late that Konami will be making those announcements in the near future. We hope we’re wrong though, because we’re always down to return to Metal Gear.

Responding on Twitter to a user who asked about a potential Tales of Destiny Remake that never happened, she said, “The next large-scale project for Bandai Namco is the Chronicle project in development with support from ILCA and ORCA.” Midori then responded to another user who posited that the Chronicle project is the next Tales game with, “I think it is Ace Combat 8.”

While not hard confirmation, it would make sense. The next Ace Combat was confirmed in August 2021, with brand director Kazutoki Kono noting it would use Unreal Engine 5. Bandai Namco would then tie up with ILCA to lead development on the title and even established a new company in 2022, Bandai Namco Aces, to “deliver high-end games that exceed the expectations of fans around the world.” Based on the studio’s mission statement, Chronicle could be something entirely new.

As always, we’ll need to wait for official confirmation, but with the publisher confirmed for Summer Game Fest on June 7th, there could be an announcement. Stay tuned and check out our review of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

The next large scale project for Bandai Namco is the Chronicle project in development with support from ILCA and ORCA.

— みどり (@MbKKssTBhz5) May 23, 2024

I think it is Ace Combat 8.

— みどり (@MbKKssTBhz5) May 23, 2024

The company establishment and goals were explained on its official website. “With the recent remarkable growth of the global game market, the demand for more high-end games is increasing. On this basis, in order to deliver high-end games that exceed the expectations of fans around the world, we have decided to establish a new company to strengthen our capacities to develop games with hyper-photorealistic expression.”

ILCA (which developed Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl) was chosen due to possessing “technical capabilities to produce high-quality content using state-of-the-art technology.” The goal of Bandai Namco Aces is to leverage the “strengths and know-how of both companies” to deliver “high-quality contents that can be played in-depth and for a long time to fans around the world.”

Iwasaki also revealed that the company recently started a project with the slogan “Crossing Genres and Borders!” Along with talking about Singularity AI and the “digital twin/mirror world” evolving towards 2040, he said, “As a member of the Bandai Namco Group, I will pass on the future that I have envisioned for a long time to the next generation.

“To this end, we will continue to work together with creators in the game and computer graphics industries and game players around the world as one organization, and create experiences that enables them to be a task force.”

Not much is known about the next Ace Combat, except that’s being developed on Unreal Engine 5. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown has sold over three million copies since its launch in January 2019. It continues to receive new updates and DLC including the recent Top Gun: Maverick Aircraft Set. Stay tuned for more details on the next entry in the meantime.

As reported by Twinfinite, Ace Combat brand director Kazutoki Kono has confirmed that in order to realize the creative and technical vision the development team has for Ace Combat 8 (or whatever they end up calling the game), the title is being developed using Unreal Engine 5.

Since the official reveal of Unreal Engine 5 last year, a number of major games have been confirmed to be using Epic’s next-generation engine for development. These include the likes of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Dragon Age 12: The Flames of Fate, BioShock 4, State of Decay 3, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, The Coalition’s upcoming projects, and possibly even The Outer Worlds 2.