Despite Hocking’s departure, however, work on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is slated to continue, with head of content on the franchise, Jean Guesdon, taking over the role of creative director. A Ubisoft spokesperson thanked Hocking for his work at the company over the years in a statement.

“We sincerely thank [Clint] for his vision, creative contributions, and dedication over the years, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter,” said the spokesperson. “Development on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe continues with a seasoned team. The game will deliver something distinctive within the Assassin’s Creed franchise. We look forward to sharing more information in the future.”

Back in January, narrative director on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, Darby McDevitt, revealed that Mirage and Valhalla writer Christopher Grilli is also working on the project, albeit with a different team on “other content”. The main narrative, on the other hand, is being handled by Kristen McGorry, who has been described by McDevitt as being the game’s lead writer.

It is still unclear what this “other content” might be. However, the context of McDevitt’s confirmation might indicate that Grilli is either working on side content for Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, or a post-launch DLC. Assassin’s Creed social media fan account Zephryss has noted their belief in the latter, saying, “I believe this is for a DLC for Hexe, and the original release plans for the game should not be affected.”

While Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe was first announced all the way back in 2022, there haven’t really been any details revealed about it. The title was announced alongside another one dubbed Codename Red, which would turn out to be Assassin’s Creed Shadows. As for when Codename Hexe might come out, rumors have indicated that Ubisoft wants to wrap up post-launch support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows before its release.

Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is slated to take place during the witch trials era, and has been described as being the darkest entry in the franchise so far. The game is also expected to have a larger emphasis on horror elements alongside the other aspects that the Assassin’s Creed series is known for.

As per Ubisoft’s recent restructuring, the Assassin’s Creed franchise is now under the leadership of one of its five creative houses – the recently-founded Vantage Studios. The creative house is also working on the Far Cry franchise. In a recent statement, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot revealed that there are two Far Cry projects currently in the works, along with “several” Assassin’s Creed titles.

Since its restructuring was announced, Ubisoft has been facing quite a bit of criticism from its employees. Union representatives have even gone as far as to call for Guillemot’s resignation.

“Kristen is the lead writer of the main story,” wrote McDevitt on the Access The Animus Discord server. “Chris is a lead guiding another team on other content. And I am the evil puppet master who chooses the color of the ink we use. But I have to listen to [creative director] Clint [Hocking], the boss of bosses.”

What this “other content” Grilli might be working on has been the subject of much speculation. Since he’s a lead writer on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe, however, there is a big chance that his work might revolve around the game’s side content, or even post-launch DLC releases. Zephryss said, “I believe this is for a DLC for Hexe, and the original release plans for the game should not be affected.”

Grilli had announced that he was joining the team working on Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe over the weekend through LinkedIn. His announcement came just a few days after Benoit Richter, who has previously worked on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Batman: Arkham Origins, also joined the team in the role of director.

Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe was first announced back in 2022 alongside another title dubbed Codename Red. While the latter turned out to be Assassin’s Creed Shadows, few details have been revealed about Codename Hexe since then. Rumours from back in May 2025 have indicated that Ubisoft plans on wrapping up post-launch support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows before it launches Codename Hexe. This timeline, according to a report, will revolve around two years of DLC support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Reports have also indicated that, unlike Assassin’s Creed Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla and Shadows, Codename Hexe will not be an open-world RPG. Rather, it’s reportedly a linear title with some open-world elements. Along with this, the protagonist will apparently be a witch named Elsa who is capable of using magical powers to possess cats and create distractions that would then allow her to sneak past guards.

Owing to its setting of the witch trials era, Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe has also been described as being “the darkest Assassin’s Creed game ever”. What this means for the setting, time period and its characters, however, is still unknown.

Ubisoft seems to have quite a busy schedule this year. Along with continued support for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there have also been rumours going around of a remastered release of the seminal Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, with reports indicating that it might be named Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced.

“I’m thrilled to share that I’m starting a new position at Ubisoft Montreal as lead scriptwriter on Assassin’s Creed: Codename Hexe. Incredibly grateful to be a part of this team and project!” he said. This isn’t Grilli’s first stint on the franchise – he also served as a writer for Assassin’s Creed Origins, Valhalla and Mirage before ultimately leaving Ubisoft in 2023.

Grilli’s position coincides with the discovery that Benoit Richter, who directed Batman: Arkham Origins and worked on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, is also onboard. While the publisher has not indicated when Codename Hexe will launch, it’s rumored to arrive sometime after post-launch support ends for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

Which could very well mean a reveal this year, if we’re lucky. In the meantime, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, the long-rumored remake of Assassin’s Creed 4, remains elusive. Such is the anxiety over new details that even Ubisoft re-uploading old tracks was thought to be a sign of an impending announcement (which it seemingly isn’t).

Time will tell, however, especially since it has an “unannounced title” planned for release by March 31st, 2026. Other notable titles planned for release in the coming weeks include Rainbow Six Mobile, The Division Resurgence, and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake.

Announced in 2022 alongside Shadows (then known as Codename Red), Hexe is allegedly a linear title with some open-world elements. It’s also apparently aiming to be the “darkest” game in the series yet, and who better to direct than someone who worked on the Batman: Arkham series? As spotted by ClawsomeGamer, Benoit Richter of Batman: Arkham Origins fame is directing Codename Hexe, according to his LinkedIn.

Developed by WB Games Montreal and released in 2013, the prequel received a positive enough reception, though it’s more known for the general lack of acknowledgement from Rocksteady’s “mainline” Arkham series. Of course, Richter has worked on other Ubisoft titles, including Transference and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

While Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe doesn’t have a release date, rumors claim it will launch after Shadows concludes its post-launch support. That means sometime in 2027, and there are seemingly plans for a year of DLC and updates, but plans could always change.

Inside Gaming has a new report with an updated timeline, and though there aren’t specific dates, it alleges that Shadows will receive “around” two years of DLC support.

Furthermore, Assassin’s Creed Hexe, an allegedly linear title with some open-world elements, is reportedly scheduled to release after Shadows‘ support concludes. It could thus arrive in 2027 instead of the previously reported 2026 date and will allegedly receive one year of DLC support.

Very little is known about Hexe – even its current name isn’t official. VP executive producer Marc-Alexis Côté has confirmed it’s not an RPG, and reports indicate that players control a witch, Elsa, with supernatural abilities. Head here for more details.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It crossed over three million players a little over a week after launch. Check out our review – we gave it a 9 out of 10.

As per Henderson, Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe will be a marked departure for Ubisoft’s franchise. It will allegedly be largely a linear experience, with some open world elements included, which aligns with what little has been confirmed of the game so far. In 2022, Assassin’s Creed’s vice president executive producer confirmed that Hexe wouldn’t be an RPG, and would be a smaller-scale experience than previous entries in the franchise.

Previously, Henderson has also claimed that Hexe’s protagonist will be a witch with supernatural powers named Elsa. In his new report, he has detailed some of those abilities, describing a section of the game where Else is being hunted by German soldiers in a “dark and gloomy” city. Elsa possesses a nearby cat through the use of a spell, and as the cat, knocks over a bottle to distract a guard, allowing her to sneak past him.

On top of that, Hexe will allegedly also feature a Fear mechanic similar to the one in the Jack the Ripper DLC for 2015’s Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Specific details on how this system will be implemented are unknown.

Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is allegedly targeting a 2026 release and supposedly still in the “relatively early” stages of development.

So far, Ubisoft has confirmed that it’s going to be set in the witch trials era and that, unlike most recent entries in the series (and the upcoming Red), it’s not going to be an RPG, but beyond that, there isn’t much else that’s known about the game. A new report published by Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson, however, has potentially shed some light on new details.

As per the report, Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is being internally billed as “the darkest Assassin’s Creed game ever”, appropriately enough for the setting. It will also allegedly feature a female protagonist in the form of Elsa, though the report notes that that’s her “current” name, which would suggest that it’s not entirely set in stone.

Interestingly, this would make Hexe the first Assassin’s Creed game since 2015’s Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China to only feature a female protagonist as opposed to a male/female pairing, and the first mainline game in the series to do so, period.

Henderson claims Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe is currently targeting a 2026 launch, and will be preceded by the multiplayer title Assassin’s Creed Invictus sometime in 2025, with both games being part of the live service hub Assassin’s Creed Infinity.

Set for launch on the same day as Assassin’s Creed Codename Red, Assassin’s Creed Infinity will basically act as the modern-day story hub for future titles. Footage seen by Insider Gaming showed a player going from the hub directly into Assassin’s Creed Codename Red without having to start the game up individually.

Assassin’s Creed Infinity will similarly also act as a hub for Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe and Assassin’s Creed Invictus as well. The hub will also act as the central base for live service offerings in Assassin’s Creed titles. There will be an item shop selling cosmetic items for Assassin’s Creed Codename Red protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, dubbed The Exchange.

Players will also be able to partake in Projects through Assassin’s Creed Infinity, which essentially act as narrative-based battle passes, featuring more cosmetic rewards for the protagonists of Assassin’s Creed Codename Red. There will be more Projects added to Assassin’s Creed Infinity over time.

Tying into Ubisoft’s live service ambitions, Assassin’s Creed Infinity‘s plans revolve around releasing a mainline Assassin’s Creed title every two years, with the interim years filled out with DLCs and smaller titles. For example, while Assassin’s Creed Codename Red is expected to be coming out later this year, the multiplayer-only Assassin’s Creed Invictus is set for 2025, while Hexe is allegedly targeting a 2026 launch.

Forspoken

Okay, so the recent demo ranged from intriguing with its magic and movement abilities to downright painful with its writing and barren world. But there’s still plenty of potential in Forspoken, Luminous Productions’ upcoming action RPG. Following Frey Holland, as she attempts to defeat the once-benevolent Tantas of Athia and return home, a lot of magic is available to wield and plenty of unique areas to explore in the main game. Plus, the visuals look nice and should shine even more when HDR has been fixed. Releasing on January 24th, 2023, for PS5 and PC, Forspoken is a PlayStation-console exclusive for the next two years. Here’s hoping it lives up to expectations.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

It’s a cliché to say it, but Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is one of next year’s biggest games. It’s also probably the biggest PS5 exclusive without a shadow of a doubt, even with big names like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth coming up. However, with Miles Morales and Peter Parker featured and Venom finally debuting (with his voice actor promising the game will be “massive”), it may not be the most controversial take. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is launching in Fall 2023 exclusively for PS5. Brace yourself, though, because it’ll be darker than the previous games.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Not confirmed for next year (unless you ask Microsoft. No, really), but still significant is Marvel’s Wolverine. Compared to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which should build on its predecessors, we know nothing about the gameplay. However, the announcement trailer showed Logan ready to fight in a familiar location on Madripoor island. Game director Cameron Christian of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales fame are in charge, so maybe it’s another open-world action-adventure game. Either way, it’s currently in development as a PS5 exclusive.

Dead Space

Isaac Clarke’s slow descent into madness begins anew when the remake of Dead Space arrives on January 27th, 2023, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, courtesy of Motive Studio. Along with massively upgraded visuals, the remake features the Peeling system for chipping away layers from enemy limbs and the Intensity Director for 1200 random terrifying events.

The sound FX for weapons have been revamped, and Isaac Clarke is fully voiced, with Gunner Wright returning to reprise the role. That’s only the tip of the iceberg in changes, with numerous new rooms, Zero-G sections that now feature Dead Space 2’s mechanics, and much more. Nevertheless, everything we’ve seen thus far seems to point to it retaining the essence of what made Dead Space so horrifying.

If you’re looking for a compelling sci-fi survival horror and were disappointed by The Callisto Protocol, maybe Dead Space will fill that void. Maybe make you whole.

Deliver Us Mars

Following up on the space adventure title Deliver Us the Moon (if the name wasn’t a clue), Deliver Us Mars sees astronaut Kathy Johanson traveling to Mars with the Zephyr and its crew. The group Outward has stolen the ARK colony ships, and your job is to get them back, lest humanity becomes even more endangered. There’s exploration, platforming and puzzles as players attempt to survive the harsh conditions of Mars while appreciating the ray-traced shadows and reflections on offer. Deliver Us Mars is coming to Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on February 2nd, 2023.

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy is an action RPG set over 100 years before the first Harry Potter book, developed by Portkey Games and Avalanche Software. As a fifth-year student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the player character can use ancient magic and possesses a secret which could have consequences for the wizarding world. While you learn more about these things, you’ll attend classes, brew potions, customize the Room of Requirement to your liking, engage in duels.

Hogwarts Legacy is out on February 10th, 2023, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, while the PS4 and Xbox One versions arrive in April and the Nintendo Switch version in June.

Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Ryu ga Gotoku Ishin! is finally getting a remake with Like a Dragon: Ishin!, out on February 21st, 2023, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. Developed on Unreal Engine 4, you play Sakamoto Ryoma (no relation to one Kazama Kiryu) in 1860s Japan as he seeks vengeance against the one who killed his master.

Join the Shinsengumi in Kyoto as Saito Hajime during the “Bakumatsu” and use four combat styles, slicing enemies with a sword, shooting them with a gun, a mix of both, or just using your bare fists. You even have crazy abilities like energy blasts and black holes. Kiryu may not kill people, but Ryoma is a whole different matter. Again, no relation.

Since this is Ryu ga Gotoku, you have tons of Substories and activities ranging from karaoke, fishing, vegetable shopping and traditional dance to running a restaurant and Jan-ken-pon.

Like a Dragon 8

Like a Dragon: Ishin! looks great and all, but what about brand-new games in the franchise? What about Ichiban Kasuga, the hero of Yakuza: Like a Dragon? Cue Like a Dragon 8, starring both Kasuga and Kazama Kiryu, though you’ll still have various allies to back you up. It’s a turn-based RPG and promises to be the biggest game in the series. Very little else is known, even the reason behind Kiryu’s new look, but it’s coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC in 2024.

Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name

As you probably noticed, Kiryu’s hair undergoes some changes in Like a Dragon 8. To help players understand why, while also detailing events surrounding the Dragon of Dojima from Yakuza 6 to Yakuza: Like a Dragon, there’s Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. Releasing in 2023 for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC, it starts with Kiryu living a seemingly secluded lifestyle before indulging in some “manual labor.” It’s roughly half the size of a regular title, but there’s a town to explore, side quests to complete, and much more. How important it will be to the overall story remains to be seen, but it looks great.

Horizon Call of the Mountain

PlayStation VR2 launches on February 22nd, 2023, and should be the next big step in console VR gaming. Though it has over 20 launch titles, Horizon Call of the Mountain is undoubtedly the highlight. Developed by Guerrilla and Firesprite Games, it stars a new character, Ryas, a former Shadow Carja. After his actions in the previous games, he’s looking to regain his honor and is a master climber, fighter and Machine hunter. The action takes place from the first-person perspective, but Ryas will use familiar weapons like the bow and combat Machines like the Bellowback, Thunderjaw and Stormbird. Thus far, it’s looked gorgeous, while the combat appears fluid.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened

Frogwares is releasing a remake of Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened in February 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson embark on a harrowing adventure, investigating disappearances. Players will investigate clues and piece everything together, but Sherlock’s insanity will also dip further into insanity as time goes on. With an expanded story, improved visuals and animations, and about 15 hours of playtime, it should be a worthwhile mystery for fans of the series.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Nioh meets Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice with some Dynasty Warriors sprinkled on top – that’s sort of what Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is going for with its combat. Set in the Three Kingdoms era with iconic heroes, mythical beings and fantastical monsters, it’s a faster, more vertically-paced take on the action RPG genre from Team Ninja.

The push and pull of parrying and attacking to reduce your enemy’s spirit, opening them up to powerful blows while using magic and building Morale flows pretty nicely. At over 40 hours and some potential end-game content, it could be your next Souls-like fix when it launches on March 3rd, 2023, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails to Azure

As the follow-up to The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Zero, Trails to Azure continues the story of the Special Support Section, led by Lloyd Bannings. While all is well after saving KeA and stopping the D∴G cult, other figures seek to use the former for their ends. The sequel features two team members, Noel Seeker and Wazy Hemisphere, and a customizable police car for getting around.

Releasing on March 14th, 2023, for PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch in English, it also features revamped visuals courtesy of PH3 and should have the same quality-of-life features. With how significant the Crossbell arc has been to the overall Trails lore, it’s great to finally have both games available worldwide, especially en route to the release of Trails of Reverie.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

As the sequel to the massively successful Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Jedi: Survivor takes place several years later. Cal Kestis returns, older and stronger but also pushed to the brink by the Empire. Armed with new Force abilities, Cal will also have five Lightsaber stances. You can wield two Lightsabers in Dual Blade stance, or execute heavy attacks with Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber. Want a bit more oomph and blaster fire? There’s a stance that combines a Lightsaber’s slices with a blaster.

Along with encountering new characters and unlocking new traversal methods like mounts, players will battle against new enemies, explore larger biomes with challenges and hidden rewards, and much more. There’s even a planet new to the Star Wars universe which serves as a central providing ground.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is out on March 16th, 2023, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and will support ray tracing and faster loading times.

Resident Evil 4

Before it became the action-heavy survival shooter we know and love, Resident Evil 4 was a moodier, scarier game. The upcoming remake, launching on March 24th, 2023, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, seems to channel that darker tone while enhancing everything about the original game. Along with “modernizing” the graphics and updating the controls, Capcom is looking to “reimagine” the story while maintaining its essence. Whatever that may mean, you’ll still be fighting for your life against Los Illuminados, with new moves like blocking and deflecting chainsaw strikes with your trusty knife. Resident Evil 4 will also support PlayStation VR2 at launch for even more immersive thrills.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

For all of the big games releasing in 2023 and beyond, you have to remember: Few of them can match the hype surrounding The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As the sequel to Breath of the Wild, it features a new story and gameplay elements like floating islands (with Hyrule Castle itself seemingly levitating). Link can soar from these islands, use new abilities, and even has some snazzy armor. What’s going on? Why does Zelda have short hair? What new threats and adventures await? We’ll find out when it launches on May 12th, 2023, for the Nintendo Switch.

Silent Hill 2

After years of rumors and skepticism, Konami finally unveiled its plans for the Silent Hill franchise, including a remake of Silent Hill 2 developed by Bloober Team for PC and PS5 (where it will be exclusive for 12 months minimum). Composer Akira Yamaoka and creature designer Masahiro Ito also return, lending their talents to the remake.

Unreal Engine 5 has been used for development with revamped combat and set-pieces, no loading screens, and support for the DualSense. A release date still has to be announced, but the developer did reveal that it’s been in the works since 2019 and reaching late production. Even if it doesn’t arrive next year, it won’t be long before we dive back into the mind of James Sunderland and experience the twisted horrors of Silent Hill once more.

Diablo 4

Following the aftermath of Diablo 3, humanity fends for itself against the legions of Hell, spurred by the return of Lilith. Choosing one of five classes – Druid, Rogue, Necromancer, Barbarian, and Sorceress – players venture the world, hacking and slashing demons while leveling up and gaining better loot. Diablo 4 is out on June 6th, 2023, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC, and is a lot more open than its predecessors, with camps to liberate, dungeons to explore, Skill Trees to go through, and Paragon Boards to figure out.

With more customization in the form of runes, runewords, new attributes, and seasonal powers, there’s a lot in store. Of course, there’s plenty to be skeptical about, what with the always online requirement and microtransactions (which aren’t used to buy power, but that statement is open to interpretation after Diablo Immortal). Then there are the reports of Blizzard having to crunch to meet the release date. Time will tell how it pans out.

Final Fantasy 16

There is so much about Final Fantasy 16 worth looking forward to, whether it’s the hack-and-slash combat system, the world design, the massive Eikon battles, or just the overall presentation. The story centers on Clive Rosfield, living peacefully with his brother Joshua. He grows up and seeks revenge, battling against the Dominants of Valisthea’s various nations, each with their own Eikons. It’s a dark fantasy epic with a distinct vision and vibe, and releases on June 22nd, 2023, for PS5.

Baldur’s Gate 3

The years of waiting leading to the announcement of Baldur’s Gate 3 seemed agonizing until we had to wait several more years for its launch out of early access. Nevertheless, it’s finally out in August 2023 for PC and represents Larian Studios’ most ambitious role-playing game ever. Set over 120 years after the second game, it sees the player kidnapped by Mind Flayers and implanted with Illithid Tadpoles.

Upon escaping with other survivors, they must find a way to remove the Tadpole. With its reliance on Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition rules, there are numerous classes and subclasses to enjoy, an extensive amount of skills and spells to play with, and all kinds of insane choices to make. Whether it lives up to the massive hype or not, Baldur’s Gate 3 is something special.

Alan Wake 2

Announced at The Game Awards 2021, it’s been more than a year since we’ve seen Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2010 classic. It’s leaning much more into survival horror and is still in third person perspective, with Remedy’s Northlight Engine used for development. Not much else is known, save for it being on track for release in 2023 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S, but new players can jump right in without playing the previous entries, so that’s a plus.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has moved steadily away from its stealth origins after, well, Assassin’s Creed Origins. But Assassin’s Creed Mirage brings it back, front and center, focusing on Basim as he goes from street thief to joining the Assassin Brotherhood in ninth-century Baghdad. Players will parkour through the four districts and partake in classic “Black Box” assassinations, searching for the best way to take down targets. It’s only 15-20 hours, and after how gargantuan the recent entries have been, that sounds wonderful. Mirage will retail for $50 in 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Amazon Luna.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Whatever your opinion of the movies in general, what little we’ve seen of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora looks promising with Massive of The Division fame in charge of development (in collaboration with Lightstorm Entertainment and Disney). Exploring the Western Frontier as a Na’vi, players fight back against the RDA in this massive open-world action-adventure for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Amazon Luna. Compared to The Division, the gameplay is in first-person, and despite taking place in the same universe, it’s a standalone story. It’s all very intriguing, but rumors of troubled development, which may have caused the title’s delay to 2023-2024, have been circulating. We’ll probably get a better idea of its state heading into next year.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

FromSoftware’s next big title veers away from fantasy into sci-fi and revisits the cult-classic Armored Core series. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon takes place on Rubicon 3, a planet laid to waste after a mysterious substance was discovered and caused a cataclysmic disaster. That same substance has re-emerged, and as a mercenary, you’re smack-dab in a conflict between corporations and resistance groups over it.

Like its predecessors, Armored Core 6 is focused on mech customization and tuning different parts to your liking. There isn’t an open-world structure. There’s no campaign co-op, and this isn’t a Soulsborne-type game, despite having intense boss battles. Regardless, the aesthetic and giant robots look positively amazing. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon releases in 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Remake remains one of the best games of 2020 and a dream come true for fans. However, it was also the start of a brand new story, where previous characters’ fates would change. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the next part, releasing in Winter 2023 exclusively for PS5 (a necessity due to its SSD, as per the developer). The first trailer saw Cloud walking side by side with Sephiroth, and the developer recently confirmed that Zack has an “active role” after the last game’s conclusion. Even with no details yet on gameplay changes, locations, and whatnot, we can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

Starfield

Bethesda Game Studios’ next magnum opus, its first new IP in more than 25 years, and arguably the biggest Xbox Series X/S exclusive yet – many of these things describe Starfield. The story is set in the 24th century, 20 years after a war between the United Factions and Freestar Collective, with the player joining the space exploration group Constellation.

While their overarching role has yet to be revealed, the sense of freedom – with over 1000 planets to explore, several major cities to explore, and much more – is still reminiscent of Bethesda’s previous titles. That’s not even factoring in the mining, spaceships (with full customization), various NPCs, companions, factions, and much more. One could argue that it’s almost too ambitious, especially given its delay to the first half of 2023. Nevertheless, it’s an RPG to watch out for when it arrives for Xbox Series X/S and PC next year.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

GSC Game World returns to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone again with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. All the usual tropes, from mutants and anomalies to other S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, are present, and there’s a massive open world to explore. You can ply your trade, collect and sell artifacts, or investigate the Exclusion Zone and learn more about the state of the world. There are over 30 weapon types with several ways to modify them, various factions, and a non-linear branching story.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is slated to release in 2023 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie

Some felt that the ending of Trails of Cold Steel 4 ending wasn’t a fitting conclusion to the Erebonian saga. Trails into Reverie remedies this, presenting an epilogue with three main characters – Rean Schwarzer, Lloyd Bannings, and C – each with unique story arcs. You can switch between them at any point while indulging in different side stories for the massive cast. Brave Orders and Arts return, and the new United Front system offers even more ways to defeat enemies. There’s also the True Reverie Corridor, which features randomly generated dungeons and mini-games. The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie releases July 7th, 2023, for PS4, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC.

Layers of Fears

Along with Silent Hill 2, Bloober Team is working on Layers of Fears, the third title in its psychological horror series. It’s about the “stories of artists enslaved by their obsessions” and casts a “new light on the overarching narrative.” Except for the Painter’s Spouse from the first game potentially being the main character, very little has been revealed about the story. However, it’s developed on Unreal Engine 5 for 4K, HDR, ray tracing and Lumen’s immersive lighting. Layers of Fears is out in early 2023 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Death Stranding 2 (Working Title)

Yes, actor Norman Reedus said it’s coming, and yes, the various teases of new characters with “who”, “what”, “where”, and “how come” were weird. But the reveal of Death Stranding 2 (currently the working title) was something else entirely, from Fragile attempting to escape a battlefield with a baby to having a ship with the Drawbridge logo on it and conversing with an older-looking Sam Bridges. It also seems that Higgs is making a return, judging by Troy Baker’s inclusion, and we wouldn’t have our masked-wearing weirdo rocking out any other way. Death Stranding 2 is coming to PS5, but no release window has been confirmed.

Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

Following the underwhelming Gotham Knights, there’s some concern about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, especially following the departure of Rocksteady founders Sefton Hill and Jamie Walker. The action-adventure title is due on May 26th, 2023, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It features Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark, and Captain Boomerang as the protagonists as they fight against various superheroes – including Batman, in Kevin Conroy’s final role – who have been brainwashed by Brainiac.

Though it has a four-player co-op, solo play is also possible, and you can switch between each character while the AI handles the others. Brief gameplay snippets have looked promising, but here’s hoping we get an extensive deep dive soon.

Hades 2

A sequel to Supergiant Games’ amazing rogue-lite dungeon crawler is a complete surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. The story sees Underworld princess Melinoe, venturing beyond Hell to explore a “bigger, deeper mythic world” with new locations and slay Kronos. Olympus again lends its might in the form of Boons, but there will be other upgrade systems like the Arcana Altar and the ability to tame witch familiars.

Perhaps most appealing is that the story will once again evolve based on your success and failures over multiple runs with dozens of fully-voiced characters, from familiar faces like Zeus to newcomers like Apollo and Nemesis. Hades 2 will go into early access for PC on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with more details to come in 2023.

Lost Soul Aside

Of the many titles coming to PlayStation as part of the China Hero Project, Lost Soul Aside looks the sharpest. Revealed in 2016 by solo developer Yang Bing for PS4, it immediately caught our attention with its fast-paced combat and stellar visuals. All these years later, UltiZero Games is involved while Sony serves as the publisher, and a PS5 release is confirmed.

The gameplay looks to have leaned into an action-adventure vibe with high-speed set pieces as protagonist Kazer is seemingly on the run from various forces after merging with Arena, a dragon-like symbiont. A release date still hasn’t been confirmed, but Lost Soul Aside is worth keeping on your radar.

The Witcher 1 Remake

In this age of remakes and remasters, it’s surprising that it took this long for a remake of the first Witcher game to be greenlit. Developed by Fool’s Theory, a studio founded by veteran Witcher developers with CD Projekt RED’s creative supervision, The Witcher Remake is a “modern reimagining” of the first game, developed from the ground up on Unreal Engine 5. It will also be an open-world game title, which is a significant departure from the original. Get comfortable, though, since it’s currently in the early stages of development and won’t release until after the next mainline Witcher title.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Initially, Hornet was to be a playable character in Hollow Knight, but the increased scope of the DLC has resulted in a proper sequel. Announced in February 2019, Hollow Knight: Silksong will be released by June 2023 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Featuring a new kingdom to explore, a unique play style with Silk, over 165 enemy types, and a quest system, it looks gorgeous in terms of visuals, style, and gameplay. The wait has been long, but hopefully, finally, we’ll get to play it next year.

Assassin’s Creed Codename Red and Codename Hexe

The developer finally announced that its next mainline Assassin’s Creed title, Codename Red, would take place in Feudal Japan. Players will finally get to play as a shinobi, though very little is confirmed about the story, how it will play, etc. It’s developed by Quebec and raised some concerns due to director Jonathan Dumont being accused of bullying and abuse, so time will tell how that works out. There’s also Codename Hexe, rumored to be set in 16th-century Central Europe during the witch trials. Montreal is leading the development, and it’s reportedly going quite well, though more details are needed.

Grand Theft Auto VI

A new GTA game is on its way, Rockstar Games finally confirmed what has been rumored for years. In an official statement, it noted that, “With every new project, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we’ve previously delivered. We’re pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the series is underway. We look forward to sharing more as soon as we are ready, so please stay tuned to the Rockstar Newswire for official details.” According to reputable sources like Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier and insider Tom Henderson, the sequel will be a “moderately-sized” game and it would feature multiple protagonists and will be set in Vice City.

The Next Witcher

The next Witcher title is in development on Unreal Engine 5 and is currently under pre-production as “Project Polaris.” The story, premise and gameplay are still under wraps, but it will build on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s legacy and has over 150 developers on board. It’s also an open-world RPG that marks the start of a new Witcher trilogy. After Polaris launches, two more Witcher titles will be released within six years afterwards. That may sound like wishful thinking, but the appeal of a brand-new Witcher is undeniable.

Cyberpunk Sequel “Project Orion”

Cyberpunk 2077 is also getting a sequel, currently dubbed Project Orion, which will prove “the full power and potential of the Cyberpunk universe,” as per CD Projekt RED. It’s developed by CD Projekt RED North America in Boston with core team members, like lead quest designer Paweł Sasko, moving over. However, it will also receive support from the head studio in Poland and CD Projekt RED Vancouver, requiring about 350 to 500 developers like the first game. Either way, it’s going to be a long wait.

The Witcher “Project Sirius”

CD Projekt RED has a lot of Witcher projects in development. So what’s one more? Developed by The Molasses Flood of Where the Water Tastes Like Wine and Drake Hollow fame, Project Sirius is in pre-production with CD Projekt RED providing support (and over 60 developers). Again, not much is known, but it promises an “innovative take on The Witcher universe” which will present an “unforgettable tale for existing Witcher fans and new audiences.” Whatever that may mean, the narrative should be interesting, going by the developer’s previous work.

Rise of the Ronin

Team Ninja has delivered some stellar action RPG action with Nioh and looks to go even further with Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. In the longer term, however, it’s venturing into open-world gameplay with Rise of the Ronin while maintaining its fast-paced action RPG combat. Set in late 19th century Japan during the Bakumatsu, it’s a period of unrest and civil war with the anti-Shogunate factions fighting the Tokugawa Shogunate. You play a Ronin, a masterless samurai equally skilled with katanas and firearms. You’ll meet various characters and can decide who to side with. It’s all up to you, but what choices those consequences will have remains to be seen. Rise of the Ronin launches exclusively for PS5 in 2024.

Pikmin 4

If you ever lament the long development period of any video game, remember that Pikmin 4 was said to be “very close to completion” in 2015. It was put on a “lower priority” in 2016. In September 2022, the developer finally confirmed that the real-time strategy game would launch in 2023 for Nintendo Switch. The Bulborb returns, and a new playable astronaut character has been confirmed. That’s all we know, so hopefully, next year will offer more details.

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Following the release of Maiden of Black Water for new consoles, Koei Tecmo confirmed that Fatal Fame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse would launch on March 9th, 2023, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. The location is Rogetsu Island, Japan, where five girls went missing a decade prior. When two are found dead in the present day, the remaining three – Misaki, Madoka, and Ruka – return to investigate and learn the truth (since their memories were missing after being rescued).

The island is abandoned, with many inhabitants dying after a mysterious catastrophe, and hostile spirits roam free. As you collect articles and notes to learn more about the past, the Camera Obscura wards off the spirits. In addition to improvements with lighting, shadows, and character models, the new release also sports a Photo Mode. It’s no Fatal Frame 2 but Mask of the Lunar Eclipse should make for a fun atmospheric horror.

Witchfire

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking about whatever happened to The Astronauts, developer of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, rest assured – it’s still working on Witchfire. Announced The Game Awards 2017 as a dark fantasy shooter, it evolved into a rogue-lite inspired by Hades and took a semi-open-world approach. It’s set to release early next year for PC early access, but can it rise above its inspirations? Time will tell.

Silent Hill f

The next mainline title in the Silent Hill franchise is surprisingly not set in the titular town. Instead, it ventures to 1960s rural Japan, where strange things are happening. Aside from NeoBards Entertainment being the developer, everything else is a mystery. However, Ryukishi07 is confirmed to be writing the story. Given his reputation for some of the best horror/mystery visual novels like Higurashi When They Cry, and Umineko, there’s a chance that it could be mind-breaking, insanely overdone or both, which is a good thing.

Lies of P

What’s next after live-action Pinocchio or Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio? Pinocchio meets Bloodborne, it seems. NEOWIZ’s Lies of P sees the wooden boy awakening in Krat, which has seen better days. You have to find Mr Gepetto, which is easier said than done when everything in the city is trying to kill you. Fortunately, Pinocchio can combine weapons and even change out body parts for an advantage. Various quests also progress based on your lies, earning different endings. Lies of P is planned to release next year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC.

Atomic Heart

Mundfish’s Atomic Heart has been in development for a while and offers a mix of alternate-history sci-fi and FPS/RPG action. Set in the Soviet Union, where robotics have advanced rapidly, players control KGB agent Major Nechaev aka P-3, as they venture to facility 3826 and face off against rogue robots. Armed with the Polymer Glove with powers like freezing, telekinesis, and more, you also get a range of weapons, from guns to melee weapons, while dealing with all manner of robotic monstrosities to sick beats.

Atomic Heart has had a long development cycle, with reports alleging mismanagement, several reboots, crunch, and whatnot. It’s releasing on February 21st, 2023, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC, so we’ll see how it turns out.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes

Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster is out next year. However, Rabbit and Bear Studios’ Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes offers a more contemporary take on the formula. Developed by Suikoden veterans Yoshitaka Murayama and Junko Kawano, the RPG features over 100 playable characters (including familiar faces from Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising) and a gorgeous 2.5D art style. With rune lenses reshaping the world of Allraan and the Galdean Empire gaining more power, the story sees two characters, Seign and Nowa, crossing paths and questioning everything. Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes releases next year for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

SEASON: A letter to the future

Scavengers Studio is no stranger to controversy following allegations against its co-founders. Things seem on track, though, with the narrative adventure releasing on January 31st, 2023, for PS4, PS5, and PC. It’s the story of Estelle, who leaves her village to explore the world, meeting (and helping) different people and recording things, whether through documentation, photography or recordings. A calm, meditative journey that explores change while presenting a gorgeous-looking art style sounds like the right way to start the new year.

Dead Island 2

Initially believed to be vaporware due to all the delays, changing developers and lack of new information, Deep Silver’s Dead Island 2 finally re-emerged last year. It’s set in post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested California, with Los Angeles and San Francisco as its main cities. Players control six different “Slayers” as they attempt to survive. Swords, hammers, axes and much more are the keys to fighting back against the various zombie types, and you can even activate Fury Mode to rip and tear bare-handed. Despite facing another delay to April 28th, 2023, Dead Island 2 looks like it could finally release next year on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC.

Now, new details may have emerged on how their development is progressing- and it seems like a bit of a mixed bag. In a report published on Insider Gaming, journalist Tom Henderson has said that Assassin’s Creed Codename RED (developed by Ubisoft Quebec) is facing development issues behind the scenes, including a number of departures from the studio (partly due to widespread allegations of abuse).

At the same time, Henderson claims Codename HEXE (developed by Ubisoft Montreal) was “received with overwhelming positivity” during its proof-of-concept stages, and might even be about to start full production soon.

So what exactly does that mean for the launch timing of both games? Previous leaks have claimed that Assassin’s Creed Codename RED is targeting a 2024 launch, while Codename HEXE is tentatively aiming to release in 2026. With RED’s development issues, however, there’s a chance that the game ends up getting pushed back into 2025.

Of course, none of this is officially confirmed by Ubisoft, which means there’s little concrete information about what the company has planned for either project. We’ll keep an eye out for more details, so stay tuned for further updates.