Skydance New Media will sound familiar to some – it’s working on Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra and an untitled Star Wars game, both with Uncharted creator Amy Hennig at the helm. Both are still in development, per Variety.

In a press release, Driscoll said, “This division launch marks a meaningful evolution in how we think about games—not as an extension of our business, but as a core pillar of our content strategy alongside film, television and streaming. We are committed to creating exceptional games for every type of player, from casual to AAA, and building enduring experiences across our beloved Paramount IP and original worlds that deepen fan engagement and drive long-term growth.

“When done well, the games we develop are foundations for fan communities to grow inside these worlds. The core games come first; you have to earn community with something worth caring about. But the ceiling on what these franchises can become is a function of how deeply fans can participate.”

The leadership working with Driscoll includes head of games and executive VP Dan Prigg who has experience at Scopely and Unity; head of creative and production and senior VP Shawn Kittelson, who worked at NetherRealm and WB Games (including on Mortal Kombat 11 and Injustice 2); senior vice president, marketing and communications, Andreas Silvers who focused on building “community-first marketing ecosystems” EA and EA Sports; and more.

Of course, while Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is still in development, there’s been no update on its release window or progress since it was delayed beyond early 2026. Whether an update is coming at the many showcases over the weekend remains to be seen, so stay tuned.

Following State of Play, it’s the Summer of Gaming with one major showcase after another, starting with the Summer Game Fest showcase on June 5th. It’s followed by the Future Games Show Summer Showcase on June 6th and a double feature on June 7th with the Xbox Games Showcase and PC Gaming Show. There’s also the possibility of a new Nintendo Direct to outline what’s coming this year (and potentially beyond), but here are our picks for some of the biggest announcements that you could see, and it all begins with the return of a beloved franchise…

Gears of War: E-Day Release Date

Say what you will about XBOX, all caps or not, they know that fans are hungry for more Gears of War. Hence, the dedicated Direct for E-Day will feature its first-ever gameplay and other details. Since it’s allegedly out in the second half of 2026, all eyes are on The Coalition to finally announce a release date, which is looking to be September based on recently announced sponsorships. Either way, it’s been far too long without the king of cover-based shooters, and we’re looking forward to beginning the fight anew.

Fable’s “Major New Look”

Now, this one is interesting, especially since XBOX has already confirmed a delay to February 2027. So what could this “major new look” hold? Perhaps a walkthrough of a quest? The return of a beloved character? Showcasing the extent of consequences that are possible with increasingly hilarious results? It may end up just showcasing another well-known British actor in the game, but hey, we’ll take it if there’s solid gameplay.

Halo: Campaign Evolved Release Date

Halo Studios has been rather mum on this remake, which is odd for several reasons. Yes, it recently confirmed there’s no in-game store, but… that’s pretty much it. There’s been no new gameplay since its reveal at the last Halo World Championship, and it’s reportedly launching next month. Will marketing kick into overdrive after the showcase? Time will tell, but from every angle, it seems fans won’t have to wait long to go hands-on.

Phantom Blade Zero Gets New Trailer

Launching in September, being in the “intense, final stages of development” according to the developer, only one other big showcase until its launch – if ever there was a time to start marketing for Phantom Blade Zero, it would be at Summer Game Fest. As always, the question of what could be showcased always pops up – obviously, you want to get the people excited without spoiling too much. Alternatively, if S-Game wanted to drop that demo promised long ago, next week wouldn’t be the worst occasion to do so.

Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 3

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has said that marketing won’t begin until Summer, clarifying that it won’t be for another few weeks. However, it doesn’t exclude the possibility of a new trailer, and it certainly doesn’t stop Rockstar from opening pre-orders. Could it stop short of the latter and release a new teaser, hyping up a reveal in the coming weeks? Sure. Does it need to do it at any of the upcoming showcases? Probably not, but it would be cool. Either way, expect to hear a lot more about the title this month, even if it’s when you least expect it.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Release Date

We’ve seen more than enough gameplay, know more than enough the story – so if the long-awaited Onimusha revival doesn’t get a launch date at some point in the coming days, I may lose it. Granted, the developer could always pull the patented, “Tune in to the Online Special Program later in June for more,” but like Pragmata at last year’s The Game Awards, it’s probably just going to cut through the noise and announce a date with pre-orders.

Monster Hunter Wilds Expansion Reveal

Now this is a classic example of potentially debuting a trailer and revealing more information later. Monster Hunter Wilds’ expansion is confirmed to receive more details this Summer, and given the franchise’s history at Keighley’s shows, a title reveal seems very likely. We could then see a proper Monster Hunter Showcase next month or in September, right before the so-called Summer period ends.

OD Update

It’s been a year since Hideo Kojima took the Summer Game Fest stage, promoting Death Stranding 2. With how close he is to Keighley, and the fact that there hasn’t been any update on its next title, OD, since September 2025, a new teaser would hardly be surprising. Then again, since Xbox Game Studios is the publisher, it may even appear at the upcoming Xbox Showcase. The real question is: Will Kojima attend both? It’s certainly not impossible, even if it would be excessive.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Release Date Reveal (or Delay)

It really doesn’t hit you just how many games could be released between June and October, simply to avoid “competing” – which is already a strong word – against Grand Theft Auto 6. I’m not sure that Amazon Game Studios would want to take the risk, even after announcing a 2026 release window, and rumors of a delay to 2027 may feed into that. An appearance certainly seems on the cards, but for now, it’s a toss-up on whether it launches this year or next.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica Remake Announcement

Rumors have circulated about this remake since June 2024. Resident Evil Requiem was announced in June 2025, at the Summer Game Fest no less. With a supposed launch in the first half of 2027, odds are looking good that Resident Evil could steal the show once more with the long-awaited Code: Veronica Remake. Get your “welcome back, Claire Redfield” signs ready in advance.

Virtua Fighter Crossroads Reveal

Call it a mistake, an accident or just an honest-to-goodness leak, the new Virtua Fighter’s gameplay has seemingly leaked. The final name is apparently Virtua Fighter Crossroads, and admittedly, it looks quite good. Is Sega saving the announcement for a big show like Summer Game Fest, especially since it was announced at The Game Awards 2024? Possibly – it’s not like there’s any other shows it could fit in.

Sonic Frontiers: Definitive Edition Announcement

Add another game to the potential Nintendo Direct, as Sega seeks to bring Sonic Frontiers to Nintendo Switch 2 at long last. While previous rumors suggested a rewritten story, the Definitive Edition is allegedly closer to a standard port, complete with all updates, except that it should run better than the Switch 1 version. Again, if it’s indeed real, expect an announcement and release date soon.

Metro 2039 Gets More Gameplay

After its surprising reveal and the even more surprising First Look, Metro 2039 seems poised to appear at the Xbox Games Showcase. Not for the sake of filling up time, mind you – rather, to showcase more of the horrors that players will allegedly face. I’m skeptical about a release date, especially since 4A Games still has time to narrow things down – and decide whether it wants to fall on the 2026 or 2027 side of its Winter release window – but stranger things have happened at an Xbox show.

State of Decay 3 Gameplay and Updates

Meet one of the stranger things. I know, I know – Undead Labs is conducting closed tests, and it’s seemingly making progress after years and years of nothing. And while it could outright say “2027” as a release window, something tells me the team will simply provide new gameplay, an update from recent tests, and the assurance of providing more opportunities in the coming months. Playing things safe before it really decides to commit to something.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 Release Date

Launching this Summer and already unveiling everything that sets it apart from the original, Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 seems like a lock for Summer Game Fest. A release date seems a given, but it feels like something else is needed – a little je ne sais quoi. Maybe a brand new big bad that would replace the Queen as a major threat? Hard to say, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it arrives as soon as next month.

Valor Mortis Release Date

A first-person Souls-like set in an alternate 19th-century Europe focused on fighting Napoleon’s zombie soldiers after returning from the dead, developed by the team behind Ghostrunner 2? Sign us up, and more importantly, give us a release date, since it’s already confirmed for Fall. That may end up closer to October than November for the obvious reason, but I’m more interested to see if a demo or open beta ends up happening, especially with all the closed testing done so far.

Ananta Trailer and Launch Window

Geoff Keighley’s showcases have a thing for games – see the frequent appearances by ZZZ, Honkai: Star Rail, Wuthering Waves, and, more recently, Arknights Endfield. Ananta is interesting because it’s foregoing a character system while retaining the urban open-world fantasy we’ve seen thus far. It may not launch this year, but with most of its competition, particularly NTE, already released, a new trailer at least seems a given.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Release Date

What should have been rated recently by PEGI, but Bandai Namco’s next Ace Combat? Smarter minds will probably be able to tell you why its pre-release date is May 30th on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, but it’s further proof of a potential release announcement. And honestly, with how good Wings of Theve has looked, both the first-person cutscenes and the actual combat, we’re hoping it drops sooner than later.

The Duskbloods Release Month

Say what you will about its recent multiplayer focus – FromSoftware generally does a good job convincing millions to try its next game, regardless. The same will hopefully hold for The Duskbloods, and with rumors of a launch later this year (and not this Summer, apparently), it could appear at that alleged Nintendo Direct set for mid-June. Maybe Elden Ring Tarnished Edition will be shadow-dropped in the meantime.

New 3D Mario Announcement

Nintendo isn’t above announcing big names a good while before they actually launch – just as it has no qualms holding back finished titles, waiting for the right launch window. And with insider NateTheHate claiming that a new 3D Mario would be announced for 2027, that supposed mid-June Direct isn’t the worst place to announce it, especially after the success of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

Pokémon Wind and Waves Release Window

Perhaps one of the safest possible bets for the Direct is the release date announcement for Pokémon Wind and Waves, especially with listings spotted on Amazon Germany. If it follows, say, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, then January/February 2027 aren’t outside the realm of possibility. Again, a safe bet, unless Nintendo goes in another direction (like saving the info for a Pokémon Showcase in July).

Hollow Knight: Silksong — Sea of Sorrow Gameplay

Geoff Keighley loves his Silksong teases, but that was for one of the most-anticipated games of all time. What are the chances the trend repeats at this year’s show, revealing the first gameplay for Sea of Sorrow, its free DLC? Probably low, but don’t forget about XBOX – they’ve featured Silksong on numerous occasions, and would probably jump at the opportunity to feature the title on their showcase, complete with a release date.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Update

Game delays can be funny, especially when something like Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra – the next big game from Uncharted creator Amy Hennig – announced a delay beyond early 2026. That doesn’t mean 2027, but at this rate, with very little to actually show for it, we wouldn’t be surprised if it appears with a new trailer confirming it’s skipping 2026 entirely. Which is fine, but you’d have to expect a closer look at the game at some point.

Star Wars Zero Company Release Date/Delay

Star Wars crossed with XCOM sounds like a dream come true, and based on previews, it makes for an excellent tactical strategy experience. But there’s otherwise been relative silence – not even a peep during this year’s May the 4th. If it’s meeting that 2026 release window, then a new trailer at either the Xbox Games Showcase or Summer Games Fest is possible. Then again, EA could choose not to foot the bill and just drop these details at some random time.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Title Reveal

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was first announced during the original’s 25th Anniversary Celebration livestream in June 2022. So close enough to the Summer of Gaming at the time, but still nothing. However, its gameplay trailer would appear at the Summer Game Fest in 2023, followed by another trailer at The Game Awards, and so on. With director Naoki Hamaguchi already claiming more than 40 playthroughs and promising to share more updates on the overall project than ever before this year, a Part 3 reveal – if not a release window, then perhaps its name – seems very likely.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Release Date

Oh, look – another game that appeared at last year’s Summer Game Fest with a release window of 2026. Asobo Studio offered a substantial update last April, confirming “final tweaks, last recording sessions, the closing notes of the score,” and much more as it focuses on refining the prequel. It’s been four years since A Plague Tale: Requiem, yet the developer is focused on delivering “an experience as challenging as it is unforgettable.” We could thus see Resonance appearing next week to announce a delay to next year, if only to allow it to shine all the brighter.

Palworld 1.0 Release Date

With all the big announcements, I think back to Palworld, which exited early access this year. Pocketpair already said that Version 1.0 wouldn’t just be randomly revealed on Discord, and it has a history of featuring on these big shows. So what better time to reveal all the new content and a release date than Summer Game Fest, with further info dumps planned for the coming months? Again, there’s kind of a time limit given the elephant in the room called GTA 6, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Pocketpair decides on January 2027 of all months.

Nivalis Release Window

At this time, developer ION LANDS posted a new update for its cyberpunk restaurant management title, going over level design, visuals, how it’s handling simulating thousands of characters, and so on. However, one little bit stood out – the shift towards “final polish” ahead of release. From bug fixes to localization and optimization, the team has been busy. It will share a release date when it’s ready, so a shadow drop seems unlikely, but at this stage, a release date still seems very possible, especially in the coming week.

Light No Fire Appearance

Of all the studios and publishers sweating about November and finding the right days to release their titles, Hello Games has it made. No Man’s Sky continues to succeed, and it continues to receive quality free updates that deepen the experience. So when it comes to Light No Fire, a small teaser could be released at Summer Game Fest with very little context, much less a release window, and stand out. And if no one wants to feature an indie title that simply wants to remind people that it still exists, well, that’s alright then, because development will roll on until something concrete. The point is, at the end of it all, Sean continues to hold all the cards.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 Release Date

As if its first-party line-up for the coming months wasn’t enough, Mojang’s Minecraft Dungeons 2 is also launching in 2026. It’s not a huge title by any means, but the original had 25 million players, so the prospect of new locations and a brand new threat could be appealing…and you just know it’s going to be at the Xbox Games Showcase, showcasing its various new zones that totally weren’t leaked a year ago.

Grand Theft Auto VI

While unsubstantiated claims of another GTA VI delay emerged over the holidays – notably, from cursory social media accounts rage baiting for engagement – no official update has come from Rockstar or parent-company Take-Two. The unverified reports are speculating Vice City’s return will be rescheduled to June 2026.

It’s no secret that GTA VI, together with Rockstar, has been weathering turbulence. The studio is facing fallout from union-busting accusations, while the game’s exclusion from PlayStation wrapped (in favour of Sony’s first-party titles) fuelled the rumours those news feeds capitalised on. Taken together with the resulting chatter from GTA VI’s most-recent delay, the narrative has arguably shifted; concerns around project scope and development complexity have arisen, with Rockstar’s ability to deliver an experience worthy of the franchise’s reputation coming under scrutiny. Even though we’re still some distance from GTA VI’s late-2026 window, the question now is can Rockstar steady the ship, avoid expectation fatigue, and still release an industry-defining open-world epic to match the hype.

Again, all signs indicate that the late-2026 release is locked-in, and there are reasons to believe that, this time, it’ll stick. First: it primes GTA VI to dominate the holiday season. Second: it maintains the stratospheric anticipation without eroding fan patience further. And third: it gives Take-Two enough time to tighten its publishing model to perfection without worrying shareholders. See, reports claim the impact of GTA VI’s most recent delay was insignificant on share prices, but the same cannot be guaranteed if the title is pushed to 2027.

So, bottom line: GTA VI probably won’t be delayed again. Yet, with internal distractions and investor pressure, the game needs to release in flawless condition if it’s to match the weight of expectation. Even the slightest suggestion that it isn’t up to par could trigger another delay, despite the stakes being higher now than ever.

Fable

Unveiled way back in 2020, it was confirmed in February last year that Fable’s much-anticipated reboot was being moved from its original 2025 release to 2026 to allow more development time. Now we’re in 2026, and having seen nothing of the project for some time, speculation is emerging that production isn’t going as smoothly as Microsoft would have us believe. Still, much like GTA VI, there’re currently no credible reports that Fable won’t see the light of day in 2026 or – as the most drastic rumours suggest – that it has been quietly cancelled.

In development hell or not, Fable studio Playground Games will feature heavily at the Xbox Developer Direct livestream slated for January 26th. Forza Horizon 6, their other, arguably more famous venture, already has its presentation confirmed, but we are set to get our first meaningful Fable update in a long time too, quashing the rumours of cancellation.

Game complexity explains Fable’s lengthy production, but by delaying to 2026 the reboot has landed in a potentially tricky timeline. While Forza Horizon 6 shares a vague release window, insiders anticipate its arrival in the first half of 2026. If true, Fable is unlikely to release until the second half of the year – late summer, September, or maybe into October. The closer it gets to GTA VI, the more its anticipation is diluted by Rockstar’s behemothic event. We expect every studio will be keeping a close eye on Grand Theft Auto VI, preparing to push into 2027 if needed.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

In a change to our regular speculative programming, this one’s waving enough red flags to make a delay into 2027 near-enough a foregone conclusion. Skydance Interactive’s WW2-era Marvel superhero cross-over was delayed last May into the first part of 2026. However, late last year it was confirmed that Rise of Hydra would not be planting its flag before summer 2026. Now delayed indefinitely, Skydance states the extra time is required to fully realise their vision but, tellingly, with no up-to-date release window provided, perhaps there is more going on behind the scenes than simple polish.

Reading between the lines, and jumping aboard the speculation train once more, Skydance’s desire to “fully realise their vision” likely references a shared vision with Marvel. That may imply disagreements between studio and IP owner over what the final version of the game should be. While ambitious; the challenge here seems to be streamlining its complexity. When boardrooms listen to focus groups as much as creators, a spin-off like Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is always going to divide internal opinion.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Announced at The Game Awards in December, the long-running aerial arcade-sim shooter series is back with an explosive campaign set in the Strangereal universe. Photorealism, custom tech, and revolutionary cloud rendering, all powered by the increasingly unwieldy Unreal Engine 5, are the locked-on targets for Ace Combat 8. But, with no firm release quarter yet announced, some industry analysts, fans, and insiders claim this puts Wings of Theve at risk of slipping to 2027.

Like others in this feature, Bandai Namco hasn’t confirmed or denied anything of the sort, but given historical context a delay wouldn’t break the mould for the series. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown suffered a string of delays; its launch in January 2019 arrived almost two-years after its planned 2017 release. The principal reasons for these delays included a push for greater technical accomplishment and the need for narrative re-writes. Given Wings of Theve is attempting a similarly ambitious story while fully leveraging current-gen tools and hardware, history certainly is at risk of repeating.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac’s deviation from Spider-Man to Marvel’s second-most popular superhero is set for release during Fall 2026 – even after Rockstar’s most-recent GTA VI delay. The studio has been adamant across their social media channels that they are targeting the latter half of the year regardless of when Grand Theft Auto VI arrives.

GTA’s reliably unreliable reshuffling is a headache for numerous studios, as noted earlier, but Sony and Insomniac are holding firm. Remember: the first Spider-Man game on PS4 released in close proximity to Red Dead Redemption 2. In retrospect, one release didn’t overshadow the other. This time around though, there are key differences: Wolverine, while undeniably popular, isn’t Spider-Man popular. Likewise, while Red Dead is well-liked, GTA is universally revered. For sure, Sony won’t be overlooking this, but the true degree of difference is difficult to quantify.

So, while the games may be different their audiences still overlap considerably. If Fall 2026 means September or October, then there is nothing blocking Marvel’s Wolverine from releasing as planned. But if the game is slated for November then Sony has a decision to make: can Wolverine confidently stand apart from GTA VI? Late Fall, as November would be, is prime AAA holiday season. If every seasonal duck isn’t lined up; if publishing models aren’t perfectly placed, then Sony will push Wolverine to next year.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

You’re not the only one pointing at the screen, DiCaprio-style, thinking, “That’s very Witcher-esque” (and for good reason, given Rebel Wolves’ experience on The Witcher 3). Nevertheless, the dark medieval tidings of Vale Sangora provide a starker contrast in terms of day and night, as Coen walks between the two to save his family. So while the lighting and shadows look technically robust, the contrast and how it weaves into your playstyle and decisions further sweetens the deal.

Control Resonant

You would think Remedy has nothing to prove with its visual work, and yet, here’s the development team taking its brutalist architecture, surreal, spooky lighting and stellar art direction into the wider world. Beyond looking like a sleek hack-and-slash title with even more mind-boggling enemy designs, Control Resonant feels leagues trippier than the original, and we can’t wait to see more.

Resident Evil Requiem

Everything showcased thus far has led to this moment. The sheer attention to detail, from the hair physics and skin textures to realistic sweat – not to mention the dynamic lighting and shadows – make for one heck of a survival horror showcase. And yet, there’s still so much more to see, including Leon’s sections, which have been rumored to offer larger environments compared to Grace’s more confined, claustrophobic, and harrowing sections. Thankfully, with less than two months before release and a showcase coming up, it’s only a matter of time.

Marvel’s Wolverine

As with Ratchet and Clank and Marvel’s Spider-Man, it isn’t about Insomniac’s tech so much as how it’s used. Thus, we get hyper-detailed arm hair (a vital component of Logan’s character, as any fan will tell you), immaculate reflections off those adamantium claws, and only the finest blood spatters in Marvel’s Wolverine. That’s not even mentioning the environmental destruction and interactivity, whether it’s breaking through market stalls or launching enemies into lava.

Beast of Reincarnation

Seeing this after experiencing nothing but Pokémon from Game Freak may be somewhat of an eye-opener for fans, even more so because it looks incredibly sleek. Weathered rusting textures on robots, stylish executions, a relatively calm yet foreboding post-apocalyptic setting with impressive shrubbery – it’s almost surreal, especially with how rapidly environments can change. Suffice it to say, this is probably the studio’s best-looking effort to date, and we’re intrigued to see more.

Ontos

What would a Frictional Games title be without masterful usage of lighting and shadows? Look no further than Stellan Skarsgård’s character illuminated against a chandelier, the warm ambience prevalent throughout the reception area. Of course, being a spiritual successor to Soma also means plenty of not-so-warm and fuzzy sights. Realistic skin tearing. Reality fractures. You get the drill. It all works in unison to deliver a terrifyingly surreal experience.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

You wouldn’t ordinarily geek out over an Unreal Engine 5 remake, but Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have pulled off something incredible with Legacy of Atlantis (that too based solely on pre-alpha footage). Returning to where it all began for gaming’s most illustrious heroine, the remake offers gorgeously detailed shrubbery and architecture along with an incredible sense of scale. Plus, there are all the little details, from realistic dirt markings to Lara’s signature animations, which look better than ever.

Saros

“Spiritual successor to Returnal” may as well sound more like “the same bullet hell action you loved before, but with more fleshed out rogue-lite mechanics.” And honestly, I’m fine with that, given the original’s addictiveness. In the graphics department, however, Saros is going beyond the usual “tentacle technology” and offering rigid-body simulation for its many, many bullets alongside reactive lighting and layered dynamic particles. Even the narrative side benefits from improved cinematography, more cutscenes with additional motion capture, and better facial animations.

Gears of War: E-Day

The Coalition has yet to share any more footage beyond that trailer in 2024, but it’s certainly hyping up the prequel to a ridiculous degree. Remember Gears 5, considered one of the best-looking games of the last generation? E-Day will feature “over 100 times more environmental and character details” by comparison, and, oh, ray-traced lighting, shadows and reflections as well. That’s not even including the revamped destruction or new animation tech, with everything “completely rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5.” Say what you will about how other studios have handled the engine, but with The Coalition in charge, this could very well be an “unrivalled visual experience.”

Grand Theft Auto 6

The sheer number of NPCs in some shots, each with their own detailed animations and skin textures; the rendering distance, especially on those stunning aerial shots; the facial animations, which deliver as much on the subtlety – I could go on and on about Grand Theft Auto 6’s visual brilliance. And that’s based on just two trailers. Even if we get a more detailed gameplay walkthrough in the months ahead, it will only scratch the surface of what could be one of the best-looking games of all time.

007 First Light

Ignore the copious amounts of motion blur during its PS5 gameplay – IO Interactive’s next is a stunner, and that’s saying something given its experience with the Hitman franchise. The young pre-007 Bond’s global traipse isn’t just about gorgeous, guest-packed locales or high-speed chases across scenic landscapes. It’s about sneaking past guards, leveraging the environment to your advantage (thus highlighting the impressive particles and alpha effects). It’s also very much about those explosive set pieces, where intuition pays off as much as aggression. Whether you’re in it for the sights or action, 007 First Light certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Phantom Blade Zero

There’s something about the atmosphere that feels distinctly Souls-like. Perhaps it’s the desolate buildings of Pang Town, the desaturated colors in certain places or the fantastical yet realistically rendered enemies. Regardless, Phantom Blade Zero’s sleek animations and lightning-fast combat quickly showcase its action RPG chops, and it’s certainly shaping up to be a peak “kung fu-punk” experience.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

You have to hand it to RGG Studio – beyond simply remaking a classic Yakuza, it’s also delivering a brand new experience focused on one of the more popular villains in the series. And as usual, it’s not skimping in the visual department, revamping the character models and environments in the Dragon Engine, which still holds up to this day. Perfect for losing a tidy hundred hours or so while admiring the sights.

Crimson Desert

Speaking of getting lost in a world for a hundred hours, perhaps even more, this long-awaited open-world fantasy action RPG. Pywel has drawn us in so deeply, brimming as it is with expansive mountain ranges, dense forests with extensive foliage and seemingly endless plains (not to mention the mysterious floating islands). And if that’s not enough, maybe that giant mecha dragon fight will win you over.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

An Onimusha revival has been way overdue, and thankfully, Way of the Sword isn’t just coasting on its looks. Which is a way of saying that it looks fantastic, capturing the dark fantasy atmosphere of previous titles while reinventing just how disturbingly detailed the Genma can be. Otherwise, everything you could want from an Onimusha title – from a charismatic protagonist to sleek-looking sword combat – is here, and backed by phenomenal-looking effects and animations.

Replaced

I could regale you with Sad Cat Studios’ long journey and developmental challenges, especially being based in Ukraine. Or even how Replaced is operating on a completely different level when it comes to pushing the boundaries of 2.5D pixel art, but a single comment on its release date trailer says it best: “Every scene is wallpaper worthy.” With how long it’s been in development, we’re keen to admire every hand-crafted animation, every harrowing chase sequence, and every single downer aspect of this alternate history USA.

Fable

As much renown as Playground Games has received for Forza Horizon, there’s been a healthy amount of skepticism for Fable, due to the long development cycle and delays. On the bright side, the graphics, as showcased last year in new pre-alpha footage, are shaping up well enough, capturing that fairytale aesthetic while looking technically sound. 2026 could finally be its year – all we need now is solid confirmation (and some more gameplay as a treat).

Fatekeeper

Paraglacial’s debut first-person action RPG skipped straight from having our interest to commanding our attention after its initial trailer. This level of environmental fidelity from a team of 12, with outdoors that shine with realistic foliage and indoors brimming with mood lighting and crazily detailed beasts, is something to behold.

Valor Mortis

In the same vein is One More Level’s next first-person title, which is a Souls-like and can hurt you. Instead of the cyberpunk tidings of Ghostrunner, Valor Mortis opts for an alternative 19th-century Europe where the plague runs rampant. However, there is a distinct beauty on display, almost like the alpha effects, environmental textures and desiccated trees combine into a painterly aesthetic. Don’t even get us started on the bosses and enemies, which can vary from sleek to downright disturbing in their makeup.

Pragmata

With how long it took to nail the unorthodox gameplay loop, which boils down to “hack-and-shoot”, hilariously enough, Pragmata didn’t have to look this good. Yet, here we are, with Diana’s hair animating so realistically that the tech made it into Requiem. Of course, there’s plenty else to love in terms of the sci-fi leanings of this hostile lunar base and the sheer detail of enemies, right down to their exposed machinery with each successful hack. If Onimusha showcases the past and Requiem the present, then Pragmata is an incredible showcase for the future.

Directive 8020

While it isn’t the developer’s first foray with Unreal Engine 5, Directive 8020 feels like Supermassive has become more comfortable with the engine. Consolidating the tense journey of survival on the Cassiopeia with the studio’s signature narrative approach, it showcased some stunning alien flora, meticulously detailed body horror, and, of course, incredible use of lighting and shadows. That’s alongside the fantastic facial animations.

Nioh 3

With everything that Team Ninja has done in the past several years – the larger environments of Wo Long, the open world of Rise of the Ronin, the dark fantasy feudal setting of Nioh – it was only a matter of time before it combined them. Thus, we have Nioh 3, with its open field (not open world) levels that impress as much with their draw distance and foliage as they do with the Yokai roaming about. Maybe you won’t notice all this much in the heat of combat, but they’re stunning all the same.

Ride 6

Despite lacking the budget of a Polyphony Digital or Playground Games, Milestone’s Ride series has quietly carved its own niche in terms of realistic racing visuals. Launching this February, Ride 6 ups the ante even further with Unreal Engine 5, delivering more true-to-life tracks and motorbikes (even if the character models could use some more life).

The Duskbloods

I’m not sure if it’s FromSoftware’s art direction doing the heavy lifting, but The Duskbloods is sporting some impressive details. Between the monstrous bosses and dilapidated environments is some truly impressive architecture, even more so on the Nintendo Switch 2. It may not boast an Elden Ring-style scale, but for its PvEvP needs, this is shaping up into another visual masterpiece for the studio.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

Despite a delay past early 2026, Skydance New Media’s debut title hasn’t been ruled out for this year, which is good news. We’ve yet to see much beyond the gorgeous cinematics, which set the stage for Captain America and Black Panther to team up in WW2 Occupied Paris. However, if anyone can deliver a blockbuster action-adventure experience, it’s Amy Hennig and her crew.

Squadron 42

Give it up for over $1 billion in funding for Star Citizen, with a full release still years away. But Squadron 42, the single-player-focused title, is seemingly out this year (multiple delays notwithstanding). For all the controversy, it still looks good, and the thought of an epic space opera with over 70 missions and an all-star cast is too good to pass up. Now let’s see if it actually sticks to its deadline this time.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Credit where it’s due for Unreal Engine 5 – the planes in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have truly never looked better. Then you have the prospect of multi-layered cloudscapes for some of the most dynamic sky battles yet. Even the character models and cutscenes are a massive step up, adding so much more to the realism – a far cry from the days of JPEG dog.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Beyond the micro-stutters in its first gameplay, Halo Studios’ second remake of the FPS classic isn’t looking too shabby. The revamped cinematics look stunning; the Covenant animate so well while staying true to the original; the texture work is sleek; and the weapon models look great. There are still plenty of doubts to be had, but at least on a visual level, Halo: Campaign Evolved is looking the part.

Arknights: Endfield

Gorgeous games aren’t exactly uncommon in this day and age, especially with stand-out efforts like Where Winds Meet and Wuthering Waves. Arknights: Endfield joins those ranks, and despite offering multiple zones instead of a true open world, the clean sci-fi aesthetic meshes so well with the extensive greenery on Talos 2. And as much praise as the character designs have received, the otherworldly Aggeloi aren’t far behind.

Forza Horizon 6

Like Gears of War: E-Day, once again, is there really any doubt that this will be a visual experience unlike any other? It’s not just because of Playground Games’ fantastic run of quality with the series, but also how it’s approaching the depiction of Japan. Tokyo City will, naturally, be one of the studio’s “most detailed and layered environments to date,” but it’s the subtleties, be it the wind bells signaling the arrival of Summer, or the calm energy permeating the atmosphere, that really have us excited. Couple that with this being the studio’s “biggest” and “most full” map yet, and Forza Horizon 6 could very well set a new benchmark for the genre.

On Twitter, the developer noted it to be an “ambitious project” and it’s “committed to ensuring it meets the level of quality that our team, players, and fans expect.” As a result, it’s shifting the release window with no indication as to when it could finally launch. Unlike Take-Two’s confidence in GTA 6’s new date, it’s likely taking more time to evaluate any remaining development work before committing.

“We’re grateful for the passion and support from the community and players around the world. The team is working hard to create something truly special, and we look forward to sharing more with you as development progresses.”

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was announced in March 2024 with a release window of 2025. That would shift to early next year as the studio needed more time, and with the lack of any gameplay till now, another delay feels somewhat expected.

A leak from last September showcased Black Panther’s melee combat prowess, though it looked to be quite early in development. Check it out here alongside other details, and hopefully, nothing else is delayed in the meantime.

The video is of particular note, since it gives us a solid look at what we can expect when it comes to gameplay in Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. The video features Black Panther taking on a horde of soldiers in a lounge. There is an emphasis on melee combat, and the video also showcases quite a bit of environmental interaction and destruction as Black Panther makes is way through enemy soldiers.

We also get a general idea of what kind of melee combat gameplay we can expect from the title. Judging from the video, it looks like players will get a wide array of different attacks, as well as defensive options like dodging.

It is worth keeping in mind, however, that the video features gameplay from an early build of the game. Due to this, things are quite rough, both from a visual fidelity standpoint as well as some of the jankiness in things like animation. The release version of Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will likely have ironed all of these features out, and will probably end up being a lot more polished.

The images, also from earlier builds of the game, show off various angles of the same lounge featured in the video, with some of the screenshots also showing off what destruction in the level would look like. There are also other images showing off what looks like an underground railroad level which might have a higher emphasis on stealth-based gameplay, as well as a larger-looking level with Black Panther hanging out on the balcony of a building overlooking the rest of the city.

Skydance had announced that it was pushing Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra back to 2026 in May. The announcement came despite one of the voice actors—Khary Payton who plays Black Panther in the game—speculated about its potential launch happening around Christmas 2025. “We’re still working,” he said at the time. “We’re planning on 2025…We’re thinking like a Christmas situation. But I’m so excited.”

Project lead Amy Hennig, known for her work on action adventure classics like Legacy of Kain and Uncharted, spoke about wanting to do something new with Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. In an interview from back in December 2024, Hennig mentioned wanting to do something groundbreaking with cinematic storytelling in the game.

“As a new studio trying to do some groundbreaking stuff with cinematically presented games, the way we invite the most people in is by bringing them something they already know and love, but in a new form,” she said.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

It also looks forward to sharing more “soon,” which could mean new trailers and gameplay. “When” is the real question, especially with events like the Summer Game Fest showcase and more coming soon, so stay tuned for updates.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra stars Captain America and Black Panther (albeit T’Challa’s grandfather, Azzuri) alongside Howling Commandos member Gabriel Jones and Wakanda’s spy leader Nanali. Unfolding during World War 2, with occupied Paris as one of the locations, players will also travel to Wakanda and other yet-to-be-revealed places.

Developed on Unreal Engine 5, director Amy Hennig and her team have big aspirations and want the visual fidelity to be “high so that you could kind of forget that you’re looking at a game.” The developer has not announced which platforms the action-adventure title will be released for.

Speaking to The Direct at MultiCon in Los Angeles, Payton said, “We’re still working. We’re planning on 2025…We’re thinking like a Christmas situation. But I’m so excited.” Of course, this could also mean the team is targeting the holiday season and still hasn’t narrowed down a specific date.

Later in the interview, Payton says that the team wants players to experience the game like it’s Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead.

“And to be playing him in the video game, playing his grandfather, be playing a version of Black Panther, and looking on there and seeing that it’s me… It’s like the most photo-realistic…We want people to play this game and have the entire family sit on the sofa and watch it like they’re watching ‘Game of Thrones,’ or ‘The Walking Dead,’ or something. We’re looking for just an incredible cinematic experience for everybody, and I pinch myself.”

He also promised that the experience would be “so good” and praised Hennig. “I still can’t believe that it’s happening. But it’s going to be so good. Amy Hennig, who did the ‘Uncharted’ series, was the director and writer. She is just so amazing, and I’m like, ‘Man, we couldn’t have asked for a better head of this project.’ So I know it’s taken a while, but trust me, it is going to be worth it.”

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is in development for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Set in Paris during its occupation in World War 2, it features Captain America and Black Panther working together against Hydra. Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos and Wakandan spy leader Nanali are also playable.

Hennig said the developer is “trying to do some groundbreaking stuff” with cinematically presented games, inviting the most people in by “bringing them something they already know and love, but in a new form.”

Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered

Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered packs 3 of Lara Croft’s adventures namely The Last Revelation, Chronicles, and The Angel of Darkness in one handy package – complete with redone visuals and quality of life upgrades. It looks like a fun way to revisit these classics in a new light, or better yet experience them for the first time so do check out this one when it releases on 14 February 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

The Metroid Prime series has always received renown for fun gameplay loop while packing challenging bosses, incredible environments and devious puzzles. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks to offer just as much, but really, the promise of a new Retro Studios title after all these years is enough for us.