On the show floor, attendees can look forward to seeing Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, Mega Man: Dual Override, Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Pragmata and Street Fighter 6. Whether all of these titles will appear during the Spotlight showcase remains unknown.

However, Capcom may almost certainly devote extensive time to Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance. Out in 2027, it’s the first and (based on past titles) only paid expansion coming to the action RPG, adding a brand new region, new and returning monsters, and a storyline focusing on Elder Dragons. It also features new abilities for each weapon type and the Boost Bracer as a new combat mechanic.

Will Capcom make room for surprises such as, say, a new Resident Evil Veronica trailer? Time will tell, but as seen with Resident Evil Requiem, it could very well wait until The Game Awards to announce a release date and open pre-orders. Stay tuned for more updates until then.

Shimauchi has essentially reiterated what Capcom said back in June. At the time, the company said that Pragmata’s “strong start” has led the company to “continue our analysis and consider the possibility of developing it into a series.”

Producer Naoto Oyama and director Yonghee Cho had previously spoken about a potential sequel for Pragmata, with both expressing interest in working on it. However, they both acknowledged that the ultimate decision isn’t really up to them.

“I honestly don’t know what the future holds. Like you said, it’s only been a month since Pragmata went on sale, so honestly, what I’m focused on is just trying to get as many people to experience Pragmata as I can,” said Oyama. “I’m focused on Pragmata itself.”

“Of course I’d love to see a sequel,” added Cho. “But I’m not the only one who decides, so unfortunately I can’t really comment beyond that.” He went on to say that this is his “own personal opinion on the matter.”

Pragmata was released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 back in April, and the team behind it is likely celebrating the recent sales milestone, especially in light of the harsh criticism it got from higher-ups when the game was still early in development.

Earlier this month, developers had spoken about the feedback they got, mentioning that the team was “unable to make compelling puzzles”, “unable to make compelling action”, and was “incompetent at level design”. Interestingly, this feedback would ultimately lead to the hybrid puzzle-solving hacking system that forms the foundation of Pragmata’s action.

The feedback was harsh for quite some time, however, with some of the negative reviews calling it “completely broken”. One internal review even demanded that the developers should “give me back the 2 months I lost working alongside the team. Is this what you’re trying to entertain your players with?” The addition of the hacking minigame was also criticized, with one review saying that it has “fundamentally worsened the game”.

Pragmata’s recent sales milestone comes after the game’s incredibly successful launch, which saw it sell 2 million copies in just 16 days. Capcom, for its part, has said that the project worked out well thanks to a younger group of developers working alongside experienced ones.

In our review, we gave Pragmata a score of 9 out of 10 thanks to its interesting setting and premise, strong character writing for Diana, and a compelling dynamic between Diana and protagonist Hugh. We also praised its action and variety of weapons and enemies. Our only complaints were that Hugh feels like a bland protagonist at times, and that Pragmata as a whole relies too heavily on standard sci-fi tropes at times.

Its last milestone was two million-plus in 16 days. All in all, it’s pretty good progress, especially since Pragmata was initially announced in June 2020 and saw numerous delays over the years. The development team later revealed the challenges faced in trying to nail its unique combination of third-person shooting and puzzle-solving amid harsh internal feedback.

Nevertheless, the initial success is enough for Capcom to explore further titles. It even said the success of Resident Evil remakes allows for funding titles like Pragmata, so the strong sales are a net positive overall.

Pragmata is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Set in the future, it focuses on Hugh, who ventures to The Cradle on the Moon to investigate an outage. Besides genocidal robots, he discovers Diana, an android, and together, they work to survive and eventually escape. For more details, you can check out our review. We ended up scoring it a 9 out of 10.

“One of the reasons for creating remakes is producing a new entry in the Resident Evil series every year would be quite an undertaking and a difficult task,” he explained. “So, being able to revisit older games and remake them helps Capcom meet that goal of releasing a Resident Evil title each year, but it also allows the team to continually challenge themselves and hone their craft.”

Despite this, Kawata also emphasized the fact that the remakes are quite important for Capcom, since it allows the company to revisit some of the older games in its catalogue and introduce them to a new audience. Along with this, the remakes also help with raising development funds that can then be invested in the making of new games.

“That’s not to say the remakes are any less important. In fact, they’re just as important as the mainline titles. Capcom is lucky enough to have found this cycle that can continue to provide us with the financial resources to create things like new entries in the Resident Evil series and completely new IP like Pragmata. So there is that relationship there.”

While fans might be disappointed about the lack of new Resident Evil spin-offs, Kawata has noted that the company also has to deal with limited resources. Currently, that means pouring just about everything it has into the development of new mainline games and remakes.

“Maybe there are a lot of people out there who would like to see more spinoff titles or such, but honestly, the team is giving everything it has right now, working on things like our new entries like Requiem or remakes. So honestly, at the moment, that’s where our efforts [are] being focused. We are so focused on pouring our energy into that, I don’t think there’s a whole lot left right now for a spinoff.”

The most recent entry in the franchise was Resident Evil Requiem, which came to PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 earlier this year. The title saw almost universal acclaim, with its Metacritic rating sitting at 89. In our own review, we gave it a score of 9 out of 10 thanks to its blend of action and horror gameplay.

The next game in the franchise is going to be Resident Evil Veronica. While it doesn’t yet have a solid release date, Capcom is aiming for a 2027 launch window. Following Capcom’s recent pattern, it is going to be a remake of 2000’s Resident Evil – Code: Veronica.

As for Kawata’s statement, a recent rumor has indicated that Resident Evil 4 Remake has sold over 16 million copies since its 2023 release, making it the most successful remake in the franchise so far. Analysts have estimated that it generated $560 million in revenue, which likely aided in the development of games like Pragmata and the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve got so many great ones in just the first half of the year, but the current generation of gaming hardware has made developers push the envelope on graphical fidelity, making games that can blur the line between what’s real and what’s not. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite ones of the year, beginning with:

1. Resident Evil Requiem

The RE Engine has always been great at bringing whatever the developer dreams up to life, but this one’s great use of lighting, environmental detail, and excellent photorealistic graphics was the pinnacle of what the studio has achieved over the years. From Leon’s grizzly look to Grace’s raw fear and vulnerability, the character models were brilliant. Even better was how the franchise’s often moody and dark vibe was reflected in the very walls of the Rhodes Hill Care Facility or within the gloomy ruins of Raccoon City.

Of course, it wasn’t all about looks, as the gameplay was made all the more immersive thanks to how smooth the entire thing was, be it Grace running from The Child or taking control of Leon to beat down on zombies that came with superior numbers. All of the blood and gore on display served to underline the horrors of what the two protagonists were facing, while the addition of differing camera perspectives was a very welcome touch.

The developer really cooked with this one.

2. RIDE 6

We really liked how the world and the bikes themselves fed into the illusion that we were right there on the tracks, swinging a leg over those impossibly fast machines in the process. The details on each bike were nothing short of stunning, with Unreal Engine 5 working under the hood to ensure that their metal panels let the light gently glance off of them.

The tracks and the world in general were additional facets of the experience that added to the immersion, and the way things moved once you let your throttle loose is a feeling that only those among us who love riding can describe. This one’s definitely earned its place among the year’s finest on the graphical front, and with good reason.

3. Reanimal

An adventure that’s as emotionally layered as the harrowing one that The Boy and The Girl undertake in Reanimal was always going to rely on the grim and gritty world that acted as its stage. Tarsier Studios definitely had that in mind when crafting this one, and the sense of isolation and despair that the Island brought to the table was definitely a highlight of the experience.

The art direction, cinematic presentation, and the stunning level of detail on offer in this one did well to make the horror side of things stand out, while lending a layer of poignancy to the tale of two lost children looking for a way out of desperate circumstances. From the efficient use of limited light in specific situations to presenting the desolation of a world that’s designed to make you hesitate, this one definitely stands tall among the year’s finest titles.

4. Subnautica 2

While the long wait for this one might not feel as rewarding in terms of the narrative, which is going to take a bit of time to fully present its complexities, the world of Proteus is an entirely different story. It’s crafted to make you feel like a smaller part of a larger landscape, its flora and fauna designed so well that they’re almost calling to you to investigate further. That’s a crucial pillar of this one’s gameplay loop, and to see it implemented as well as it has been is a reason for Subnautica 2 to shine as bright as it does.

Exploring the world gives you a strong feeling of venturing into the unknown, and the graphics do a very good job of selling that sentiment as you try to make sense of what’s been unfolding on the planet before you got there. On the graphical front, Proteas does well to make itself a world that you can’t help but explore, the desire to see more of it stemming from how well it’s presented to you.

5. Pragmata

Hugh and Diana’s time in The Cradle wouldn’t have been as engaging if the darn thing hadn’t been as ethereally beautiful as it was. It’s almost as if the facility was designed to be the perfect backdrop to an adventure that had action and emotion woven in with a sublime balance. It wasn’t just the pristine walls and stunning environments but the way Diana’s hacking minigame was designed and presented, alongside enemy designs that we continue to grin about when we think about them.

This one’s design chops were a very memorable part of the experience it was offering, and it almost made us sad that there wasn’t more of it to go around. Well, there’s every chance a sequel comes along to dazzle us even more sometime in the future, so there’s that. But Pragmata definitely deserves a place on this list thanks to how well the world you’re a part of makes the entire journey even better without taking away from the rest of it.

6. Forza Horizon 6

Japan’s a popular place in modern gaming, and the Horizon Festival’s take on the land, its unique vibe, and, of course, the cars is a very impressive way to make its latest iteration engaging right off the bat. From the bustling streets of its cities to the serene beauty of its open roads and mountains, Japan almost feels like it’s where the Festival has always belonged, although we know that it’s going to move on in the franchise’s next offering.

Nevertheless, this one’s going to have you stopping to just take in the sights more often than not. We even gave up on a race to just admire the scenic beauty of a road high up on a mountain at one point, and that’s a testament to how the game’s weather system and excellent lighting make every inch of Japan a place worth looking into. The graphics are a solid part of why this one feels so special, and it’s going to be interesting to see how Playground tops them in whatever it’s planning next.

7. Crimson Desert

Oh, Pywel. What a place for a fan of fantasy titles to visit. From its well-designed cities to biomes that not just remain visually distinct from each other but constantly seem to be trying to be more impressive than the one you just left, this one’s definitely up there with some of the most visually impressive open worlds there are. And that’s not even factoring in the Abyss and whatever mysteries its sci-fi vibes are hiding.

Lush fields, dense forests, mechanical marvels, dark caves, bright palaces contrast well with desolate ruins, terrifying monsters, and a harsh desert, all of which serve to underline a land that’s as visually diverse as it is on a mechanical level. Yes, this one had a bit of a shaky start, but its problems are now just blips on a very promising horizon thanks to the developer’s efforts to make this a fantasy you can’t get enough of.

8. REPLACED

In our review of this one, we were quite impressed by how detailed its pixel art-style environments could be, and that continues to be a highlight of the experience on offer. It’s never easy to present great detailing and a unique style in a way that communicates desolation and a grim reality for the people exploring worlds like Phoenix City, and Sad Cat deserves credit for crafting environments that make you gape at their melancholic beauty even as the sadness of what’s created such spaces remains as an undercurrent to nudge your emotions a certain way.

The platforming puzzle sections deserve a special mention, and we’re still thinking about how well they’ve been presented in this one. On the graphical front, this one definitely deserves praise for the way in which it brings the world to life, dystopian hellscape vibes and all.

9. 007 First Light

IO Interactive’s take on James Bond’s early trysts with MI6 is as stylish as the man himself. If you’ve seen even a hint of this one, you probably already know why we’ve given it a spot on our list. Lights reflect off surfaces so naturally, while character models and environmental details help sell the story it’s trying to tell so well that it isn’t easy to remember that this one’s a video game and not an interactive film.

It also helps that everything is so polished that it enables the gameplay to better sell a version of Bond who’s brutal in a fight, while being quite the marksman if he’s at range. All in all, this one is a Bond game for the ages, and its visual fidelity is definitely a pillar that props up the experience it offers.

10. Saros

We weren’t really surprised at how visually resplendent Carcosa was after our time with Returnal, but Saros definitely earns its place on this list thanks to how Arjun’s harrowing time in a world that doesn’t make sense to him as often as he’d like is presented. From those almost spellbinding bullet patterns to some truly terrifying enemy designs, this one definitely belongs among the stronger visual feats this year has achieved.

Carcosa itself shouldn’t be discounted, with places like the Shattered Ruins, the Mysterious Depths, and, of course, the Ancient City all standing out as places that you want to learn more about while remaining imposing enough to make you hesitant about indulging that curiosity. This one’s as good as they come, and Housemarque deserves credit for a title that looks this good.

And that’s about it for this one. It’s been a pleasure to dive into the worlds these games have given us, and we’ve no doubt that the rest of the year has more of these visual marvels coming our way. Until then, it’s probably a good idea to give any of these titles a shot if you’re looking for something to cast a spell on you.

We sat back and thought about ones that have managed to make us grin to ourselves every time we think about them, and are happy to tell you about them. Without further ado, let’s get started!

10. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

With a gameplay loop that was straight out of Arkham, a version of Gotham that was absolutely enjoyable to explore, and a lot of wit, charm, and humor thrown in, this one was music to the pointy ears of Batman fans, who’ve been rather starved of a solid take on the Dark Knight ever since Rocksteady’s Arkham Knight.

Everything a Batman fan wanted was right there, from a close look at Bruce’s early days before he became an urban legend that struck fear in the hearts of Gotham’s wrongdoers, to solid takes on the rest of the cast, and a whole lot of references to the character’s long and often complex presence in DC’s stories over the years.

It’s rare to see humor work so well in Gotham, a place where there usually aren’t many laughs to be found unless they’re the maniacal cackle of The Joker, but this one had us chuckling to ourselves even as we were beating criminals to a pulp as the Dark Knight. It’s both Batman and LEGO done right, and balanced so well that it has more than earned a place on this list.

9. Mouse: P.I. For Hire

The next one we’re talking about is another charmer set in a dark and gritty world. Jack Pepper’s investigation into a magician’s disappearance, all set in a stylized version of 1930s America with a population made entirely of rodents and shrews, was a solid tale and a very entertaining shooter packed into one well-animated package.

Intelligent writing, great characters, and a lot of spilled ink were the highlights of our time with this one, and while it could have used a bit of balancing to be just perfect, what was on offer was still quite fun to engage with. We found ourselves making cheese-related puns for quite a while after we rolled the credits on this one, and that’s saying something when you consider that the game itself drops a significant number of those over the course of its runtime.

This noir adventure’s definitely worth undertaking if you’re looking for a fun game to play before the rest of the year’s releases begin to take up your free time.

8. Pragmata

As the latest addition in a long line of bangers this year, Pragmata is definitely a strong addition to a solid lineup of games this year. As a shooter that has you working a hacking minigame almost in parallel, there’s enough innovation to a tried-and-tested formula to make it an interesting proposition right off the bat.

But Pragmata’s true beauty lies in how it integrates that innovation into a heartwarming, wholesome story that sees protagonists Hugh and Diana surpass their innate differences as a human and an Android to form a friendship that delivers quite the emotional payoff. That bond was helped along by a story that explored complex themes without delving into too much philosophy, leaving just enough room for a more direct, robust pace that was very welcome indeed.

We’re quite sure we’ll be seeing more of Hugh and Diana in the years to come, and that’s something that makes us quite happy considering that their first outing ended on quite the cliffhanger.

7. Saros

Carcosa is a place no one in their right mind would want to go back to unless the person in question is a fan of Returnal’s take on bullet-hell shooters. But this one took things up a notch on all fronts, and the result was a title that was unsurprisingly awesome while remaining grounded enough to make the story it was trying to sell us not only believable, but quite emotionally resonant as well.

Arjun was a protagonist with layers and issues of his own, trying to work with the rest of the cast to uncover mysteries that tested his resolve and sanity. Getting to go along on such an adventure, and the challenges that we faced at his side along the way, were not just a pleasure, but a test of our own skill and determination to see it through.

The difficulty was always there, and perhaps even an expected part of the experience. But what we didn’t expect was for the entire thing to have us somberly reflecting on the themes it presented, even as we tried to dodge and block attacks that were ethereally beautiful whilst also being efficiently deadly. This one’s quite easy to recommend and a great one from Housemarque.

6. Forza Horizon 6

We’ve always loved to join the Horizon Festival wherever in the world it takes us. But this one’s more than just a great excuse for some arcade racing and a bevy of car-related activities to take on. It’s an authentic take on one of modern gaming’s most popular destinations, and one that takes a lot of effort to nail down in a way that has us constantly ignoring the need for sleep in order to chase the next band that will unlock more of it to enjoy.

This one’s visuals and the weather system were already strong reasons to dive in, but what’s made us stay is how it brings Japan’s many locales to life in ways that make driving around and soaking in the sights as attractive an option as engaging in some high-speed races that can really get the adrenaline flowing.

Forza Horizon 6 is the franchise’s best version of the Festival yet, and it’s going to be quite a challenge for Playground Games to top this one. However, if any studio can achieve that feat, the one behind this masterpiece certainly can.

5. Nioh 3

You were probably waiting for this one if you’ve dived into Team Ninja’s third instalment in a franchise that already had a lot going for it before this one came along. But with two distinct playstyles, the return of the stance-based combat system, a truckload of weapons and builds, and a whole wide world to test it all out in, it’s easy to see why this one has had us returning to it whenever there’s a good bit of downtime to make use of.

The open-worldish approach to its level design works very well with an exploration loop that’s designed around collecting loot, experience, and secrets in a world where even a minute advantage can mean the difference between life and death. Of course, the enemies and bosses you face down are a highlight of the experience, with familiar foes and fresh new ones bringing a level of challenge that would be daunting if not for the plethora of tools you’re given to deal with them.

If you’re looking to cut loose and enjoy a combat system that absolutely slaps, in a world that’s designed to have you in fights more than you’re out of them, Nioh 3 is the best one to pick out of all the titles that have come out so far in 2026.

4. 007 First Light

Well, IO Interactive finally managed to make a Bond game that could top GoldenEye, and we’re glad that it did. Its take on a young, more reckless, yet equally charming version of Bond has landed quite well. The gameplay loop on offer is equally captivating, making good use of the studio’s experience with great combat and stealth gameplay to deliver a title that could have you diving into a new playthrough just to satisfy your own curiosity about how different missions could play out if you were to make varying choices.

Open-ended level design, brutal combat, cool gadgets, and, of course, some very memorable set pieces help this one tell a story about Bond that hasn’t been told before. The gameplay lets you be the man himself in ways that are so darn satisfying they’re hard to describe to somebody who hasn’t joined in on the fun. And best of all is the fact that they work so well together that this one’s a title we can’t get enough of.

The Hitman DNA from IO’s previous work is in there, but it’s been used so well in First Light that it makes the game stand on its own well enough to be a strong addition to what the year has had to offer.

3. Pokémon Pokopia

A life sim and builder that weaves Pokémon into the mix? That’s clearly a recipe for success, but things could always go wrong if the execution falls flat. That isn’t the case with Pokémon Pokopia, and it’s a delightful blend of Animal Crossing and the popular anime, one that’s enough to keep you spending hours in the rather desolate version of Kanto it presents you with.

Joining Ditto in an effort to build the land into one where trainers and Pokémon can live their lives to the fullest was so full of fun and charm that this one grew on us pretty quickly and hasn’t outstayed its welcome even though we’ve been playing it for nearly three months now. There’s always something to do here, and it’s often so endearing that you can’t help but smile as you go about your day in the game’s world.

Pokopia is a great game irrespective of whether the anime and manga were a part of your childhood, and might even get you started on an obsession that many of us have carried all our lives.

2. Crimson Desert

We’re sure you’ve already guessed that, and Crimson Desert definitely ranks high among 2026’s best. Pywel’s a world that we just can’t get enough, as this one’s an evolving experience that’s constantly bringing new ways to engage with everything it has to offer.

Kliff’s fight to unify the land and return the Greymanes to their former glory might not have been released in the best of states, but this one’s managed to go past all of those initial hiccups to become an open-world experience that’s walking the line between single-player and live-service in a way that’s kept us on our toes.

It doesn’t get better than this as far as open worlds are concerned, although GTA 6 could come along and force us to sing a different tune. Nevertheless, Pywel’s a place of many fond memories, and that isn’t going to change even if Rockstar manages to pull us away from it for a while.

1. Resident Evil Requiem

Two protagonists, two different playstyles, and a setting that brought the story right back to where it started were all factors that worked in this one’s favor, to be sure. But it’s in the way that all of that was handled that made this one genuinely feel like a celebration of the genre’s long-running history.

Leon’s amazing fighting style worked well as a contrast to Grace’s sincere vulnerability in a story that could have had better big bads but was nonetheless quite revelatory as far as the franchise’s meta narrative was concerned. It was also a way to set up a future in which its entire cast could, and perhaps should, work together to take on a world that’s been forever changed by the adventure on offer here.

Requiem is Resident Evil at its finest, and there’s no bigger compliment that we can give it than that.

And that’s a wrap on our picks for the first half of 2026. We’re sure that this one’s going to have you nodding at most of the ones we’ve liked even as you think others should have made the cut. Either way, it’s been an exciting year for video games, with a very heavy second half that’s sure to keep us all on our toes. Bring it on, we say!

This early period was marked with quite a few problems, however, including pitches and concepts that didn’t end up going anywhere. Eventually, we would get an official announcement trailer in 2020. Despite this, the developers were facing quite a bit of criticism for the test stages that they had developed, each one getting rejected.

According to the developers, they got internal feedback noting that they were “unable to make compelling puzzles” and “unable to make compelling action”, which meant that they were “incompetent at level design.” This feedback would then lead to the creation of Pragmata’s signature hacking system, which led to its own variety of problems.

Some of the negative reviews they got during testing included the game logic being “completely broken”. One review said that the developers should “Give me back the 2 months I lost working alongside the team. Is this what you’re trying to entertain your players with?” Another believed that the hacking system “has fundamentally worsened the game.” Yet another said that it “feels like you’re just aimlessly moving forward – so boring.”

Despite the harsh nature of this feedback, the development team would then rush to make a new build of Pragmata that could be presented to the company’s upper management, with the goal of the meeting being to decide whether the project is worth taking forward or if it should be cancelled. In a fortunate turn of events, Capcom decided to go ahead with it, giving the team the chance to restart development.

Interestingly, director Yonghee Cho has expressed some regret at having unveiled Pragmata so early. While the title was originally slated for a 2022 release, Capcom had to push it back several times before it finally came out earlier this year on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

“When we made that initial announcement trailer, we honestly did not expect user interest to be as high as it was,” said Cho. “Of course, the dev team wanted to make a good, fun game. But when we saw the player reaction and expectations, we realized making just a good game is now no longer enough. We have to make something that’s even better than we initially imagined.”

Thanks to its overall success, with more than 2 million copies being sold in just 16 days of release, Capcom has expressed some interest in a potential sequel to Pragmata. In its recent earnings report, the company said that the project worked out well thanks to its younger developers working alongside more experienced ones. “Based on this strong start, we will continue our analysis and consider the possibility of developing it into a series,” noted the company.

For more on Pragmata, take a look at our review.

It took its time to make it to our hands, but it left quite an impression since its arrival. Its director has already expressed interest in a sequel, and Capcom might just be mulling another entry if its recent financial results are anything to go by.

The studio has highlighted new ideas from its younger developers that blended well with the experience of its more seasoned ones as reasons for the game’s success and excellent sales numbers, which then makes the notion of a follow-up to the adventure a very strong possibility.

“Based on this strong start, we will continue our analysis and consider the possibility of developing it into a series.”

The story on offer has certainly left the door open for a sequel that has several potential routes to take if Hugh and Diana are to return to our screens, after all. It would definitely be a pleasure to join them again, if only to see the aftermath of the cliffhanger.

We’re going to wait for an official announcement, but we can’t help but feel a tad excited about more entries, especially considering just how much we enjoy the current game. For more details on Pragmata, check out our review.

These regrets largely come down to the fact that the title was originally slated for release in 2022, and ultimately saw several delays. The fact that player interest seemed high right from the debut of the announcement trailer certainly didn’t help matters.

The development team started feeling quite a bit of pressure from fans of that trailer, and eventually decided that just making a “good game” wouldn’t be enough anymore.

“When we made that initial announcement trailer, we honestly did not expect user interest to be as high as it was,” said Cho. “Of course, the dev team wanted to make a good, fun game. But when we saw the player reaction and expectations, we realized making just a good game is now no longer enough. We have to make something that’s even better than we initially imagined.”

In hindsight, Cho doesn’t regret having revealed the game in 2020 too much, noting that interest from players served as a great motivator for the team. Despite Pragmata getting delayed from its original release date, the fact that players were still interested led to the entire development team having their spirits boosted.

“It was very encouraging to see that, even after so much time had passed from the initial announcement, players were still so interested in the game,” he said. “That helped boost the spirits of the dev team.” Cho went on to note that the response to the early trailers was “a huge element that pulled Pragmata through its development.”

Ultimately, had we not released that trailer when we did, we wouldn’t have the Pragmata that we have now.”

Cho has also expressed interest in working on a sequel to Pragmata in the future. However, despite his own interests, he noted that the ultimate decision isn’t really his to make.

“Of course I’d love to see a sequel,” he said. “But I’m not the only one who decides, so unfortunately I can’t really comment beyond that.” He made a point of saying that this is “own personal opinion on the matter.”

Producer Naoto Oyama also expressed similar sentiments, while noting that neither he nor Cho are sure about whether or not a sequel to Pragmata might even be in the books for Capcom, at least for the time being. Rather than worrying about that, however, Oyama said that he has been busy trying to get Pragmata in front of as many players as he could.

“I honestly don’t know what the future holds. Like you said, it’s only been a month since Pragmata went on sale, so honestly, what I’m focused on is just trying to get as many people to experience Pragmata as I can,” he explained. “I’m focused on Pragmata itself.”

Pragmata is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2. For more details, take a look at our review.

Noting that it has only been a month since Pragmata came out, Oyama said that he is still focused on getting the puzzle shooter hybrid in the hands of as many gamers as possible, and as such, hasn’t really had the time to think about a sequel.

“I honestly don’t know what the future holds. Like you said, it’s only been a month since Pragmata went on sale, so honestly, what I’m focused on is just trying to get as many people to experience Pragmata as I can,” he explained. “I’m focused on Pragmata itself.”

Cho, on the other hand, said that he would love to work on a sequel to Pragmata. However, the decision ultimately doesn’t come down to him, and it will be up to Capcom to decide.

“Of course I’d love to see a sequel,” he said. “But I’m not the only one who decides, so unfortunately I can’t really comment beyond that.” He went on to say that this is his “own personal opinion on the matter.”

Pragmata was released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 17th. Earlier this month, Capcom confirmed that its success had come quite quickly, with a million copies being sold in just two days.

It would go on to see even more success, with 2 million copies being sold in 16 days. In a press release, the company attributed these sales figures to its efforts in getting Pragmata in front of as many players as possible through trailers and a playable demo.

Set on the moon, Pragmata tells the story of Hugh trying to find a way to get back home. Early on, he comes across an android with the appearance and personality of a young girl, named Diana, and the two team up to take on many of the challenges blocking their way. While much of the story revolves around the relationship between the two characters evolving, both of them also have to work together in gameplay terms.

Rather than just being a typical third-person shooter, Pragmata introduces a twist with its hacking mechanics. Most of the enemies on the lunar base have strong defences that Hugh’s weapons can’t pierce. Diana, however, is capable of hacking them to expose their weaknesses, giving Hugh the opportunity to take them down. In moment-to-moment gameplay, this is represented by players having to quickly solve small puzzles for each enemy, while also making sure that they are avoiding enemy attacks.

For more details about Pragmata, take a look at our review, where we gave it a score of 9 out of 10 thanks to its fun premise, interesting characters, and the dynamic between Hugh and Diana. Our only complaints were the fact that Hugh is quite bland, and that the game can sometimes be overly reliant on typical sci-fi tropes.