From long-awaited sequels to ambitious decade-long dreams, some video games become cultural events before they are even released. Check out some of the most anticipated games, how long they’ve been in the oven, and why the hype keeps building.
Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar Games confirmed that a new GTA game was in the works in early 2022, finally releasing a trailer in December 2023. It was originally scheduled for release this year, but has now been pushed back to May 26th 2026. The hype around GTA VI has been unlike any other game in recent history. The franchise has long been renowned for its boundary-pushing open-world gameplay and cinematic satirical storylines. So fans are eager to see what the series will deliver next. Thus far we know that the game will be returning to Vice City and that the protagonist is named Lucia (the series’ first female lead!). It is set to be the most detailed game in the series so far.
Fable
A new Fable game is also scheduled to be released in 2026. It will be the first new installment since Fable III in 2010. The fairytale-themed RPG series gained popularity in the 00s for its quirky humor, lush sets and morality-based character choices. It has continued to attract a cult following ever since. The latest Fable game was announced all the way back in 2020. Fans have been eagerly awaiting its release ever since. British comedians Matt King and Richard Ayoade will provide character voices in the game.
Resident Evil 9: Requiem
Capcom’s famous horror survival franchise, Resident Evil, will be getting a new installment next year. It was announced this summer, however there have been rumours of a new RE game since the late 2010s. Resulting in a lot of anticipation for this new entry. The game is set to follow a new protagonist, an FBI agent named Grace Ashcroft (daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak). As she investigates crimes at a creepy hotel. Both first-person and third-person gameplay modes will be available.
Bioshock 4
The newly-formed Cloud Chamber studio announced they were working on a new BioShock game back in 2019. The last installment in the retrofuturistic FPS series, BioShock Infinite, came out in 2013. There is still no news as to when this new BioShock game can be expected. A recent internal review of the game in production was not well-received, leading to changes in leadership and promises of improvements. Here’s hoping that Bioshock 4 doesn’t get trapped in development hell.
Elder Scrolls VI
Fans of Skyrim and Oblivion have been eagerly anticipating the release of a new Elder Scrolls game for several years now. Bethesda first teased plans to produce the game back in 2018. But the game has only likely just gone into production following the release of Starfield. So it might still be a while before we have a new game. The latest game in the iconic fantasy RPG series is heavily speculated to be based in the Hammerfell or High Rock regions of Tamriel. It will use an improved video game engine called Creation Engines 2 (also used to create Starfield). No trailers have been released so far.
Star Citizen
Crowdfunding began for Star Citizen back in 2012. So far, the game has received over $1 billion in funding, making it one of the most expensive video game projects of all time. Why the hype? Star Citizen aims to be the ultimate space MMO with promises to deliver seamless planet-to-space travel, deep simulation and stellar visual quality. Players have already been given a glimpse of the live alpha, The Persistent Universe, which has been well-received. Also, the single-player component Squadron 42 has been completed. Meanwhile, spaceships and ground vehicles are already available to purchase through sites like Space Vendor. It’s uncertain as to when the full game will be released, but production is in full swing, so hopefully we won’t have to hold out too much longer.
Beyond Good And Evil 2
Beyond Good And Evil 2 – the sequel to the cult classic co-op RPG Beyond Good And Evil – was announced back in 2008. It’s been so long in the making now, that many people question whether it will ever be released at all. Ubisoft have confirmed several times in the years since that they are still working on it. But we haven’t had any glimpses of it since 2017. Its extremely long production time and the shroud of mystery surrounding it have only contributed to the hype.
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