January 6, 2026
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined releases a demo on all major platforms, with progress transferable to the full game launching February 5, 2026. The remake offers a streamlined story, new content, and DLC expansions.
The gaming industry faces a challenging landscape as live-service titles like Fortnite and GTA V dominate, stifling the success of fresh releases. With Grand Theft Auto VI set for a November 2026 debut, industry eyes are on Rockstar to see if it can shift the competitive dynamics.
Rockstar's GTA 6, set for November 19, 2026, is reshaping the release schedules of competitors to avoid cannibalization. Publishers are strategically timing their major titles, like Fable and Forza Horizon 6, either before or after GTA 6's launch, and exploring counter-programming with non-competing genres.
2026 is poised to be a landmark year for horror gaming, with 15 highly anticipated titles spanning franchises, remakes, and new IPs. Key releases include Resident Evil Requiem and Halloween: The Game, promising innovative gameplay and nostalgic thrills across major platforms.
Creepy Jar's new game, StarRupture, enters Steam Early Access, offering players a single-planet, open-world survival experience inspired by Satisfactory and No Man’s Sky. Priced at $15.99, the game features resource management, automation, and cooperative play, with future updates promising expanded maps and new gameplay elements.
January 5, 2026
Audeze unveils the Maxwell 2, a high-end gaming headset boasting enhanced sound quality and cross-platform compatibility. Priced at $349, it features advanced tech like SLAM drivers and 80-hour battery life.
Polygon's 2026 preview explores upcoming games, movies, and TV through a lens of curiosity and cultural context, emphasizing the significance of releases this year. The guide combines mainstream and niche picks, offering a nuanced look at industry trends, with a hopeful tone to engage readers with pop culture.
Baldur's Gate III and Black Myth: Wu Kong are poised to lead the charge in game-to-screen adaptations, supported by strong fanbases and innovative worlds. Major studios and platforms are aggressively securing gaming IPs, reflecting a shift towards video games in mainstream entertainment.
Stonemaier Games announces its 2026 lineup with new Wingspan expansions and a Viticulture update, set to enhance gameplay with new themes and mechanics. A Scythe vs Expeditions dueling game and a Namiji reissue are also slated, promising diverse additions for fans.
Total War: Medieval III is set to revive its historical roots with a new Warcore graphics engine, allowing players to shape medieval history with strategic choices. The game is anticipated on PC platforms, though no release date is confirmed.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has announced new 2026 content, including free crossover characters like Pac-Man and Mega Man, alongside paid DLC with SpongeBob and Minecraft themes. Sega promises ongoing updates and surprises, with the game already surpassing one million sales since its September 2025 launch.
Hytale’s V2 update aims to revolutionize block-game experiences with advanced asset-placement logic and a focus on artist-driven world design. Hypixel is expanding its team to enhance handcrafted worlds and anticipates significant interest from the Minecraft community, as it gears up for an early access release.
Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom’s anticipated survival horror game, surpasses four million Steam wishlists, indicating robust pre-launch interest. The inclusion of Leon S. Kennedy as a playable character has fueled fan excitement, with Capcom optimistic about its potential success.
FIFA is integrating its digital strategy with Roblox's FIFA Super Soccer to connect with younger audiences before a historic World Cup. The game, developed with Gamefam, features national teams, clubs, and events, aiming for year-round engagement rather than one-off activations, highlighted by an adidas Football Festival.
Pragmatic Play launches Joker's Jewels Hold & Spin, a 5x3 slot blending retro style with modern features, marking its first 2026 release. The game highlights a 96.52% RTP, high volatility, and a 10,000x max win.
StarRupture launches today, January 6, as an open-world survival game on PC, featuring base-building on a hostile alien planet. This release highlights the indie trend of innovative gameplay in Early Access titles.
January 4, 2026
The 2026 gaming event calendar is packed with key showcases, including Tokyo Game Show in September and Summer Game Fest on June 5. GDC 2026 pivots to a more inclusive format, while The Game Awards cap the year in December.
Rebel Wolves, formed by ex-Witcher 3 developers, announced their new dark fantasy RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker, set for 2026. The game will feature dynamic time mechanics, new companion characters, and a score inspired by Witcher 3.
Nvidia GeForce NOW kicks off 2026 by adding 14 titles to its cloud gaming service, enhancing its diverse platform offerings. Highlights include Guild Wars: Reforged and Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2, optimized for RTX 5080 users.
A 2026 release list spans multiple platforms, showcasing a mix of high-profile remakes and sequels, alongside fresh titles. Early releases include Heartopia on January 7 and Big Hops on January 12.