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Our annual new year preview returns to spotlight the 50 most anticipated upcoming video games, and the people developing them
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Is there a video game on this planet Earth that can draw the spotlight away from Grand Theft Auto 6? With Rockstar Games having delayed what is undoubtedly the most-anticipated entertainment property of the decade to November 19, the video game release calendar has been thrown into absolute disarray. This means that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years of the current generation, with a stacked lineup of AAA titans and transformative indies jostling for attention. What's scary is that it's only January, with the likes of GDC, Summer Game Fest, and Gamescom still to come.
Big in 2026 is here to help you navigate a stacked year for new releases. Throughout the month of January, GamesRadar+ is spotlighting the 50 most anticipated upcoming video games with new insights, hands-on access, and exclusive interviews with the development teams working to bring these titles to life. While we are primarily focused on giving you a window into the virtual worlds you'll be exploring in 2026, we have also decided to profile a few key 2027 releases that we believe will contribute to the conversations that we are all going to have about video games this year.
BIG IN 2026
Big in 2026 spotlights 50 titles that will shape the year in gaming. All you need to do is click on a screenshot to access one of our new previews, each designed to share fresh insight into the hottest upcoming games.
Ace Combat 8
Cairn
Code Vein 2
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era
No Law
Ontos
Romeo is a Dead Man
The Blood of Dawnwalker
Total War: Warhammer 40K
TRENDS & PREDICTIONS
With so many video games set to release this year, it can be all too easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. As part of Big in 2026, we are tracking the latest trends and predictions to help you cut through the noise.
Trendwatch
What to expect from the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Trendwatch
What to expect from Xbox and the Series X in 2026.
Trendwatch
What to expect from PlayStation in 2026.
Trendwatch
What to expect from Valve's Steam Machine in 2026.
We are launching brand new previews, features, and interviews every day throughout January to help you connect with all of the video games that we believe will be Big in 2026 and beyond.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ NewsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. CATEGORIES PC Gaming PS5 Xbox Series X Nintendo Switch 2 Platforms PlayStation Xbox Nintendo
Josh WestSocial Links NavigationEditor-in-Chief, GamesRadar+Josh is Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 18 years experience in both online and print journalism, and was awarded a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Josh has contributed to world-leading gaming, entertainment, tech, music, and comics brands, including games™, Edge, Retro Gamer, SFX, 3D Artist, Metal Hammer, and Newsarama. In addition, Josh has edited and written books for Hachette and Scholastic, and worked across the Future Games Show as an Assistant Producer. He specializes in video games and entertainment coverage, and has provided expert comment for outlets like the BBC and ITV. In his spare time, Josh likes to play FPS games and RPGs, practice the bass guitar, and reminisce about the film and TV sets he worked on as a child actor.
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Trails Beyond the Horizon review: "This JRPG's thrilling real-time and turn-based combat evolves Metaphor ReFantazio's hybrid battles, making up for a poorly paced adventure"- 2This alt-history board game is still a gold standard for modern strategy
- 3Skate Story review: "A beautiful and unique skateboarding game with great, stylized visuals set in a grungy underworld"
- 4Octopath Traveler 0 review: "The strongest entry in this retro-styled JRPG series yet, I love the greater focus on tactical battles"
- 5Sleep Awake review: "An all-timer horror premise is let down by tired stealth that I feel like I'm sleepwalking through"
1Avatar: Fire and Ash review: "Still a technical marvel, with some of the year's best action filmmaking"- 2Five Nights at Freddy's 2 review: "We have waited two years for a Five Nights at Freddy's 1.5"
- 3Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
- 4Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
- 5The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
1Stranger Things season 5 finale review: “Shows off both the best and the worst of Hawkins”- 2Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2 review: “All set up for a finale that has so much to deliver”
- 3Fallout season 2 review: "A hell of a lot of fun despite being overcrowded and convoluted"
- 4Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
- 5Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"