The video game landscape for 2026 is shaping up to be a fascinating and potentially lopsided year, with the colossal shadow of Grand Theft Auto 6 forcing the entire industry to shuffle its plans. While the year kicks off with a flurry of major releases, the latter half may see fewer blockbusters than usual as publishers scramble to avoid Rockstar's autumn behemoth.
The GTA 6 Effect on the 2026 Calendar
Release schedules, still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions, are now being dictated by the moving target of GTA 6's launch. Initially, developers aimed to steer clear of a May release window. Now, with the game targeting autumn, the traditional end-of-year rush could be significantly quieter. This has led to a jam-packed February, viewed as the safest bet to launch a major title while still allowing a buffer for any potential delays before GTA 6 arrives.
With May now open, many of the currently announced dates remain fluid and subject to last-minute changes. What follows is the most comprehensive look at the expected lineup for 2026's biggest games, from confirmed dates to long-rumoured titles.
Confirmed and Expected Major Releases
The year begins with Nintendo offering a refreshed Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on 15 January, featuring a new update for both Switch generations. February is exceptionally busy, hosting the European debut of Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined (5 Feb), the highly anticipated Nioh 3 (6 Feb), and Suda51's ambitious new project, Romeo Is A Dead Man (11 Feb).
Capcom starts strong with the first major blockbuster, Resident Evil Requiem, on 27 February. March brings IO Interactive's Bond origin story, 007 First Light (27 Mar), and the troubled launch of Bungie's Marathon. April sees the release of Capcom's new IP Pragmata (24 Apr) and the eagerly awaited Saros from the makers of Returnal (30 Apr).
The latter half of the year builds towards the main event. Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently slated for 19 November on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, though further delays remain a possibility. Sony is positioning Marvel's Wolverine as its major holiday season release. Other key titles without fixed dates include the PS1 reimagining Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, Microsoft's Fable reboot, Remedy's Control: Resonant, and Forza Horizon 6, rumoured to be set in Japan.
Games on the Horizon and Long Shots
A slew of other confirmed games are pencilled in for 2026, ranging from Pathologic 3 in early January to Deltarune: Chapter 5 in the latter quarters. The list of possible releases includes intriguing titles like the Splatoon spin-off Splatoon Raiders, the mysterious Judas from BioShock's creator, and the next mainline Pokémon generation.
However, gamers should temper expectations for several legendary sequels. Insiders confirm that The Witcher 4, Kingdom Hearts 4, The Elder Scrolls 6, and Mass Effect 4 are all highly unlikely to arrive in 2026. Similarly, the new Tomb Raider, titled Catalyst, and Naughty Dog's Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet are confirmed for 2027 at the earliest.
Ultimately, 2026 promises a thrilling, if strategically rearranged, year for gaming. The industry's dance around GTA 6 will define the release rhythm, offering players a dense early season before the autumn calm that precedes one of gaming's biggest-ever storms.
