Five must-play 2026 game releases

2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for video games, with more releases being revealed and long-awaited projects finally taking shape. There’s plenty for players to look forward to in the months ahead, whether you’re keeping an eye on what’s next or already planning what to play – making now the perfect time to start getting your wish lists ready.

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Resident Evil Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth title in the mainline Resident Evil series, continuing one of gaming’s most influential horror franchises. Players can expect carefully crafted scares, strategic combat, and rich environmental storytelling that keep the series’ suspense alive.

For students and aspiring game designers, it’s a perfect example of how a franchise can develop new ideas while staying true to the atmosphere and gameplay that fans expect.

007: First Light

Based on the iconic James Bond franchise, 007: First Light puts players in the heart of high-stakes spy action. Focused on a standalone reimagining of James Bond’s origin, this upcoming third-person action-adventure game offers a fresh perspective on the spy’s beginnings. The game offers varied gameplay, mixing intense combat, high-speed driving, stealth, and a range of spy gadgets.

The gameplay highlights creative problem-solving, environmental interaction, stealth mechanics, and the use of gadgets and tools, offering valuable insight into how designers build engaging, multi-layered player experiences.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

Shaping up as one of the most thrilling dark fantasy RPGs in years, The Blood of Dawnwalker is a vampire-themed action RPG where player decisions have real impact, leading to multiple story paths and consequences. Players take on the role of Coen, a human by day and vampire by night, fighting to save his family in a story shaped by their actions and the secrets they uncover.

The Blood of Dawnwalker offers valuable lessons in branching narratives and character-driven worldbuilding.

Control Resonant

Remedy Entertainment debuted Control Resonant at The Game Awards, revealing it as the sequel to the 2019 game Control. The game marks the beginning of the next chapter in the series, introducing a new lead character, a fresh setting, and a unique supernatural crisis.

The reveal trailer showcases impressive weapon design, featuring the ‘Aberrant’, a living, shapeshifting melee weapon that evolves alongside supernatural abilities, fuelling fast, dynamic combat that expands on the signature Control experience.

This game is perfect for anyone interested in combat and weapon design, offering insight into dynamic gameplay systems and engaging player mechanics.

Grand Theft Auto VI

Grand Theft Auto VI was recently crowned ‘Most Anticipated Game’ at The Game Awards, cementing its status as one of 2026’s most eagerly awaited releases. Building on the massive success of previous entries, the game promises an expansive open world, a gripping story, and the signature mix of action, adventure, and player freedom that the series is known for.

The franchise demonstrates how a long-running franchise can balance open-ended gameplay with structured narrative, create deeply immersive worlds, and evolve its formula without losing its core identity.

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