2026's Most Anticipated Games - Matt's Picks
2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years in video games of all time. No matter whether you play on PC, PlayStation 4 or 5, Xbox One or Series X|S, or the Nintendo Switch 2, you’re going to have a lot to play in 2026. Given that, we couldn’t simply pool the team’s thoughts into one top 10 countdown of the most anticipated games, so we solicited 10 from each person to discuss. Today, hear what Matt has to say about their 10 most anticipated games of 2026.
10. Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve
Just when I was starting to get the itch to find a new flight shooter, along comes the Ace Combat 8 announcement. I was relatively late to the Ace Combat series, only joining the fun at Assault Horizon, but since then, I have shot down more than my fair share of enemy fighter jets. I can’t wait to do so once again, all the while marvelling at the insane story that comes along for the ride.
9. 007: First Light
IO Interactive doing James Bond? I mean, that goes together better than Rum and Ginger Beer. While I am a little worried this may turn out to be a little shallow, my hope is that IO inject the game with their trademark freedom that they use so well in the Hitman franchise. Of course, this will be a more linear experience, but if some of that playground creativity makes its way into First Light, this could be a massive critical success. It has been a long time between drinks for 007 gamers, so a lot is riding on this one.
8. The Blood of Dawnwalker
Coming from a host of ex-CD Projekt Red developers, this is an RPG that is undoubtedly sharing some of that Witcher DNA. Based around a super cool concept that sees players take control of Medieval Blade and try to survive in a vampire-controlled world, this has huge potential and could be the breakout hit of the year. Do we have a new franchise in the waiting? I love the idea and the pedigree behind it, so fingers crossed.
7. Forza Horizon 6
The best racing franchise ever is taking to the streets of Japan. I have lived and breathed Forza Horizon since the first game, and I expect this one to be no different. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most consistently excellent franchises in all of gaming, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the wheel once again. The only reason this one isn’t higher on my list is because of some very “me” games coming this year. I have no hesitation in betting that this will be a GOTY contender once again.
6. Star Wars: Zero Company
There really isn’t too much that needs explaining here.
Star Wars + Xcom + Xcom Developers = Hewso smiling.
It has been too long since we had a genuine Xcom contender. There have been a few attempts over the years to match that brilliance, but none have come close. Here we have the Xcom developers and the Star Wars licence, so it may be finally time for the king to hand over his crown. Gosh, I hope so.
5. Tropico 7
¡Viva El Presidente! Tropico is coming back, and there goes my weekends. I did a quick look on Steam, and across the whole franchise, I have something like 300 hours in the Tropico games. It has always been my city builder of choice. The setting, the humour, and (especially) the music are just perfect. The sixth entry got a little lost in itself, especially in the late game, but with the return of Tropico 4 and 5’s developer, I expect that issue to be a thing of the past. Come Penultimo, I must look after my dear Tropicans!
4. Stranger Than Heaven
A new RGG joint set over multiple time periods with new characters and probably that same old Kamarucho map. Feed it into my veins. It is so great to see RGG have a couple of projects on the go, with some of them having nothing to do with Yakuza/Like a Dragon, and while I always want to spend more time with Ichiban, Kiryu, Majima and co, it is great to see the studio do something new.
3. Grand Theft Auto VI
What really needs to be said about this one? It is going to be huge in a way that no other game can be. It will be polished in a way that no other game can be. It will sell like no other game possibly can. GTA is truly a cultural touchstone these days; even movies get out of the way when it comes to a new GTA game. It will be fantastic, it will be stunning, and I am sure it will be a whole lot of fun. In fact, the only problem I see with it is that every other studio will be unfairly compared to the game. Seriously, folks, don’t do that. Rockstar has unlimited time and money; no other studio can hope to compete with that.
2. Fable
I have always been a massive fan of Fable, especially number 2. It was a franchise that embodied humour, choice, consequence and, perhaps more than anything, whimsy. There isn’t enough whimsy in AAA games these days; we need more of it, and from the trailers, that is exactly what this version of Fable will deliver. Featuring some cracking UK comedians, a modern spin on the three-pillar combat system and hopefully a grand world to explore, pillage and save in any way I desire. It is a big swing from a studio that has only ever done (fantastic) racing games, but I think Playground are up for it. Bring it on.
1. Control Resonant
What can I say about Remedy other than they speak my language? I adore their work, even their flawed titles (hey, Quantum Break, I still love ya) and apart from their foray into co-op shooter territory last year, I have never been disappointed in one of their games. Considering both Control and Alan Wake 2 were my games of the year for their respective releases, I have huge hopes that Resonant will follow in their footsteps.
Feed me that lore, that gameplay, that ultra weirdness. I want it all, and I want it now. There is nothing out there like the Control Universe, and I can’t get enough of it.
So that concludes Matt’s list of their most anticipated games of 2026. What are some of yours? Hit us up via social media to let us know what games you are keen on in 2026!
