As 2025 draws to a close, the gaming world is already buzzing about what’s coming next.
With long-awaited sequels, bold new takes on iconic heroes, and possibly the most-anticipated release in gaming history, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year.
Here, Sporting Loft writer Taylor Stephenson tells you about some of the standout games you should be watching out for in 2026.
Grand Theft Auto VI – PS5 & Xbox
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way.
Rockstar Games’ next entry in its record-breaking franchise takes players back to Vice City and introduces Lucia, the series’ first female protagonist.
Outside of two trailers and a handful of unconfirmed leaks, Rockstar has kept details tightly under wraps – exactly what we’ve come to expect from them.
Originally slated for 2025, then May 2026, the game has now been delayed again and is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026.
In a statement accompanying the latest delay, Rockstar said: “We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realise has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”
It’s a long wait, but if any studio can justify it, it’s Rockstar.
007 First Light – PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC
Serving as a full origin story for Britain’s most iconic spy, First Light puts players in the role of a young James Bond as he enters the 00 Program for the first time.
Gameplay is built around player choice – think Hitman, but with the personality, style, and gadgetry of classic Bond.
Missions can be tackled with stealth, strategy, or brute force, with Q supplying the tools needed for whatever approach you choose.
Releasing March 26, 2026, this is shaping up to be a major highlight of early-year gaming, especially for fans of cinematic, story-driven adventures.
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Marvel’s Wolverine – PS5 Exclusive
The team behind the critically acclaimed Spider-Man series, Insomniac Games, is stepping into comicbook world once more with Marvel’s Wolverine.
Unlike the light-hearted tone of Spider-Man, this title promises a more mature, emotionally intense narrative centered on Logan’s iconic brutality, personal struggles, and internal conflict.
Expect fast paced, aggressive combat paired with Insomniac’s signature cinematic style.
If the studio can channel the same polish and storytelling prowess into Wolverine that they delivered with their Spider-Man titles, don’t be surprised if this becomes another Game of the Year contender.
Marvel’s Wolverine is set for release in Fall 2026 – so far, with no delays.
Resident Evil Requiem – PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC
Capcom returns to its survival-horror roots with Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline installment in the legendary franchise.
Five years have passed since Resident Evil Village (2021), and fans are hungry for the next chapter. This time, players will step into the shoes of a brand-new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft.
A fresh lead brings a new perspective—but yes, we’re all wondering the same thing: When will Leon return!?
For the first time in years, players can freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, a feature long requested by fans.
Fans don’t have much longer to wait though as the horror continues on February 27, 2026.
A Massive Year Ahead
These four titles should be at the top of every gamer’s 2026 wishlist.
From cinematic storytelling to strategic espionage to open-world chaos, they offer something for everyone – and set the stage for one of gaming’s biggest years in recent memory.
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