Beyond GTA VI: Reasons why 2026 could be the greatest year for gaming.

      There is little doubt that Grand Theft Auto VI will be the most significant game of 2026 and possibly the largest entertainment release of the year. With Rockstar finally set to release it on November 19, the gaming world has been eagerly anticipating Vice City’s return, and I’m no exception. However, as I reflect on the games I’ve played this year and what’s yet to come, I believe we’re viewing 2026 in the wrong way.

      GTA VI isn’t what makes this year remarkable; it’s everything surrounding it.

      The games have been in development for a while

      The best way to articulate why 2026 feels so rewarding is to consider the games I have been playing.

      Resident Evil Requiem was released in February and reminded me why Capcom is consistently a solid choice in gaming. It’s visually stunning, eerie, atmospheric, and manages to present itself as a technical showcase without making the PC version an endurance test. Capcom announced it sold over six million copies incredibly fast, making it the quickest Resident Evil title to achieve that milestone.

      Next up was PRAGMATA, which I was particularly pleased to see perform well. Launching a completely new IP in 2026 feels like a bold move, and Capcom created one involving a space station, an android girl, shooting, hacking puzzles, and an unexpectedly heartwarming relationship at its center. Amazingly, it succeeded—very well, in fact. It even surpassed two million units within just 16 days.

      Another favorite of mine was 007 First Light. IO Interactive blended the Bond formula with the core elements of Hitman, which sounds so logical that I am honestly surprised it took this long to happen. The stealth mechanics, gadgets, cars, and globetrotting adventure bring James Bond back to life in an authentic way.

      Forza

      Then there’s Forza Horizon 6. I’ve spent enough time with this game to realize that saying “I’ll drive around for just 20 minutes” is one of gaming’s great fabrications. The move to Japan has created an amazing playground for the series, making it a game that can spark a connection even for those who usually don’t care about cars. It launched on May 15 and has quickly become a top racing experience of the year. I have enjoyed playing it on both my handheld and PC, and I still turn it on now and then to take a break from work.

      TT Games

      I also had a great time with LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It may sound like the type of game that should be easy to overlook in the shadow of massive blockbusters, but it's far from it. The game is charming, humorous, and exceptionally polished, reminding me that sometimes I don’t require a 70-hour open-world psychological thriller. Sometimes, I simply want LEGO Batman to take down a villain.

      Smaller games have also made their mark

      I am increasingly convinced that one reason this year feels unique is that fantastic titles aren’t limited to those with massive budgets.

      Consider Big Walk. It’s essentially a co-op game focused on meandering, solving problems, and being a delightful nuisance with friends. That's the gist. No cataclysmic prophecies or ancient evils. No protagonist who experiences a tragic backstory in the opening cutscene. That very simplicity is what makes it work.

      Cairn is another example, standing out as one of the most unusual games I’ve encountered this year by turning mountain climbing into a genuinely nerve-wracking experience. There are no armies to defeat or cities to rescue; it's just a colossal rock, a climber, and the terrifying awareness that one wrong choice can lead to disaster. The game has been celebrated for its intentionally meticulous approach.

      Mewgenics adds to the mix and further exemplifies how wonderfully eccentric gaming in 2026 has become. It can be described as a tactical roguelike featuring genetically questionable cats. That description alone should showcase how delightfully offbeat gaming has become this year, and honestly, I adore it.

      The excitement isn’t slowing down anytime soon

      This part always makes me look at the release calendar in disbelief at how much is coming.

      Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 launches on August 27, bringing Metal Gear Solid 4, Peace Walker, and Ghost Babel to current platforms. The fact that MGS4 is finally coming out of its PS3 confinement is a significant moment for longtime fans. To me, this release aligns nostalgia with preservation in a meaningful way. On September 3, we have The Blood of Dawnwalker, created by veterans from CD Projekt Red, featuring an open-world dark-fantasy RPG set in 14th-century Europe, where the lead character, Coen, is human during the day and a vampire at night. Seriously, if "medieval vampire RPG" doesn’t entice at least a bit of attention, then what are we even doing?

      A couple