For a while after it launched, I never felt like the PlayStation 5 Pro ever actually came out. You could argue Sony hasn't been promoting it well. The initial Ghost of Yotei reveal took place in a September 2024 State of Play, yet its trailer didn't include Pro footage, and the accompanying PS Blog post makes no mention of whether or not the game would support it. At that point, the Pro was mere days old - but you'd think the first major first-party title to be announced after the Pro's reveal would, you know, reference it?
UPDATE 5.31pm: Crystal Dynamics has provided Eurogamer with a comment on its AI use in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. While the developer did not share specifics on what it used the technology for, a Crystal Dynamics representative told Eurogamer:
At this evening's PlayStation State of Play we were treated to another look at Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. Legacy of Atlantis is the upcoming remake of the original Tomb Raider, which was unveiled at The Game Awards in December.
Shortly after the release of a new trailer for the upcoming Tomb Raider remake, Legacy of Atlantis, some folks spotted onthe game's Steam page that there was a disclaimer outlining the team's use of AI in its development.
It reads:
AI-assisted tools were used during development to support some early exploration and temporary development content. Any AI-assisted assets were either replaced or refined by humans in order to maintain the creative and artistic vision of the development team.
No thanks! I feel like we've beenthrough this, abunch of times now, but it bears repeating: I don't want AI-generated content anywhere in my video games, but I especially don't want it anywhere near things that can be described as "creative and artistic".
One of the great delusions with the AI bubble is thatthe executive class feel compelled to argue that its implementation is about eliminating waste, cutting corners, streamlining processes, no matter where and no matter the cost. And one of the great battlegrounds in the fight against the adoption of AI tech is that, when it comes to art– even the most mundane aspects of it--there are no corners to cut. The iterating is the point.
One of the real joys of this medium is that, as chaotic and broken as the development process can be, video games are works of art. Every line of dialogue, every wooden crate, every colour palette you see in a game is the result of decisions made by a person, drawing on their own ideas and values and collaborations with their colleagues.
And those things you're seeing in a game didn't just magically appear there. They were workshopped, improved on, drawn up then thrown out then drawn up again. That's the artistic process; it's how everything we've ever made as humans has been made. That's how it works! You can't cut corners on ideas! It'd be like me asking ChatGPT to provide an outline of this blog, then me saying I'd gone over it and made some edits, added an extra paragraph or two; I could put my byline on it and add a disclaimer, but...this wouldn't be my blog anymore.
I realise we don't know the degree to which the team have made use of this tech; it could have been extensive, it could have been used on a single lamppost. But in many ways that makes it even worse;like I said with The Alters, the suspicion and uncertainty over AI's presence in a game is exhausting in its own right.
In response to swift backlash online, co-developers Crystal Dynamicsprovided a statement to Eurogamer that basically repeated the disclaimer:
At Crystal Dynamics, we leverage AI tools to help our teams iterate on ideas faster and more efficiently, while ensuring that all finished content in the final product is human-crafted. Our goal is to empower the creativity and flexibility of our developers to deliver the highest-quality experiences for players everywhere.
Come on, your goal is to cut corners and save some cash, maybe lay off some artists down the line. You could at least be honest about it.
With generative AI shoved down our throats more and more with each passing day, the shoving of which we ourselves must pay through price hikes in just about every tech-related aspect of life, it’s no surprise that video game companies are becoming a lot more brazen about their use of this modern software.
And thus the recently showcased Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis openly declared its use of generative AI on its Steam page, outlining that, though some early concepts and assets were replaced, others were merely “refined” and remain in the game. What exactly “refined” means here is anyone’s guess until we actually get to see it, but from what I can gather, it appears to be AI-generated art that was tweaked to whatever extent, but never fully cut from the game.
The full notice on Steam reads:
“AI-assisted tools were used during development to support some early exploration and temporary development content. Any AI-assisted assets were either replaced or refined by humans in order to maintain the creative and artistic vision of the development team.”
I do understand it’s become unavoidable for AI to make its way into every software pipeline under the sun, but it seems to have to be quite extensive and crucial to the development process for a publisher to publicly declare it. Valve does require devs to clearly state how AI was used, but I think streamlining rudimentary assignments in coding and such do not apply.
To me, this reads like AI was used heavily for art and visible assets in the game, as we’ve seen companies like Activision do for calling cards. Those assets in CoD were out in the open and very easy to spot, making me fear the same will be true in Legacy of Atlantis.
As Kotaku writes, citing Game File, Crystal Dynamics’ chief previously called AI “the most powerful technology or tool of our generation for driving efficiency” and even said it somehow amplifies creativity, though I’m more of the opinion it dilutes creativity and imagination, especially since you’re replacing your own thoughts and ideas with the average of all art produced.
So it’s completely to be expected that the company with such stances would opt to use this so-called “powerful” slop generator.
Sony officially kicked off the Summer showcase season with a packed June 2026 State of Play, delivering over an hour of announcements, gameplay reveals, release dates, and a few genuinely unexpected surprises. From the long-awaited return of God of War to fresh gameplay from Marvel’s Wolverine, alongside new entries in iconic franchises such as Tomb…
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a reimagining of the original title developed in collaboration between Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog, has finally received a release date. The game is now available for pre-order across multiple platforms, and here’s what comes with each edition, along with early purchase bonuses.
Tomb Raider Legacy of Atlantis Pre-Order Bonus
If you pre-order Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, you will receive the Survivor Outfit for Lara Croft.
Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis's fresh trailer during last night's PlayStation showcase came with the news that its release has been pushed back to February 12th, 2027. Alongside that, the game's Steam page has been fleshed out a bit more, including the addition of an AI generated content disclosure notice.
The year 2026 is shaping up to be a total collision course of legacy sequels and high-budget gambles that might actually pay off. We are looking at a calendar where the industry finally stops leaning on the cross-gen crutch and starts pushing hardware to its absolute limit. Between Rockstar’s inevitable gravity well and Capcom reviving dead samurai franchises, the release schedule looks like a minefield of potential masterpieces and expensive flops. I’ve parsed the hype, filtered the noise, and ranked these projects based on their likely market dominance and cultural footprint.
Grand Theft Auto VI – GTA6 is always top to wait game
The Titan That Will Swallow the Industry: Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar is finally ready to show us where the money went. November 19, 2026, is the date everyone is circling with a mix of excitement and genuine dread for their free time. Expected to push the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S to their absolute breaking point, this is the biggest thing happening in 2026, period. It’s the kind of project that forces every other publisher to move their release dates out of sheer terror. Expect a level of detail that makes current open worlds look like a collection of cardboard boxes. It’s going to be a massive commercial beast, and we’ll see if the writing can still hit that cynical Rockstar sweet spot in today’s world.
Max Payne I and II Remake PlayStation Xbox PC
The Brutal Edge of Superheroes: Marvel’s Wolverine
Insomniac is carrying the PlayStation brand on its back right now, and this PlayStation 5 exclusive is their most aggressive move yet. We’re expecting a visceral, R-rated Logan that refuses to play nice. If you want a game that feels like a punch to the gut, this is the one. It’s got the high-budget polish and the talent to be the biggest thing outside of the Rockstar orbit. It’s going to sell millions on brand name alone, but the raw grit is what will make it stay on your hard drive. This is easily the silver medalist for 2026 success, catering to everyone who wanted the Spider-Man quality with a lot more blood.
Resident Evil Requiem
Horror Royalty and Speed Demons: Resident Evil 9 and Forza Horizon 6
Capcom is calling this one Resident Evil: Requiem, and the word on the street is that it’s the bridge connecting the entire series for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It’s horror for the masses, polished to a mirror finish. Right next to it, Forza Horizon 6 is finally taking the festival to Japan as a flagship Xbox and PC title. The car culture there is legendary, and if Playground Games nails the neon aesthetic of Tokyo and the rural mountain passes, it’s going to be the visual benchmark for the hardware. These two are the heavy hitters for the mid-year window that will dominate the conversation.
Forza Horizon 6 expected 2026
High-Budget Fantasy Gambles: Fable and Rise of Hydra
Microsoft needs Fable to be a home run on Xbox and PC. It’s been in the oven forever, and while the pedigree of Playground Games is undeniable, translating that British wit into an RPG is a different beast entirely. It’s a dark horse that could dominate the holiday season if it finds its voice. Then there’s Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, aiming for a cinematic launch on consoles and PC. With Amy Hennig involved, the expectation for a cinematic powerhouse is sky-high. It’s a straightforward action play that will move units on the Marvel name alone, even if it doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.
Resident Evil Requiem 2026 – Leon
The Thinking Man’s Games: Control, Slay the Spire 2, and Tomb Raider
Remedy doesn’t make games for everyone, and that’s why they’re great. Control: Resonant is headed to PS5, Xbox, and PC for the heads who want their brains scrambled by high-brow weirdness. It’s a specific vibe that won’t hit GTA numbers, but it will be the critical darling of the year. Slay the Spire 2 is the indie king here, likely dominating PC first. It’s pure mechanical perfection that will ruin your sleep schedule. Meanwhile, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is trying to prove Lara Croft still matters across all major platforms. Reimagining the original is a safe move, but it needs to do more than mimic the Uncharted formula to stand out in the 2026 meat grinder.
Grand Theft Auto VI – GTA6 expected in 2026
Nostalgia Plays and Specialized Hits: Onimusha and Monster Hunter Stories 3
Capcom is digging into the vault for Onimusha: Way of the Sword for PS5, Xbox, and PC. It’s a nostalgia play that has a dedicated following but might struggle with a younger audience that didn’t grow up with the PS2. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is another specific win, likely finding a home on Nintendo’s next hardware and PC. These are solid performers that know their lanes and stay in them, providing that old-school flavor for the players who miss the straightforward brilliance of the early 2000s.
Control Resonant
The Wuxia Dream and the RPG Newcomers: Phantom Blade Zero and Blood of the Dawnwalker
Phantom Blade Zero looks incredible in motion, like a Hong Kong action flick come to life for PS5 and PC. The concern is whether the gameplay holds up under the flash. It’s a new IP from S-Game that could be the breakout hit of the year if the difficulty is tuned right. The Blood of Dawnwalker is the first outing from Rebel Wolves for consoles and PC. It’s got that CD Projekt Red DNA, and RPG fans are starving for something with that kind of depth. It’s a long shot for the top of the charts, but it has the street cred to be a sleeper hit for the hardcore crowd. So lets wayt for Phantom Blade Zero a bit to see.
Onimusha – Way of Sword
The Nintendo Guard and the Creator’s Return: Mario Tennis, Yoshi, and Gang of Dragon
With the Switch 2 in full swing, Nintendo is dropping Mario Tennis Fever and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. They’re the reliable revenue earners—low risk, high polish. They won’t set the world on fire with innovation, but they’ll be in every household with kids. There’s also the faint hope for a Super Mario Galaxy 3 announcement to coincide with the movie, though that’s leaning more toward wishful thinking for the Switch 2.
The Blood of Dawnwalker – gameplay 2026
Toshihiro Nagoshi is also stepping out with Gang of Dragon on PS5 and PC. It’s a gritty urban adventure from the man who gave us Yakuza, and while it’s a niche appeal, the quality is usually undeniable for anyone who likes their games with a bit of street-level grime.
Tomb Raider- Legacy of Atlantis Lara is back in 2026
The Expansion Fatigue and the Valve Pipe Dream
Blizzard is trying to keep the lights on with World of Warcraft: Midnight on PC, but the real test is Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred. After the last expansion left a lot of the community feeling cold, this move on consoles and PC is starting to look like a play for a player base that’s already moving on to greener pastures. Then you have the absolute madness of the Half-Life 3 hope. Every year some optimist thinks Valve is finally going to count to three on PC, and 2026 is no different. It’s the ultimate believe-it-when-I-see-it situation, but the cultural weight of that brand is so heavy it can’t be ignored even if it’s probably just another beautiful lie.
Tomb Raider- Legacy of Atlantis 2026 gameplay
The Cult Creeps and Horror Junkie Fixes
The 2026 horror landscape is a chaotic mess of legitimate scares and nostalgia bait. Hellraiser: Revival is bringing body-horror back to consoles and PC, which carries weight if you actually care about visceral aesthetics. The Sinking City 2 is also crawling out of the woodwork on PS5, Xbox, and PC, trying to fix the jank of the first one while leaning into that damp, Lovecraftian misery. Then there is the Fatal Frame: Crimson Butterfly remake for consoles, which is basically the IP holders realizing that we’ll pay for the same trauma twice if the ghosts look high-def enough.
Fable 2026 expected game – Walking medieval downtown
You also have Ghost Master: Resurrection for the strategy nerds and Crisol: Theater of Idols, a PC-focused shooter where your own health is literally the ammo. Poppy Playtime is still kicking around too, proving that the mascot horror trend is far from dead on all platforms.
Phantom Blade Zero Demo games 2026 .jpg
Indie Grinds and Licensed Brawlers Fighting for Scraps
Mewgenics is finally looking like a real thing on PC, and anyone who knows Edmund McMillen knows that it’s going to be a disgusting, addictive masterpiece. Alongside it, we have Neverway and 1348 Ex Voto representing the smaller, more personal projects that usually end up being the games we’re still talking about five years later. On the fighting front, it’s a weird mix of licenses for all systems. Invincible VS and Avatar Legends are clearly aiming for that specific fan crossover, while Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is trying to carve out its own space in a genre that is notoriously hard to break into. These games won’t be topping the charts, but they provide the texture that keeps the industry from becoming a monotonous loop.
Control Resonant expected 2026
The Nintendo Trap and Remedy’s Backlog
Nintendo is playing the long game with the Switch 2, and their 2026 lineup is a masterclass in emotional manipulation. There’s the faint hope for a Super Mario Galaxy 3 announcement to coincide with the movie, though that’s leaning more toward wishful thinking for the new hardware. On the technical side, everyone is wondering what’s happening with the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remakes. While Remedy is pushing Control: Resonant, the shadow of those noir classics looms large over PS5, Xbox, and PC. If they manage to drop both in the same window, it’ll be a total takeover of the mid-tier market. Meanwhile, Poppy Playtime is still kicking around on all platforms, proving that the mascot horror trend is far from dead for the audience that likes their childhood toys turned into homicidal monsters.
Control Resonant gameplay in 2026
Licensed Brawlers Fighting for Scraps
On the fighting front, it’s a weird mix of licenses for all systems that feels like a fever dream for the tournament scene. Invincible VS and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game are clearly aiming for that specific fan crossover, while Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is trying to carve out its own space in a genre that is notoriously hard to break into. These games won’t be topping the charts or making Rockstar-level money, but they provide the texture that keeps the 2026 calendar from being a monotonous loop of the same three genres. It’s the grit at the bottom of the pan that actually gives the year its flavor, even if most people are too distracted by the shiny stuff at the top to notice the real work being done here
Having rattled off a multitude of our most wanted video game releases of 2026, let’s keep the train rolling. As we enter our top 20, we see the return of some familiar faces as well as some exciting new IP fresh out of Japan. Why don’t we kick off with our first Capcom game on the list?
20 – Pragmata
PS5, XSX|S, NSW2, PC – 24th April 2026
Originally thought to be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Pragmata is a new sci-fi action adventure from the Monster Hunter and Street Fighter publisher. You play as Hugh and Diana, an astronaut and his android companion looking to uncover the mysteries of a lunar research station that has been overrun by hostile artificial intelligence. The protagonists have a symbiotic relationship that weaves its way into Pragmata’s combat, navigation, and puzzle-solving gameplay with Hugh doing the heavy lifting as Diana employs her hacking abilities right in the middle of battle.
To explain what that’s all about, we went hands on with Pragmata last year, writing in our preview of the curious blend of hacking and shooting gameplay, “Hacking enemies becomes a vital part of combat right away, as it’s used to open up their armour and expose weaknesses for you to blast away at with Hugh’s guns. This is far from a simple button tap, or even a button hold, but rather throws up a minigame for you to complete to launch the hack at the targeted enemy.”
There’s a demo currently available on PC, which will hopefully make its way to consoles ahead of its launch this Spring.
19 – Romeo Is A Dead Man
PS5, XSX|S, PC – 11th February 2026
The latest game to come from the wonderfully wacky mind of Suda51 and the Grasshopper Manufacture studio, Romeo Is A Dead Man knows its audience. Seriously, just go and watch the announcement trailer. For those who love the ultra-violent, super-stylish No More Heroes series, this feels like somewhat of an evolution, dialling the strangeness factor up to 11 as players assume the role of Romeo Stargazer, a reanimated space-time FBI agent tasked with hunting fugitives across the cosmos. The game already looks to have a memorably twisted cast of fun characters – let’s just hope that, amidst the on screen carnage, there’s a decent action game in there too.
18 – The Duskbloods
Nintendo Switch – TBC 2026
For the umpteenth time, no, this isn’t Bloodborne 2. Nintendo and FromSoftware certainly had us going there for a minute during their announcement of The Duskbloods for the Switch 2 Direct showcase. The gothic, Yharnam-like setting and haunting atmosphere seemed to suggest that Nintendo had somehow swept Bloodborne out of Sony’s clutches, but this wasn’t the case.
As a FromSoftware joint, The Duskbloods will naturally inherit some of that Bloodborne DNA, though there are some key distinctions. Firstly, there are vampires. Secondly, it’s a primarily multiplayer game, featuring online PvPvE. Following the success of Elden Ring: Nightreign, it will be interesting to watch FromSoftware continue to pursue its live service gaming ambitions alongside its more traditional brand of action RPG.
17 – Fable
XSX|S, PC – TBC 2026
Oh, to have the patience of a Fable superfan. It’s been 15 long years since the last main entry in this once-beloved Xbox series and while Fable wasn’t perfect (missing many of the lofty features promised by zany franchiser frontman, Peter Molyneux) it felt like a mainstay in the RPG. Until it completely vanished, of course, leaving behind a trail of half-baked spin-offs and the wisp of dream that one day we might see a Fable 4. The wait is finally almost over, hopefully, with a sequel or reboot scheduled to launch sometime this year.
Besides some pre-alpha footage we’ve seen very little of the game in action, though it looks to retain that familiar high fantasy vibe with plenty of witty humour and monster-slaying as players return to Albion.
16 – Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
PS5, XSX|S, PC – TBC 2026
It’s hard to imagine that Shadow of the Tomb Raider will be celebrating its eighth anniversary later this year. It’s also hard to imagine that 2026 will see yet another reincarnation of gaming’s favourite gunslinging archaeologist, first appearing in a remake of Lara Croft’s original adventure.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will offer a complete modernisation of the first game, rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 and starring new lead actress, Alix Wilton Regan, who will also take lead in next year’s Tomb Raider: Catalyst.
Check in tomorrow for another handful of games from our Most Wanted list of 2026. We’re getting to the pointy end now, so there’ll be some pretty big hitters!
