The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark period for gamers, with a stellar line-up of major sequels, long-awaited reboots, and exciting new intellectual properties scheduled for release. The calendar is headlined by one of the most eagerly awaited sequels in entertainment history, alongside returns to beloved franchises and fresh takes on iconic characters.
Grand Theft Auto VI: The Undisputed Heavyweight
Grand Theft Auto VI is unquestionably the single most anticipated video game of the year. After multiple delays, developer Rockstar Games is finally set to launch the sequel in November 2026, a full thirteen years after the record-shattering success of GTA V. The studio stated the extra development time was crucial to deliver the polished experience fans expect.
Players will return to the sun-drenched, Miami-inspired metropolis of Vice City, located in the fictional state of Leonida. For the first time in the series' history, the story will feature a female protagonist, Lucia Caminos, who alongside Jason Duval forms a criminal couple in a narrative reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde. Early footage suggests the game will continue the franchise's tradition of sharp satire and features a stunningly realised open world.
The GTA series, originally created in Dundee, Scotland, is an industry juggernaut. GTA V earned $1 billion in its first three days and has sold over 220 million copies worldwide. Analysts, including Wedbush Securities' Michael Pachter, suggest Rockstar and parent company Take-Two Interactive could command a premium price of around £75 for the base game, leveraging immense brand loyalty.
Major Franchise Revivals and New Beginnings
Beyond Vice City, 2026 will see the revival of several dormant franchises. The long-awaited Fable reboot is expected from Playground Games, the studio behind the Forza Horizon series, sometime in the year. This marks the first new main entry since 2012, following the closure of original developer Lionhead Studios in 2016.
Set in the storybook world of Albion, the reboot promises updated gameplay and visuals while retaining the series' signature humour, including the infamous chicken-kicking. British comedians Richard Ayoade and Matt King are confirmed to voice key characters. The game will be an Xbox Series X/S and PC exclusive, available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
In May, the iconic James Bond returns to gaming with 007 First Light, an origin story from IO Interactive, the creators of Hitman. The game follows a young Bond during his MI6 training, leading to the mission that earns his licence to kill. Inspired by Ian Fleming's novels, it promises a mix of stealth, combat, and glamour, with musician Lenny Kravitz unveiled as the villain, Bawma.
Horror Returns to Raccoon City
Capcom will chill players to the core with Resident Evil Requiem, scheduled for a February release. The survival horror title introduces a new lead, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft—daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from the *Outbreak* spin-offs—who investigates a death at an abandoned hotel tied to her mother's murder.
Her path converges with the returning fan-favourite, veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy. Players can expect the series' hallmark blend of combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management as they uncover new truths behind the infamous Raccoon City incident. The game follows the success of *Resident Evil Village* and aims to introduce a new iconic stalker monster to follow in the footsteps of Lady Dimitrescu.
Collectively, these titles represent a significant investment in blockbuster entertainment, with 2026 poised to deliver some of the most talked-about interactive experiences of the decade. The combination of guaranteed hits like GTA VI and risky revivals like Fable ensures a diverse and thrilling year for players across the UK and globally.
