ZonaJakarta – Gamers, get ready—2026 is already shaping up to be a blockbuster year for video games, and we’re not even there yet.
As we approach the halfway mark of 2025, the hype is real. From long-anticipated sequels to brand-new IPs (intellectual properties) with sky-high expectations, the gaming community is buzzing with rumors, trailers, and countdown clocks.
Whether you’re a console loyalist, a PC enthusiast, or a handheld adventurer, there’s something on the horizon that’s bound to keep you glued to the screen—and maybe calling in a few “sick days.”
Here’s what everyone’s talking about when it comes to the most eagerly awaited video games of 2026.
Grand Theft Auto VI: The Return of Rockstar
Let’s start with the obvious: GTA VI is arguably the most hyped video game of the decade. Slated for a 2026 release (unless Rockstar pulls another surprise delay), this title is carrying more fan expectation than any in recent memory.
Set in a reimagined Vice City with two protagonists, expanded online gameplay, and reportedly the most detailed open world ever created, this is more than just another chapter in the franchise—it’s a cultural event. Gamers are already planning their virtual real estate purchases and chaotic heists, even though the game is still under wraps.
The Elder Scrolls VI: Finally on the Horizon
Bethesda’s been playing the long game—and fans have been playing the waiting game. After what will be nearly 15 years since Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls VI is expected to finally see the light of day in 2026.
Though details remain tight, expectations are sky-high. Will it be set in Hammerfell? Will it reinvent the RPG experience the way Skyrim did in 2011? Bethesda has promised a “next-generation leap” in immersion, realism, and exploration. And after the success of Starfield, fans are cautiously optimistic that the studio is finally ready to deliver.
Final Fantasy XVII: New Era, New Energy
Square Enix surprised fans by teasing Final Fantasy XVII at this year’s Tokyo Game Show, with a cryptic trailer hinting at a darker, more politically-driven storyline set in a war-torn world.
With Final Fantasy XVI having embraced a mature tone and action-heavy combat, speculation is swirling over whether this next installment will lean further into open-world gameplay or take a more classic, turn-based route. Either way, the franchise’s legacy guarantees that this release will dominate conversations — and preorders — the moment it drops.
Mass Effect: Rebirth, Bioware’s Second Chance
After the rocky reception of Mass Effect: Andromeda, Bioware has gone quiet—but not idle. Mass Effect: Rebirth has been in the works for years, and 2026 is being billed as the franchise’s triumphant return.
Fans are excited but cautious. Early whispers suggest a game that ties into the original trilogy while offering a new story arc and characters. The pressure is on — this is Bioware’s opportunity to reclaim its place among the RPG greats, and fans are more than ready for a new Normandy-worthy ride through the galaxy.
The Last of Us Part III: A Story Worth Finishing
While Naughty Dog hasn’t confirmed an exact release date, insiders and industry leaks suggest The Last of Us Part III could arrive as early as fall 2026. After the divisive, bold narrative of Part II, there’s no doubt this game will spark passionate conversation—and probably some internet meltdowns.
With a franchise that blends cinematic storytelling with gut-punch emotion and brutal survival gameplay, fans are bracing for what could be a series finale that leaves its mark on gaming history.
Call of Duty 2026: Reinvention or Repetition?
Love it or love to complain about it, Call of Duty always dominates sales—and 2026 will be no different. What’s interesting this time? Rumors are swirling that Activision is planning a complete overhaul of the franchise with a fresh engine, a new setting outside of the usual military fare, and potentially even a pivot toward an open-world format.
While skepticism is natural, the curiosity is real. Could this be the year CoD finally breaks its own mold?
And Let’s Not Forget…
Beyond the big-budget titles, indie games are also getting more attention than ever. Studios like Supergiant (of Hades fame), Team Cherry (still keeping fans waiting on Silksong), and Kojima Productions (with an unnamed psychological horror project) are all reportedly working on new titles for 2026.
Gamers know by now—sometimes the most unforgettable experiences don’t come from billion-dollar budgets, but from passionate teams with bold ideas. And 2026 looks like it will deliver both in spades.
Final Thought: Hype Meets Hope
2026 is already looking like a milestone year in gaming—not just for sequels, but for innovation. With advances in AI, virtual reality, and immersive world-building, these upcoming titles aren’t just games. They’re evolving into living, breathing experiences that blur the line between story and simulation.
Of course, with big expectations come big delays—so take every trailer with a pinch of salt. But if you’ve been feeling a little uninspired with recent releases, don’t worry. 2026 is coming in hot—and your backlog better be clear. (*)
