The first nine months of 2026 have delivered a packed lineup of major video game releases, with established franchises, long-awaited sequels and ambitious new titles competing for players’ attention. Several games have already emerged as some of the year’s biggest releases, while an even busier final quarter is still ahead.
Resident Evil Requiem has been among the biggest games of the year so far. Capcom’s latest entry in the horror franchise generated more than 43.6 million hours of livestream viewing during its release period in the first half of 2026, making it the most-watched new game launch of that period.
Crimson Desert has also attracted significant attention. Developed by Pearl Abyss, the open-world action-adventure game launched worldwide in March across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Mac. Its large open world, fast-paced combat and extensive exploration have helped make it one of the year’s prominent new releases.
Nintendo also brought a major release to the year with Pokémon Pokopia, while Subnautica 2 and Hytale became notable titles in the streaming space.
Another major development has been the arrival of Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter. Released on September 17, the remake has received particularly strong reviews, with its PC version reaching a 93 Metacritic score according to GamesRadar.
The year is far from over, however. September and the following months are bringing major titles including Marvel’s Wolverine, Silent Hill: Townfall, Control Resonant and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
The biggest release still awaiting players is Grand Theft Auto VI, scheduled for November 19. With several high-profile games still to come, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years in recent gaming history.