It’s incredible to think that the Xbox is nearing its quarter century anniversary – a milestone that it’s due to hit in 2026. It’s even more amazing that Sony have shifted 86 million units worldwide over those 23 years. But, amazing as the console might be, it’s the games that you can play on it that are the main event.
So each year the new titles due to be released generate huge excitement. You only have to look at the noise around the planned release of Grand Theft Auto 6 to see this in action. Due out in 2025 sometime, Rockstar are staying tight-lipped about what it might include. But the increasing popularity of the online casino around the world means that its own Diamond Casino and Resort is sure to make a reappearance. As for the other features of the game, we’re just going to have to wait and see.
However, there are plenty more games that are due to be released before then, and we already know quite a lot about them thanks to the pre-launch marketing and publicity, including these six titles.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Release date: 21.5.24
For some time now the guys at Microsoft have been buying up development studios with the expressed aim of devising first-rate Xbox games. It seems like this will be the year when it all starts to come together for them – and this is the first title in the pipeline. It’s seven years since the Saga began and this is certain to build on the original. So expect extra blood-thirsty combat scenes and a more complete world in which our fragile hero has to make his way. It promises to be a Norse adventure of a lifetime.
Avowed. Release date: TBC
Obsidian Entertainment are past masters at creating RPG games with clout – and this looks to be no exception. The story takes place in the Pillars of Eternity universe – more precisely in a fantasy world that goes by the name of Eora. Their games often have a slightly light-hearted tone to them, but this is one that looks to be a little darker than usual. There’s going to be plenty of player-directed actions, the chance to use a variety of weapons on plague-ridden enemies as well as some truly terrifying monsters, hell-bent on your destruction.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Release date: 5.9.24
After many delays and a mounting wave of anticipation, GSC Game World is at last ready to thrust us back into the irradiated environs of the ruined nuclear plant. The intervening years have given time for a whole new generation of mutants to arise. They are just one of the perils you’ll face as you scavenge around the ravaged environment in a bid to survive. It’s a single player game which only helps to enhance the isolation you’ll feel in the hostile surroundings that get even less friendly the longer that you play.
Dune: Awakening. Release date: TBC
With interest in the original story devised by Frank Herbert now at its peak following the highly successful release of Dune 2, this is the perfect moment for the arrival of this game. Like Timothy Chalamet before you, you will find yourself at liberty of Arrakis with survival your only objective. As a multiplayer experience you can also be joined by others as you try to build shelter from the skin-searing sandstorms and keep out of the clutches of the sandworms on your quest to secure the all-important spice.
Star Wars Outlaws. Release date: August
In a galaxy, far, far away you’ll find yourself immersed in the time between The Empire Strikes back and Return of the Jedi. Your character is Kay Vess and by your side will be the trusty companion Nix. In a galaxy where criminal gangs call the shots you’ll need all your skill and guile to survive. Along the way you can look forward to dogfights, high-speed chases on space bikes and plenty of hand-to-hand combat. From early sightings of the game it certainly looks like series developer Massive Entertainment have come up with yet another winner.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Release date: TBC
Anyone hoping for a game that perfectly captures the essence of the Indiana Jones world that we were first introduced to by Steven Spielberg way back in 1981 will be delighted with this offering from MachineGames. There are archaeological puzzles to solve, Nazis to confront and all the other trappings of any adventure featuring our bullwhip-wielding hero. So, while Harrison Ford may be starting to show his age now, there are no signs of the franchise running out of steam.
If your most anticipated game isn’t in the list, apologies as there’s only space for these ones – but we’re sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy in them, all the same.
