1. Grand Theft Auto VI
Okay, so this is it. The big one. Rockstar, after a decade of silence on new mainline entries, is finally showing its hand. And man, the community's been dissecting every pixel of that trailer. But can it live up to the impossible hype? Because, honestly, modern Rockstar's track record for player-friendly launches, especially with online components, isn't exactly spotless. Still, the promise of Vice City and a dual protagonist narrative feels genuinely fresh for the series. It’s hard to imagine the Game Awards ignoring the sheer cultural earthquake this game represents.
2. Hades 2 (2001)
Yeah, the "2001" typo is wild, but Hades 2 is *actually* already out in Early Access and it’s predictably phenomenal. Supergiant Games just doesn't miss. And yet, seeing a full, polished release trailer or even a release date reveal at the Game Awards would be huge. Because Melinoë's journey feels just as compelling, if not more so, than Zagreus's. And the new weapons, boons, and overall worldbuilding expand beautifully on what made the first game a modern roguelike masterpiece. It's a shoe-in for critical acclaim.
3. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Finally, right? After a decade of development hell and a full reboot, Retro Studios is back at the helm, and the "Beyond" subtitle hints at something truly ambitious. But also, it’s Nintendo, so expectations are sky-high for polish and innovation. And the community's been starved for a proper Metroid Prime experience. Because, let's be real, the Switch needs a massive, graphically impressive first-party send-off. And if Retro can recapture that atmospheric magic while pushing boundaries, this could easily be a showstopper.
4. The Witcher (A New Saga Begins)
CD Projekt Red is trying to move past the Cyberpunk launch woes, and a new Witcher saga, minus Geralt, is a bold move. Because, while everyone loves Geralt, exploring different characters and factions in that rich world feels like a natural evolution. And if they can deliver on the narrative depth and choice-driven gameplay that defined the originals, but with modern polish and fewer crunch stories, then this could be a true return to form for the studio. The pressure is immense, but so is the potential.
5. Fable
Honestly, Fable needs to nail that whimsical British charm while offering a genuinely engaging RPG experience. And Playground Games, known for Forza Horizon, is a wild card here. Because Fable has always been about player choice, humor, and a world that reacts to you, but the last mainline entry was… a while ago. So, seeing how they balance nostalgia with modern design principles will be key. And a strong showing at the Game Awards could finally convince skeptics that this reboot isn't just another Microsoft studio struggling with an IP.
6. Clockwork Revolution
InXile Entertainment, masters of the CRPG, tackling a time-traveling steampunk RPG? Yes, please. And the "Bioshock meets Fallout" comparisons are inevitable, but InXile's strength lies in deep world-building and player agency. But also, it's an Xbox exclusive, so it has that added pressure to perform as a system seller. And if they can deliver on the promise of a reactive, branching narrative where changing the past genuinely impacts the future, then this could be one of the most intellectually stimulating RPGs in years.
7. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Kojima's back, and it's just as bizarre and artistically ambitious as you'd expect. Because Death Stranding was polarizing, but undeniably unique. And "On The Beach" hints at more existential dread and stunningly surreal imagery. But also, the community is split: some crave the slow, meditative gameplay, while others hope for more traditional action elements. And if Kojima can refine the core mechanics while doubling down on the narrative spectacle and star-studded cast, then this will be the kind of mind-bending experience only he can deliver.
8. Monster Hunter Wilds
Capcom's on a roll, and Monster Hunter Wilds looks like a huge leap forward for the series. Because an actual, seamless open world with dynamic weather and ecosystems? That’s what fans have been dreaming of. And the quality of life improvements shown already suggest a more streamlined, yet still challenging, hunting experience. But also, the potential for even more epic monster encounters and exploration is massive. And if they stick the landing, this could set a new standard for the genre and dominate the sales charts.
9. Kingdom Hearts IV
The Kingdom Hearts narrative is so convoluted now that even die-hard fans need a flowchart. But also, the core appeal of Disney worlds mixed with Final Fantasy-esque action RPG combat remains potent. And seeing Sora in a more realistic Quadratum, grappling with consequences, could be fascinating. Because Square Enix needs a win here after some mixed reception for their recent titles. And if they can deliver a visually stunning, emotionally resonant story that somehow makes sense, then fans will absolutely lose their minds.
10. Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment doing a first-person fantasy RPG? Take my money. Because after Pillars of Eternity and Outer Worlds, their reputation for crafting engaging worlds and intricate dialogue is second to none. And Avowed looks to be their answer to Skyrim, but with that signature Obsidian reactivity and consequence. But also, it's another Xbox exclusive carrying a lot of weight. And if they can deliver a compelling story with meaningful choices and robust combat, then this could easily be a standout title for the console.
11. Perfect Dark
The Initiative has a monumental task: rebooting a beloved N64 classic while carving out its own identity. Because Perfect Dark was innovative for its time, blending stealth, gadgets, and sharp shooting. And the new game looks sleek, futuristic, and potentially very ambitious. But also, reboots often stumble trying to please both old fans and new players. And if they can capture that feeling of being Joanna Dark, a super-spy in a high-tech conspiracy, with modern gameplay and a gripping story, it'll be a massive triumph.
12. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
BioWare's legacy is on the line with Dreadwolf. Because after Mass Effect Andromeda and Anthem, the community needs to see a triumphant return to form for their iconic RPG storytelling. And Solas, the Dreadwolf, has been building up for years, promising a deeply personal and world-altering conflict. But also, delivering on player choice and companion interactions is paramount. And if they can weave a compelling narrative with strong character development and engaging combat, then this could truly re-establish BioWare as a narrative powerhouse.
