By Tom Richardson, BBC Newsbeat
The video game industry is quite volatile. A year ago, if you had suggested that a little-known French studio would win game of the year, that Battlefield 6 would overtake Call of Duty’s sales, and that Saudi Arabia would acquire gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA), many would have found that hard to believe.
Predicting the future of the gaming world is not easy, but there are several crucial developments to be mindful of in 2026.
Will GTA 6 Actually Launch in 2026?
“A cultural moment, a day many gamers have awaited for quite some time.” This phrase might ring a bell as it echoes previous comments made about Grand Theft Auto 6. After enduring two delays and a new trailer, fans find themselves in more or less the same position as a year ago.
If the game releases as expected on November 19, it will likely set new records and prompt other publishers to strategically time their releases away from it. However, the looming uncertainty persists: will it face yet another delay? Take-Two assures that they’re confident in the date, despite recent staff reductions at Rockstar that might impact development.
Upcoming Titles: Resident Evil 9, James Bond, and Wolverine
Like this year, where releases were staggered due to the original GTA 6 date, 2026 is packed with major releases. Capcom will launch Resident Evil Requiem in February, followed by Pragmata in April. Sony also aims to release Saros, a sequel to Returnal, during the same month, while Insomniac prepares to unveil Wolverine in the fall.
Come May, 007 First Light, developed by IO Interactive, is set to make its debut. Nintendo hopes to capitalize on the success of its Switch 2 console, with Pokopia and The Duskbloods from FromSoftware generating buzz. Yet, concerns remain since fans have been waiting for new Mario or Zelda titles, with no announcements yet.
Rising RAM Prices: A Concern for Gamers?
RAM (random-access memory), essential for various electronic devices, is seeing soaring prices. The demand driven by AI projects, alongside a strategic pivot by major manufacturers who focus on tech firms, is fueling the price rise. Micron, for example, has ceased its consumer RAM business to prioritize AI.
This situation has left many concerned, with analysts suggesting that production costs for gaming consoles like Nintendo’s Switch 2 may rise, and delays or increased prices for Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine are also possible.
The AI Controversy in Game Development
In an industry grappling with many layoffs, discussions around generative AI (GenAI) are intensifying. Larian Studios’ Swen Vincke faced backlash after mentioning the exploration of GenAI for brainstorming. While he assured that AI wouldn’t replace human workers, the industry is still wary of ethical and legal implications of integrating AI into game development.
Saudi Arabia’s Acquisition of Electronic Arts
In a surprising move, Electronic Arts accepted a staggering $55 billion bid from a Saudi-led investment group. This acquisition is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify its economy, but critics label it as “sportswashing,” aiming to soften its global image amidst concerns about its human rights record.
The Sims, a game well-loved by the LGBT community, has seen unrest among content creators, with some severing ties in protest. EA assures players that it will remain a space for authentic expression, although there’s apprehension about potential layoffs post-acquisition.
