upcoming game releases - Abbey Badges

Understanding the Context

Why Game Releases Matter in 2024

The video game industry continues its steady climb into mainstream culture, with developers delivering increasingly ambitious experiences. 2024 marks a pivotal year, featuring transition-gen console power, next-gen performance, and groundbreaking narrative design. Keeping track of upcoming releases helps gamers plan their year, stay informed, and dive into titles that push the boundaries of interactivity and storytelling.

Top Upcoming Game Releases You Can’t Miss

Key Insights

1. Final Fantasy XVI – April 2024 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

From Square Enix’s legendary RPG franchise, Final Fantasy XVI arrives after a 10-year hiatus, promising dark storytelling, explosive combat, and breathtaking open-world visuals powered by the TSEC engine. Set in a kingdom torn by war, this entry aims to revive the series’ epic spirit with mature themes and adrenaline-pumping gameplay.

2. Star Wars Outlaws – April 2024 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S)

Blizzard’s ambitious space-western shooter takes players into a gritty Star Wars universe filled with open-world exploration, customizable starships, and intense dogfights. With deep lore connections to the Star Wars mythos, this title promises to expand beyond traditional FPS tropes into a cinematic, player-driven experience.

3. Monster Hunter Rise: Shadowcode – June 2024 (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)

The beloved Monster Hunter franchise returns with Shadowcode, building on the beloved base game with new monsters, expanded hunting mechanics, and enhanced graphical fidelity. Community-driven updates ensure fresh content and ecosystem-based gameplay remains fresh well into 2024.

4. Diablo IV: Season 2 – May –PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5

Blizzard’s dark fantasy MMORPG continues to evolve with Season 2, expanding size, lore, and content. Expect new areas in the Broken World, expanded endgame progression, and fresh factions that deepen player immersion in this unforgettable universe.

5. Nier: Automata – Remaster & New Content DLC – Q3 2024

While not a new release, fans await expanded content and possible new chapters or reimaginings inspired by the original’s legacy. Its blend of existential themes and mesmerizing combat continues to influence game design, making any sequel highly anticipated.

Final Thoughts

6. Baldur’s Gate 3: Expansions & New Scenarios – Ongoing

Though officially launched in early 2023, Bethesda’s ongoing content support and mod-friendly ecosystem make BG3 a year-long event. New modules, NPCs, and community mods breathe fresh life into this version of classic CRPG gameplay.

7. Horizon Forbidden West – Side Programs & Expansions – Late 2024

While the main entry dropped earlier, Sony promises side missions, community-driven content, and sneak peeks into 2024 updates expanding the world and gameplay of this acclaimed open-world title.

8. Elden Ring: New Traffic & Nightmare Field Expansions – Post-2024

Though technically post-2024, fans should stay tuned—Bandai Namco teases “Nightmare Field” content wrapping up the Elden legacy with nightmarish alternate realms poised to drop.

Indie Standouts to Watch

• Tunic Chronicles: Lost Legacy (PC, Switch) – A narrative-driven adventure blending translation puzzles, exploration, and cryptic storytelling.
  
• Neon Mirage – A stylish stealth-action RPG developed by indie studio Luminous Games. Combines cyberpunk visuals with deep character agency and branching dialogue.
  
• Pixel Labyrinth – A retro-inspired puzzle-platformer with handcrafted levels and cooperative multiplayer.