Now that the new year has officially arrived, it’s time to stop looking back and begin to look forward to what gaming has in store for fans in 2021. There are tons of games planned for the year that follow up on the stellar year that was 2020. Gaming is one of the industries that managed to flourish during the pandemic and it seems that developers around the world are heading into 2021 with gusto.
This list of games I’m looking forward to is, of course, one person’s opinion, but it seems that there is a lot of interest in the gamer community for each one of these titles. Some will see us revisit old friends and locations while others will bring all-new adventures to those willing to take a chance. See if your favorite(s) made the list and let us know what we missed in the comments!
Games continuing beloved series
Hitman 3
Coming on January 20th, Hitman 3 brings back Agent 47 for one more go at humorous stealth combat. Players will be able to continue their progress from Hitman 2 and will see Agent 47 facing some of his toughest challenges yet.
“Death Awaits. Agent 47 returns in HITMAN 3, the dramatic conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy.”
Halo Infinite
343 Industries is continuing the long-running series by bringing Master Chief back for another round of explosive fun in Halo Infinite. Developers are returning some favorite features while also including cool stuff like a free-to-play multiplayer feature. The game’s release has been pushed back a couple of times already but developers are committed to a 2021 release.
“When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Begin anew and step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic adventure and finally explore the scale of the Halo ring itself.”
Resident Evil Village
The Resident Evil crew is back for another tussle with ultimate evil. Capcom is determined to bring out the eighth entry in the fan-favorite series in 2021. Players can expect to find more survival mechanics with more detailed graphics, and intense first-person action.
“Set a few years after the horrifying events in the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7 biohazard, the all-new storyline begins with Ethan Winters and his wife Mia living peacefully in a new location, free from their past nightmares. Just as they are building their new life together, tragedy befalls them once again.”
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
It seems a lifetime ago that Vampire: The Masquerade came out and almost as long since Bloodlines 2 was announced. Fans of blood-sucking mayhem wrapped in an epic RPG storyline are chomping at the bit to sink their teeth into the sequel to one of the most beloved games ever. Hopefully, it will make its Q3/Q4 2021 release date.
“Enter the World of Darkness and rise through vampire society. Experience Seattle – a city full of alluring, dangerous characters and factions. In this sequel to the cult classic, your choices, plots, and schemes will change the balance of power.”
Age of Empires 4
One of the most famous, best beloved RTS series is making a return in 2021 when Age of Empires 4 is released. Developers have been very quiet for a long while now, but we’re convinced they’ll make the 2021 release date.
And now for something completely different
Deathloop
Arkane is working on one of the most intriguing games of the year so far with Deathloop. Building on their success as one of the premier FPS developers, Arkane looks to be packing some amazing gameplay in an interesting story. We’ll follow Colt, a master assassin, who is stuck in a time loop where he repeats the same 24-hour mission over and over again while looking for a way out.
“Every new loop is an opportunity to change things up. Use the knowledge you gain from each attempt to change up your playstyle, stealthily sneaking through levels or barreling into the fight, guns-blazing. In each loop you’ll discover new secrets, gather intel on your targets as well as the island of Blackreef, and expand your arsenal. Armed with a host of otherworldly abilities and savage weaponry, you’ll utilize every tool at your command to execute takedowns that are as striking as they are devastating. Customize your loadout wisely to survive this deadly game of hunter vs hunted.”
New World
There aren’t many MMOs coming out these days but Amazon is determined to bring the genre back to glory with its release of New World. While it’s been delayed a couple of times already, AGS seems committed to seeing it debut in early(ish) 2021.
“Fate has summoned you to the shores of Aeternum, the Eternal Isle. Overcome the brutal legions of The Corrupted and draw battle lines with competing players in this open world MMO fraught with danger and opportunity. In a land hell-bent on your destruction, what will you do to survive? Strike out alone to forge your own heroic path, or band together, fortify, and fight.”
Ruined King
Fans of Riot Games and League of Legends will want to keep an eye peeled for the turn-based RPG Ruined King. LoL players will immediately recognize Yasuo, Pyke, Ahri, Miss Fortune, Braum, and Illaoi as they leap from one game to another.
“Developed by Airship Syndicate and featuring the art style of legendary comic book artist Joe Madureira, creators of Battle Chasers and Darksiders, Ruined King: A League of Legends Story is the first Riot Forge game that invites you to explore the League of Legends universe. In this immersive turn-based RPG, you will have the freedom to configure your party and control an unlikely group of League of Legends champions, explore the bustling city of Bilgewater and the mysterious Shadow Isles, and experience the Lane Initiative System.”
Elden Ring
Elden Ring has RPG fans twitterpated in ways not seen in a long, long while. Penned by George RR Martin and developed by From Software, the game is expected to land in 2021 and is, in fact, already up for pre-order on console gaming sites. It will remain to be seen when it will arrive, but it’s sure going to generate tons of excitement when it does.
“ELDEN RING is FromSoftware’s largest game to-date and is set in a sprawling realm steeped in a rich and bloody history crafted by Hidetaka Miyazaki – creator of the influential and critically acclaimed DARK SOULS video game series; and George R.R. Martin – author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire.”
Gotham Knights
While superhero games aren’t exactly new, gothamknightsgame.com/en-us is bringing back some of the world’s favorites sometime in 2021. The game will span just about every possible platform and see players take on the role of Red Hood, Robin, Batgirl, and Nightwing.
“Batman is dead. A new expansive, criminal underworld has swept the streets of Gotham City. It is now up to the Batman Family; Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin; to protect Gotham, bring hope to its citizens, discipline to its cops, and fear to its criminals. From solving mysteries that connect the darkest chapters in the city’s history to defeating notorious villains in epic confrontations, you must evolve into the new Dark Knight and save the streets from descent into chaos.”
