Every year Summer Game Fest, PlayStation’s State of Play and the Xbox Games Showcase deliver some of the biggest surprises in gaming. While flashy trailers and celebrity appearances grab news headlines, the real stars are the games themselves. This year’s showcase season sprinkles a mix of horror, role-playing adventures, and long-awaited sequels. Here are the titles that have people talking as we head into the second half of 2026. 

Horror fans are eating well this year. ILL continues to turn heads with its disturbing body horror, realistic enemy reactions, and unsettling atmosphere. The game has quickly become one of the most anticipated survival horror releases thanks to its brutal visuals and immersive first-person gameplay. 

Joining it is Resident Evil Code: Veronica Remake, which has been sought by the fans of the series for years. With this fresh coat of paint for one of the most significant titles from the franchise, Capcom looks set to introduce a new wave of players to the struggle of Claire and Chris Redfield against Umbrella. The original game has always been an integral part of the history of the series, and everyone expects that the remake will prove itself to be deserving of its place among the others. 

Another major horror reveal is Alien: Isolation 2. Its predecessor is honoured as one of the best survival horror games ever made, and has only gained popularity since its launch in 2014. This, and the anticipation of its fans for a sequel, makes the announcement very exciting. Its release is very eagerly awaited by players, so the game can prove itself as a worthy successor. 

Lovers of action-adventure also have something to look forward to. The God of War: Laufey game will give players an experience into uncharted territory in the famous mythological Sony game series, moving away from its frontman Kratos and instead shining his battle-sturdy wife – Laufey – in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a re-release of the original, a popular Ubisoft adventure enticing gamers to sail across the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. 

Fans of role-playing games are not left disappointed, since there are key unveilings causing some stir. Persona 6, one of the most eagerly awaited games in JRPG, has now been officially announced by Atlus, after some radio silence following the release of Persona 5 in 2017. There is no need to state how many people are excited about the unveiling, and the depths of what they expect from it. 

Atlus isn’t happy with just one announcement though. A Persona 4 Revival is supposedly in the works, allowing new players a chance to play one of the greatest games in the series with contemporary graphics and updated mechanics. 

Continuing to display their dedication to fantasy escapades, Microsoft has also announced the release date of Fable. The long-awaited remake promises to offer the same humor, charm, and expansive world of the original series in a way that can be experienced by a whole new generation of fantasy lovers. 

Likewise, those who enjoy story-driven games have good cause to be pleased. One of the most highly anticipated video game sequels is The Wolf Among Us 2. This will see Bigby Wolf’s story continue after a long journey through development. Moreover, there will also be The Wolf Among Us Remastered, offering a new look for a much-beloved game. 

Yet, among all the announcements, one game arguably generates the loudest reaction of all: Final Fantasy VII: Revelation. Here Square Enix continues gaming’s most successful magic trick: convincing fans to buy Final Fantasy VII for what feels like the sixth time and somehow making them excited to do it again. Square Enix isn’t content with a single appearance either. After four Final Fantasy VII trailers in rapid succession, the reveal of Revelation feels less like a surprise and more like the final boss of the event. 

If this year’s showcase season proves anything, it’s that the future of gaming looks bright. Whether players prefer horror, action, role-playing adventures, or narrative-driven storytelling, 2026 is shaping up to be a year packed with unforgettable experiences. 

Edited by Robin Smith 

Subedited by Eva Yuille