By Samuel Riedeman

Every year we’re excited for new game releases, but 2020 is set to bring some of the most anticipated and iconic video games in recent years. With new platforms coming like Google Stadia and the next gen Xbox known as “Microsoft’s Project Scarlett”, developers are planning huge titles for the next year. With E3 2019 and other end-of-year conventions coming to pass, most of the 2020 titles have been announced. From sequels years in the making to nostalgic remakes, 2020 is looking more and more exciting as release dates drop.

10. Baldur’s Gate III – Rumored

Bladurs Gate III – Credit: Larian Studios

Teased by developer Larian Studios in early 2019, a simple logo of the roman numerals “III” was supposed to be a mysterious hint to an unannounced game. However, source code on the official website revealed the logo belongs to Baldur’s Gate III. Created in collaboration with Wizards of the Coast, Baldur’s Gate is originally a Dungeons & Dragons campaign adapted to a video game in 1998. CEO of Larian Studios, Swen Vincke, has revealed Baldur’s Gate III will feature invading mind flayers and may visit the Underdark. This sequel follows Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadow of Amn, originally released in 2000. Baldur’s Gate III was officially announced at a Google Stadia pre-E3 event, but with no release date.

9. Elden Ring – Rumored

Elden Ring – Credit: From Software

This RPG developed by FromSoftware in collaboration with George R.R. Martin was announced at E3 2019. Fans should look forward to a Dark Souls style game with direction from Hidetaka Miyazaki of Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Additionally, fans will experience an epic story from Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin. Nothing is yet known about the story, but the titular “ring” has been confirmed to not be a wearable ring. In an interview, Director Miyazaki explained that the Elden “ring” is something much grander and more thematic. With no firm release date, rumors on Reddit suggest Elden Ring will drop in April 2020 along with a gameplay reveal at the Game Awards 2019.



8. System Shock: Remastered – TBD

System Shock – Credit: Nightdive Studios

After a successful Kickstarter raised $1.3 million, the remastered System Shock will be developed by Nightdive Studios in collaboration with the original developers of System Shock 1, Looking Glass Technologies. System Shock: Remastered will be a faithful reboot of the original that will keep the story and characters, but feature smoother gameplay on the Unreal Engine. Relive the original 1994 game as you take on the role of a hacker and explore the terrors of Citadel Station created by a rogue AI, SHODAN. With no definitive release date, Nightdive Studios plans to release System Shock: Remastered in 2020.

7. Final Fantasy VII Remake – March 3

Final Fantasy VII Remake – Credit: Square Enix

With the franchise maintaining its popularity with many releases in recent years, Final Fantasy fans should be excited for this remake. Square Enix has completely remastered the 1997 Final Fantasy title to fit in with its modern, photorealistic counterparts. Developers plan to bring a completely new experience to fans as Final Fantasy VII Remake will be a re-imagined full-length game based on a small part of the original. Fans should look forward to seeing their favorite characters finally rendered in detail. The new combat will be in real time and feature an “ATB meter” which will allow your characters slow time and pull off special attacks through a menu system. Final Fantasy VII Remake comes to PS4 on March 3, 2020.



6. Watch Dogs: Legion – March 6

Watch Dogs Legion – Credit: Ubisoft

The third in the series, Watch Dogs: Legion allows you to choose from a wide selection of NPCs to recruit as you play in a near-future dystopia. This new mechanic allows you to control anyone in the tech-enhanced urban society, even an assassin grandma. The make classes of characters in the game are Enforcer, Infiltrator, and Hacker, each with their own unique abilities. The first in the franchise to be set outside the US, Legion brings players to post-Brexit London. Legion also carries over the casual tone from Watch Dogs 2 which made the game much more appealing than the first. Announced and demoed at E3 2019, Watch Dogs: Legion is set for release March 6, 2020.



5. DOOM Eternal – March 20

Doom Eternal – Credit: id Software

The classic demon slaying game from the ‘90s is back, and this time Hell has literally overrun Earth. Following the 2016 reboot of the original DOOM, the next game will feature twice the demons and new, unique weapons like a grappling hook shotgun, a shoulder-mounted flamethrower, a laser axe, and a new arm blade. DOOM Eternal seems to be taking the DOOM reboot to a new level by having a much more in depth story and new mechanics like wall climbing, dash moves, and zero-gravity environments. Developer id Software showcased the new multiplayer 1v2 Battlemode, featuring a choice of five playable demons pitted against a lone space marine. Originally planned for October 2019, delays pushed the release of DOOM Eternal to March 20, 2020.



4. The Last of Us Part II – May 29

The Last of Us Part II – Credit: Naughty Dog

The beloved PlayStation exclusive brought a ton of hype a few years ago, and the sequel is bound to bring fans back for more. Following the popular story-centered game from Naughty Dog, The Last of Us Part II brings players back to a post-pandemic United States. Ellie is featured as the main protagonist as Joel returns to aid her on a revenge-fueled journey. We expect this sequel to be more gruesome than the first as players experience more intense survival-game style combat, and meet a bunch of new characters and post-apocalyptic settings to explore. After delays, Naughty Dog has confirmed a release on May 29, 2020.

3. Halo Infinite – Late 2020

Halo Infinite – Credit: 343 Industries

Master Chief returns to continue the story of Halo 5: Guardians in the newest Halo game. Halo is one of the most popular game series, and while we haven’t seen any gameplay for Halo Infinite, we can expect the usual sci-fi FPS with a story-based campaign, along with some of the most beloved multiplayer in the business. Deemed a “soft reboot” of the franchise, Halo Infinite will continue the story but will re-imagine certain concepts. With no gameplay at E3 2019, nor news at Gamescom 2019 or X019, fans are left in the dark. There is little known about the story, but developers plan for Halo Infinite to launch in tandem with the next generation Xbox Scarlett in 2020.



2. Cyberpunk 2077 – April 16

Cyberpunk 2077 – Credit: CD Projekt Red

From the creators of The Witcher III, CD Projekt Red is bringing the next big RPG in the form of Cyberpunk 2077. The sci-fi game will take you to the futuristic Night City in the year 2077 as you play as the main character, “V”. We can expect an in-depth character creation menu as shown at the E3 demo. Customize V’s gender, hair, tattoos, and clothing, with more to come according to quest director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz. With RPG and FPS aspects to draw in any gamer, this dystopian world already feels exciting. After being anticipated for years, the developers finally announced a release date at E3 2019 with surprise guest Keanu Reeves: April 16, 2020

1. Half-Life: Alyx – March

Half-Life: Alyx – Credit: Valve Corporation

Fans have been begging game developer Valve for a sequel to the 2004 Half-Life 2 for years, but gamers have settled for a VR prequel set between the first and second game in the form of Half-Life: Alyx. Valve has promised features like “world exploration, puzzle solving, visceral combat, and an intricately woven story that connects it all with the characters iconic to the Half-Life universe.” In the new game, Alyx Vance from Half-Life 2 returns to be the new player character as you fight for humanity’s only chance of survival. Along with a trailer, Valve announced a release date coming surprisingly soon: March 2020.

As developers wrap up 2019’s game releases, gamers have nothing more to do than look forward to 2020 and the awesome lineup of games. From great series like Halo and Half-Life, to exciting new titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077, 2020 will feature feature the most anticipated games yet, and we’re all excited to play them all.

