20 Upcoming Games GTA 6 Has RUINED 2026 For
Grand Theft Auto VI will define next year... which games are in danger of fading into its shadow?
Since Rockstar’s confirmation in early 2022 that Grand Theft Auto 6 was in active development, it has cast a looming shadow across the industry, striking fear into developers with games in the oven and leaving everyone waiting with bated breath for the eventual release date.
The Grand Theft Auto franchise has always been a powerhouse, but its last entry, Grand Theft Auto 5, took the series’ prominence to another level. Thanks to its hugely successful online mode, it has remained in the top-10 sales charts for more than a decade and across two console generations. One thing is clear: when the next instalment arrives, no one will stand a chance of competing for months.
There were initial murmurings of a Fall 2025 release, but earlier this year, Rockstar made it official - the game is launching May 26, 2026. The die was cast, and studios either celebrated dodging a bullet (as Sucker Punch reportedly did) or trembled while holding a TBA 2026 release slot.
Let’s take a look at the games that will either stubbornly stick to mid-next year and face the consequences, or play it smart by sliding into 2027 or aiming for an early or late year release instead.
20. Saros
Returnal is still one of PS5’s strongest first-party efforts, with its wall-smashing rogue difficulty, a bleak, suffocating atmosphere, and some absolutely wig-peeling third-person combat. It was an exciting step up for developer Housemarque, who managed to bring all the strengths of their lower-key arcade efforts into a polished AAA Sony blockbuster - it was no surprise they were quickly snatched up by the publisher soon after.
Things were quiet on their next project until early 2025, when a cinematic trailer revealed Saros. With its sci-fi setting, similar game style (this time with permanent upgrades, thank the lord), and trademark polish, it looked like a bona fide sequel to Returnal - except in name.
Sony has since revealed we’ll only be getting one first-party tentpole a year for the foreseeable future, although both Saros and Wolverine are scheduled for 2026. One thing is for sure: despite the goodwill Returnal created, it’s no GTA, and its tough-as-nails style keeps it outside the mainstream, appealing more to a hardcore fanbase. It could be safe in Sony's usual October release slot…