Upcoming Games to Watch in 2024
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (DLC)
The critically acclaimed Game of the Year from 2022 is expanding its universe with a highly anticipated DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree. Fans of Elden Ring are eager to dive back into the Lands Between, and this expansion promises to deepen both the lore and gameplay.
What We Know So Far:
- New zones that expand the world beyond familiar locations
- Detailed and cryptic lore additions, staying true to the FromSoftware formula
- Innovative boss designs and new enemy types that challenge even seasoned players
Why It Matters:
- Elden Ring redefined open-world RPGs in 2022, and expectations are sky-high
- FromSoftware’s track record keeps both critics and fans watching closely
- Could set a new standard for how post-launch content enhances RPGs
Star Wars: Eclipse
New Galaxy, New Approach:
Developed by Quantic Dream, Star Wars: Eclipse brings a fresh take to the iconic franchise. Known for emotional, choice-driven titles like Detroit: Become Human, the studio is stepping into a galaxy far, far away with an ambitious narrative-driven title.
What to Expect:
- A branching narrative structure where player choices shape the game’s outcome
- Cinematic-level visuals and storytelling
- Set in the High Republic era, offering a less-explored timeline within the Star Wars universe
Points of Caution:
- Questions remain about the studio’s capacity to handle such a high-profile IP
- Long and possibly shifting development timelines could affect reception
- High fan expectations raise the pressure on narrative quality and authenticity
Fable (Reboot)
A Classic Returns:
Microsoft is reviving one of its most beloved RPG franchises with a modern reboot of Fable, developed by Playground Games. While the humor and charm of the original series are expected to remain, this update brings major technological and narrative enhancements.
Reboot Highlights:
- Modernized RPG mechanics and exploration
- A balance of whimsical humor and darker world-building themes
- New characters and moral choice systems that affect gameplay more deeply
Platform Impact:
- Exclusive to Xbox Series X/S, which may limit accessibility but boost console appeal
- A major title in Xbox’s attempt to expand their high quality first-party catalog
- Signals a more serious investment in narrative-rich, single-player experiences by Microsoft
The Fall Window: A High-Stakes Battleground for Developers and Publishers
Every year, the fall release window turns into a dogfight. Holiday sales are on the line, and with attention spans stretched thin, only the boldest or smartest launches make an impact. For developers and publishers, this is the season where reputations are made or broken. Crunch time isn’t just about polishing builds—it’s about lining up marketing that hits, community hype that lasts, and delivery that doesn’t disappoint.
In 2024, the hype is especially thick. Gamers are coming off a steady stream of mid-tier drops and are hungry for something massive. Expectations are high, and patience is low. Studios are being called to deliver tighter narratives, stronger co-op mechanics, and polish that’s undeniable. No one’s waiting around to see if the day-one patch saves your launch.
What makes this year different? Studios are aiming high but trying to learn from past flameouts. Think smarter pre-launch cycles, double stress-tested servers, and transparency in dev diaries. Plus, there’s a clean blend of new IPs shaking up genres and risky sequels trying to win both old fans and fresh crowds. It’s a lineup stacked with ambition—the kind that makes or breaks a quarter, or a studio.
Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing action RPGs on the horizon. It blends the epic scale and challenge of Soulsborne mechanics with the rich lore of Chinese mythology, particularly the 16th-century classic Journey to the West. The main character, the Monkey King, isn’t just a gimmick. His combat style is agile, experimental, and packed with shape-shifting flair, making it feel fresh even to players familiar with the genre.
The visual fidelity is off the charts. Early demos give off a cinematic vibe, rendered in Unreal Engine 5, with dense forests, hulking bosses, and surreal shifts in setting that look and feel next-gen. From particle-rich spell combat to intricate creature design, it’s clear the developers are swinging for the fences.
What could make it break through the usual niche? Familiar gameplay with unfamiliar storytelling. Western audiences haven’t seen mythology like this in a AAA format, especially one calling back to Dark Souls while telling a deeply Asian epic. If it nails pacing and polish, Black Myth could surprise the mainstream the way Elden Ring did, but with a very different soul.
The console wars are still quietly raging, but in 2024, it’s less about hardware flexing and more about the games. PS5 is leading with a strong lineup of exclusives that lean heavily into cinematic storytelling and big-budget polish. Keep an eye on “Rise of Ronin” for historical action with a twist, and “Stellar Blade,” which has been drawing attention for blending crisp combat with sci-fi drama. Sony isn’t reinventing the wheel—it’s just doubling down on its formula. And it’s still working.
Meanwhile, Xbox is still betting big on Game Pass—and winning. 2024 brings first-party power with “Avowed” and “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II,” padding out a subscription service that’s becoming harder to ignore. The pace at which Game Pass drops titles means there’s always something new in rotation, even if not every title sticks.
As for Nintendo, the Switch isn’t getting any younger, but it’s still hanging in there. “Princess Peach: Showtime!” is a surprise highlight, proving there’s still room for fresh ideas on dated hardware. But with Switch 2 rumors heating up, this year might be less about what’s coming and more about what’s closing out the current gen.
Check out this related read: Every Major Game Release Coming to PS5 This Winter
Next-Gen Gaming Becomes the New Normal
The gap between console generations is finally closing. Cross-gen support is fading fast, and most of the big fall releases are dropping the PS4 and Xbox One in favor of next-gen exclusives. Developers are no longer holding back to accommodate older hardware, which means better performance, shorter load times, and more complex worlds. If you’re not on a PS5, Xbox Series X, or capable PC, you’re missing out.
The visual leap is here, and Unreal Engine 5 is leading the charge. Games are richer, sharper, and more immersive. Lighting looks real. Landscapes feel endless without the seams. From indie titles to blockbusters, UE5 is becoming the standard for anyone who wants to build big and make it beautiful.
As for gameplay? The dust has mostly settled. Multiplayer is steady, but single-player isn’t dead — far from it. Players still show up for strong narratives and tight solo experiences. Studios are leaning into whatever fits their vision best, instead of chasing trends. Demand is clearer now. People want quality, whether it’s a gripping story or a squad-based battle royale.
Fall 2024: What to Play, What to Skip
The fall release window is notoriously packed, and 2024 is no exception. With major studios pushing blockbuster titles and indie developers dropping hidden gems, gamers are faced with one big question: what’s worth your time and money?
Games That Will Likely Deliver
Some titles are built on a foundation of reliable studios, strong trailers, and consistent updates. These are the ones to watch:
- Established Franchises with a solid track record of quality and innovation
- Games with Playable Demos or Betas that deliver a polished experience
- Projects from Trusted Studios that have communicated with transparency during development
Beware the Hype Machines
Then there are the games riding a tsunami of marketing, but lacking substance or clear direction. Red flags include:
- Minimal gameplay shown close to release
- Overpromising new features without developer walkthroughs
- History of delays or studio shake-ups
A big name or flashy trailer should never be your only reason to buy on launch.
Smart Pre-Order Strategy
Pre-ordering can make sense—but only when done carefully:
When to Consider Pre-ordering:
- You’ve played a demo and experienced mechanics firsthand
- You’ve followed development and trust the studio’s track record
- There are limited edition bonuses that won’t be available post-launch
When to Wait for Reviews:
- If it’s a new IP with no preview build access
- If review embargoes lift on launch day (often a red flag)
- If gameplay reveals feel too cinematic and not representative
How Fall 2024 Could Shape 2025
What lands in the fall often sets the tone for the next year in gaming:
- Breakout hits may define genre trends or encourage sequels
- Major misfires can shift publisher priorities or kill franchise momentum
- Player feedback in post-launch cycles could influence upcoming projects, updates, or platforms
Games released now will likely dominate year-end awards, holiday wishlists, and early 2025 gaming culture. Your next favorite title—or the next cautionary tale—may launch this season.