2023 has unarguably been a great year for gaming. This year, we saw some of the biggest releases from the best studios out there. While there were a few major letdowns, the gaming industry had a lot to offer in 2023.
Games like Alan Wake 2, Spider-Man 2, Hogwarts Legacy, and Hi-Fi Rush have been a few of the highlights of this year. Baldur’s Gate 3 was also a major surprise that stood out for its deep and complex RPG elements, becoming the Game of the Year.
While it is fair to say that gamers might not see a year this good for a while, 2024 is shaping up to be no slouch. Looking at everything coming next year, 2024 is going to be quite the follow-up to 2023.
Why it matters: 2024 will not only deliver new games but will also provide new hardware, making it more exciting than a typical year packed with great games.
New Gaming Hardware For Everyone
The major release from PlayStation will come from the hardware department. PlayStation 5 Pro has been prominently featured in multiple rumors this year and will supposedly launch in late 2024.
The console is rumored to be powered by a Zen 4 chip with RDNA 3 graphics and a bigger focus on ray tracing. PlayStation may even feature its own machine-learning tech in the console, giving it a major edge over everything else.
This brings us to the king of portable consoles, Nintendo. A much-needed new console from the company is expected to be released in H2 2024. The Nintendo Switch successor will also boast perks like DLSS 3.5, ray tracing, and more.
On the Xbox side, leaks have pointed to an all-digital refresh for the Xbox Series X. While this one may not be as exciting, it will be worth keeping an eye on due to a new look, twice as much storage, and a few smaller upgrades.
Game Pass & Activision Join Forces
Throughout 2023, Microsoft strived toward its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Having faced rejection from the CMA and being sued by the FTC, the company fought an uphill battle, finally merging with the publisher in October.
While this merger has been completed, Xbox consumers did not benefit from the deal in 2023. However, with Microsoft having a few months to plan things out, 2024 could mark a big shift for Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty is likely to become a major part of the subscription in 2024. Activision may even work with Microsoft to revive older franchises, with teasers beginning in the months to come.
Promising Games
The year starts strong with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Tekken 8 in January. The January launches will be followed by notable releases like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Assassin’s Creed Red, Star Wars: Outlaws, Black Myth: Wukong, and so much more.
The likes of Tomb Raider Remasters, Alone in the Dark, and Skull and Bones should also keep gamers busy between these blockbusters. Not to mention, a few brilliant indie games are planned by solo developers and smaller studios.
Among the console manufacturers, Xbox already has a solid lineup for the year. Following games like Avowed and Towerborne, the gaming giant will release the much anticipated Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2.
Although this game does not have a solid release date for now, Phil Spencer described it as his most anticipated game for 2024. Recent leaks show PlayStation’s lineup is equally compelling, thanks to new add-ons and PC ports.
In addition to Team Ninja’s Rise of the Ronin in early 2024, multiple free DLCs for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 could arrive at some point in the year. PlayStation is also likely to finally reveal more about its future projects after an underwhelming showcase this year.
Expanding to other platforms, PlayStation is bringing Horizon Forbidden West to PC. Fans can expect at least two other PC ports, one of which could even include Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
As for Nintendo, the new console will almost certainly launch with an explosive lineup. The last major 3D Mario game came out six years ago, so Nintendo might just have a few surprises ready for 2024.
Overall, what seemed like a dull time after the blockbuster that was 2023 is turning into another massive year for gaming. In addition to new games and hardware, Rockstar will likely drop a more comprehensive look at GTA 6, making it even better.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
News Reporter
Abdullah is an avid gamer who primarily plays single-player titles. If you can’t find him anywhere, he’ll probably be at his desk playing The Witcher 3 for the millionth time. When he isn’t playing games, he’s either reading or writing about them.
