Let's talk about gaming...

2020 was a big year for the gaming industry. With social distancing rules put into place and everybody being advised to “stay at home”, people started devoting their time to video games and online gaming. 

We saw Sony and Xbox launch their new generation consoles; PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S which sold out in a matter of minutes and as we entered the first of many lock downs, we saw Animal Crossing become an unexpected huge hit. 

2021 is expected to see the releases of many new video games.

Unfortunately a lot of the big titles that are set for release this year are yet to have a specific release date but in the meantime here is a low down of just a few of the new releases we can expect to see in 2021.

Hitman 3

Release Date: January 20th 

After a strong sequel back in 2018, the classic stealth franchise is back! 

The third installment of the Hitman series sees Agent 47 continue his murderous trail in locations such as Dubai, Berlin and Chongqing. There is even a Knives Out- inspired level set in Dartmoor.

Set to be a serious contender for game of the year, Hitman 3 will be available from January 20th. 

Hitman 3 is set to launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series x, Nintendo Switch and Stadia. 

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury 

Release Date: February 12th

Super Mario 3D World is the latest WiiU game to be ported over to the Nintendo Switch. 

Upon its original release, Super Mario 3D World received amazing reviews, so it’s definitely worth playing if you have missed out on playing it before.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Release Date: Early 2021

Lego Star Wars is BACK and bigger than ever. After a five year hiatus, Lego is treating us to a new Lego Star Wars game in 2021.

The last time we saw the franchise was back in 2016 with The Force Awakens and now, they have gone all out and far more ambitious with this new game as The Skywalker Saga Lego-izes not one, not two but all nine Star Wars films!

The new Lego game is yet to have a final release date but when it is released, The Skywalker Saga will be available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC. 

Gran Turismo 7

Release Date: 2021

Now we all know (gamer or no gamer) that Gran Turismo has been THE game to play on PlayStation consoles ever since the original GT launched in 1997. 

Growing up, Gran Turismo was the racing game to play and now here we are, in 2021 with a NEW edition of the classic. Last June we found out that Gran Turismo 7 will be coming soon, fast forward to 2021 and we still know little about it other than it’s set for a 2021 release date. 

Halo Infinite

Release Date: Autumn 2021

Calling all Halo fans! 

The new Halo game, Halo Infinite was meant to be the big game that launched alongside the launch of the Xbox Series X|S back in November 2020 but due to a poor fan response of the preview, it ended up being pushed back until Autumn 2021.  

Lord of the Rings: Gollum

Release Date: 2021

There’s a new Lord of the Rings game coming out this year and it’s focusing on the gaunt ring-obsessed creature, Gollum. 

The Lord of the Rings “Gollum” will take you on a journey as Gollum, chasing the only thing that is precious to him. 

The upcoming stealth adventure game is based entirely on the Tolkein books rather than the movies and focuses around Gollum’s split personality.

One mind, two egos - you decide!

Lord of the Rings: Gollum will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC. 

Horizon Forbidden West

Release Date: 2021

Tipped as one of the best games on PlayStation, Horizon Zero Dawn will be getting a sequel in 2021. 

Horizon Forbidden West follows Aloy’s journey to 30th century Utah, Nevada and California as she tracks down the origins of a killer virus. Sounds very realistic for our time doesn’t it?

Horizon Forbidden West will launch on both PlayStation 4 and 5 this year.

God of War: Ragnarok 

Release Date: 2021 

God of War: Ragnarok is also coming to PlayStation 4 and 5 this year. 

Right now there isn’t that much information out about the sequel as the teaser for the game only contained half a logo and the announcement that the release of the sequel will be in 2021.

Hogwarts Legacy

Release Date: 2021

Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG set in the magical world of Harry Potter. As a student who receives a late invitation to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this game will set you off on a new adventure throughout the Wizarding World where you will brew potions, learn new spells, and decide between maintaining peace or submitting to darker temptations. 

The game is set in the 1800s, long before the Harry Potter books. However, the game will follow all established lore of the Wizarding World whilst taking place across various locations that you will recognise including Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade Village.

Hogwarts Legacy is set to come out in 2021 and will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. 

Resident Evil Village

Release Date: 2021

For those of you waiting for a sequel to Resident Evil 7, this one's for you. Now don’t let the name fool you because Resident Evil Village is actually just Resident Evil 8. 

The developer of the new Resident Evil game wanted to call it “Village” to signify how the village that the game takes place in is a key element to the plot. 

Resident Evil Village is another game with no set release date other than we know it will be out sometime this year. When the game does launch, it will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X|S and PC.

Resident Evil Village is set to be one of the biggest releases of 2021.

Grand Theft Auto V

Release Date: Late 2021

Last year, Rockstar Games announced that there will be an “expanded and enhanced” version of Grand Theft Auto 5 released on next-gen consoles in 2021.

As we enter the new year, it’s not clear exactly what sort of “expanded and enhanced” content the next-gen version of Grand Theft Auto V will offer.

However, PlayStation have said “Grand Theft Auto V for PlayStation 5 will feature a range of technical improvements, visual upgrades and performance enhancements to take full advantage of the console’s powerful new hardware, making the game more beautiful and more responsive than ever.” 

For many years, Grand Theft Auto has continued to excite players from generation to generation. 

Grand Theft Auto V is coming to PlayStation 5 in the second half of 2021. 

What game are you most excited about getting your hands on?

Let us know in the comments below!

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