New Zelda and GTA represent a games industry that no longer exists
This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the biggest game releases of the year, follow Andrew Webster. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes on Sunday at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started The two biggest games of […]
The two most anticipated video game releases of 2026 are set to dominate the market with their unprecedented scale and ambition. Grand Theft Auto VI, the highly-anticipated sequel to the mega-hit Grand Theft Auto V, is poised to captivate gamers worldwide. With an estimated 29% of gamers in the US planning to purchase the game, its success could potentially boost console sales.
On the other hand, Nintendo is making its mark with a lavish remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, its iconic game that popularized 3D gaming. The upcoming release not only aims to modernize the beloved franchise but also coincides with a live-action movie adaptation set to hit theaters in 2027. These two monumental releases, both from industry heavyweights, represent a stark contrast to the overall decline in the gaming industry.
While other major players, such as Xbox, Epic, Sony, EA, Ubisoft, and Sucker Punch, face challenges like layoffs, studio closures, and falling console sales, Nintendo and Rockstar seem to be thriving. Their success highlights the need for change within the industry, as the era of big-budget, high-risk games comes under scrutiny.
The future of gaming remains uncertain, but for now, it's clear that two exceptional titles have emerged in a landscape that no longer exists.
Written by urgent.news from The Verge's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
