Predicting the Big Games Industry Stories of 2026 | Unpacked

I have my own AI prediction. I think a big name studio will use AI in the development of a high profile title and then lie about it when caught. And by lie, I mean like go really buck wild with fake outrage and probably threats. My guess is it’ll be a studio that is both up its own ass with its own self importance, and which doesn’t value its staff and treats them like shit. Which is a lot of them, but I’m thinking the likes of CD Projekt or Naughty Dog.

I think Star Fox for Switch 2 isnt an unreasonable prediction, as its one of the few Nintendo franchises that have built-in story elements that would lend themselves to N's expansion into multimedia, thus a new game could contribute to business synergy. The only problem will be if they can actually delivery something that breaks the mold or feels noteworthy compared to past attempts. I'm personally excited to see what happens with Valve this year, whether Deadlock comes out of beta, whether its finally Half Life's year this year, and whats gonna happen with the Steam Machine.

Funny, I filled out a BINGO card predicting that GTA6 will be delayed to 2027, and that Tides of Annihilation will be China's first GOTY. Guess we're in sync with whacky predictions.

The prediction that the next game of the year winner will come from a studio based in China is really interesting since GTA VI is supposed to come out this year. Feels like there's also either a prediction that GTA VI gets delayed or that it underwhelms

It's funny, I would've described Sea of Thieves as the first big budget friendslop game, which was also developed by Rare. I'm not sure Microsoft would be too eager to release another title so similar to it. Maybe they'll refocus on marketing it and try to push it as the big budget friendslop game that you're thinking of however

Random question: what is the name building shown at 5:26 during the video?