What’s Next for the Biggest Game Studios in the Industry

6 January 2026

The gaming world never stands still. One minute you're smashing zombies in a gritty survival horror, and the next you're racing spaceships through alien worlds. But behind every epic game is a powerhouse studio pulling the strings, crafting those unforgettable experiences. So, what’s cooking behind the scenes at these industry titans? Let’s dive into what’s next for the biggest game studios in the business — and trust me, it’s looking wild.

Rockstar Games – Gearing Up for Grand Theft Auto VI (Finally?)

Okay, let’s get the obvious one out of the way. Rockstar Games has been teasing fans for what feels like a decade. Ever since Grand Theft Auto V dropped, gamers have been speculating, memeing, and begging for the next installment. While Rockstar remains tight-lipped, reliable leaks and insider reports suggest GTA VI is deep in development.

Rumor has it the game will take us back to Vice City, but with a modern twist — think neon, palm trees, and high-stakes heists. There’s talk of a dual protagonist system, and possibly even a dynamic world that evolves over time. Rockstar’s focus seems to be on making the largest and most immersive open-world game ever created.

But here's the kicker — with the success of GTA Online, Rockstar might integrate an even bigger online element into GTA VI. Microtransactions? Probably. But it’s the world-building and storytelling that will get fans hyped.

Naughty Dog – The Last of Us Part III and Beyond

Naughty Dog isn’t just a studio – it’s a storytelling powerhouse. We’ve laughed with Nathan Drake, cried with Ellie and Joel, and smashed clickers in pitch black rooms. With the success of the HBO series, The Last of Us universe is bigger than ever.

So, what’s next?

Word on the street is that The Last of Us Part III is in early production. It’s expected to wrap up the trilogy, exploring the aftermath of Part II and possibly introducing new characters and settings. Naughty Dog has shown they’re not afraid to take narrative risks, so expect emotional gut punches, morally complex choices, and top-tier visuals.

They’re also dabbling in a brand-new IP, and that’s got fans buzzing. Details are super scarce, but we can expect Naughty Dog’s trademark cinematic storytelling, gorgeous visuals, and probably some heartbreaking plot twists.

Bethesda Game Studios – Starfield Now, Elder Scrolls VI Later

Let’s be real – Bethesda has some massive shoes to fill. After years of anticipation, Starfield finally launched, marking the studio’s first original IP in over two decades. A sprawling space RPG, it's the studio’s attempt to reinvent its own wheel.

Starfield might just be the tip of the iceberg. Bethesda has announced they’re shifting gears toward The Elder Scrolls VI. Yeah, the old-school dragon-slaying, arrow-to-the-knee fantasy goodness is coming back, but probably not until 2026 or later.

With Microsoft backing them, Bethesda also has the muscle to expand their reach — more polish, fewer bugs (hopefully), and some Game Pass magic. Their goal? A new golden age for RPGs.

CD Projekt Red – Chasing Redemption Post-Cyberpunk

Ah, CD Projekt Red. The rise and stumble of Cyberpunk 2077 taught them (and us) a lot. But guess what? They’ve learned from it. With the successful Phantom Liberty expansion and ongoing support, the studio’s reputation is slowly bouncing back.

What’s next? A full-blown sequel, codenamed “Project Orion,” set in the Cyberpunk universe. They’re rebuilding their tech foundation, hiring aggressively, and doubling down on open-world storytelling.

But that’s not all. The Witcher franchise is getting a revival too. “Project Polaris” is the next major Witcher game, kicking off a brand-new saga. Expect new characters, next-gen visuals, and maybe even a more open-ended RPG style.

In short, CDPR is on a mission to prove that every fallen empire can rise again.

Ubisoft – Assassin's Creed Everywhere, All at Once

Ubisoft is like that friend who can’t sit still. They’re always juggling ten things at once. Right now, all eyes are on the Assassin’s Creed Infinity project — a live service hub that will connect multiple games, stories, and timelines under one digital roof.

Coming up we’ve got:

- Assassin’s Creed Mirage – A back-to-basics stealth game set in Baghdad.
- Codename Red – Finally, an AC game in feudal Japan (about time, right?).
- Codename Hexe – A creepy, witch-hunt-era game promising dark vibes.

Beyond that, Ubisoft is pushing into the free-to-play scene and reviving old IPs like Splinter Cell (remake in the works). They’re also investing in new tech, aiming to make their worlds bigger and smarter — more AI-driven, more reactive.

FromSoftware – Doubling Down on Soulsborne Success

You can’t talk about modern hardcore gaming without bringing up FromSoftware. After the monumental success of Elden Ring, they’re not slowing down.

The upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion promises to expand the lore and bring new bosses that’ll probably wreck us all over again. But beyond DLCs, FromSoftware is reportedly working on a new Armored Core game – a return to its mech-fighting roots.

Also rumored? A brand-new IP that mixes Souls mechanics with entirely new fantasy elements. If that sounds vague, it's because FromSoftware loves to keep secrets. Expect cryptic storytelling, brutal combat, and unforgettable boss fights.

Blizzard Entertainment – Rebuilding Player Trust

Blizzard’s had a rough few years, let’s not sugarcoat it. Controversies, lackluster launches (lookin’ at you, Warcraft III: Reforged), and internal turmoil have hurt their brand. But with Microsoft’s acquisition in the bag, there’s renewed hope and direction.

Here’s what’s brewing:

- Diablo IV live-service content is ramping up — new seasons, balance tweaks, and maybe even expansions.
- Overwatch 2 is still fighting for relevance, though it’s struggling to recapture the original’s magic.
- World of Warcraft is gearing up for its next expansion cycle, and it might finally shake up the stale MMO scene.

There are rumors of a new survival game IP, which would be Blizzard’s first original universe in decades. With better leadership and more resources, the studio is slowly trying to rebuild trust and innovation.

Santa Monica Studio – Riding the God of War High

Kratos’ latest Norse saga wrapped up beautifully in God of War: Ragnarok, but that doesn’t mean Santa Monica Studio is done swinging the axe.

The studio has confirmed they’re working on multiple projects. One may be a continuation of Atreus’ journey, or even a completely separate mythological tale. There’s even speculation that they're crafting a science-fiction game — which would be a huge departure from their usual fare.

Whatever it is, you can bet on cinematic storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and combat that’s smoother than butter on a hot skillet.

Insomniac Games – Spider-Verse, Venom, and More

Insomniac is holding the torch for superhero games right now. After blowing minds with Spider-Man 2, where both Pete and Miles share the spotlight, fans are already hungry for more.

Up next? A darker, bloodier Wolverine game. Teasers suggest intense combat, gritty storytelling, and adult themes — a total shift from the friendly neighborhood vibe of their Spidey titles.

There’s also a strong chance of additional Spider-Man DLC or even a new Miles Morales standalone entry. The studio is a content machine, pushing out quality games at a pace that leaves other devs scratching their heads.

BioWare – Trying to Reignite the Magic

Let’s be honest — BioWare hasn’t been in its prime for a while. But don’t count them out just yet. They’ve got two potential aces up their sleeve:

- Dragon Age: Dreadwolf – The long-awaited next chapter in the fantasy RPG saga. It’s darker, more narrative-focused, and promises a return to form.
- Mass Effect 5 – Yep, Shepard might be back (or at least that’s what the teaser suggests). The game is still early in dev, but the hope is to blend ME2’s beloved mechanics with next-gen possibilities.

If BioWare nails these, we could be looking at one of the greatest comebacks in gaming history.

Square Enix – Beyond Final Fantasy

Fresh off titles like Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Square Enix is still the king of epic, melodramatic RPGs. But they’re not just living off Chocobos and crystals.

They’re pivoting more toward global appeal, refining their action combat systems, and exploring western-style storytelling. Expect more collaborations, mobile ventures, and bold risks that test what a JRPG can even be.

There’s also perpetual buzz around Kingdom Hearts IV, and yes, Sora has normal shoes now. The series is poised for a return with more mature themes, a darker tone, and maybe some actual coherence (maybe).

Epic Games – More Than Just Fortnite

Epic's empire might be built on Fortnite, but they’re not resting there. With Unreal Engine 5, they’re shaping the future of game development itself. They’re also investing in the metaverse concept — think concerts, brand deals, and in-game economies.

There’s also growing talk of Epic working on a new narrative-driven game in-house, separate from Fortnite. And with their massive war chest, they’re also funding and supporting tons of indie projects and experimental games.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s next for the biggest studios? In one word: evolution. Whether it's Rockstar refining open worlds, Naughty Dog pushing narrative boundaries, or Ubisoft throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks — the games industry is alive and thriving.

As fans, we’re in for a wild ride. These studios are doubling down on what made them great while taking bigger, bolder leaps into the unknown. Keep your eyes peeled, your consoles ready, and your expectations cautiously optimistic.

Because the future of gaming? It’s not just coming — it’s sprinting at us at full speed.