We discuss the top games in 2021 and what to expect.
COVID Impact on the Video Game Industry
Before now, the gaming industry had been experiencing various changes and a creeping growth rate. The COVID pandemic came along to change that. Due to the stay-at-home orders, many people turned to games as a way to pass the time. According to market research firm The NPD Group, video games sales saw a 27% increase over the previous year. COVID helped drive U.S. video game sales to a record of $56.9 billion in 2020. It will be exciting to see the sales for new video games in 2021.
The pandemic has also caused much pain in the gaming industry, slowing down productions for upcoming 2021 video games. Companies and gaming industries are trying very hard to get with the times and use the situation to their advantage.
This is evident in many ways. Game companies are pushing toward free-to-play models, while tech giants are making headway in games played over the cloud. New Video games in 2021 now also have their standalone social platforms. Today, people are more likely to play games to connect with their friends, which is where gamers' social lives begin.
The industry continues to thrive with the birth of several intriguing video games through 2021 and more to come.
Top Games Already Out in 2021
2021 has been one of the most unusual years in the history of video game publishing. Different companies have shifted release dates due to the effect of the pandemic on production schedules.
Nevertheless, a lot of new video games have been released to quell the growing hunger of gamers. These new games all have their unique touches and appeal to people in different ways. From games like "It Takes Two" to "Scarlet: Nexus,” here is an overview of all the top games already out in 2021.
It Takes Two
It takes two is a genre-bending, mind-blowing game focused on entirely cooperative play. With her parent’s marriage on the brink, a heartbroken daughter cracks open a magical book that shrinks the couple. Together, the Polly Pocket-sized couple must go through some bewitched marriage counseling. They are set to overcome various inventive and creative challenges to ignite the original spark that brought them together.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 3/26/2021 $40 PEGI 12 PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S |
Outriders
Outriders is a third-person cover-based shooter that combines brutal and bloody combat with a deep role-playing system. The game includes intensive skill trees and multiple gear modifications with a choice between four unique classes to annihilate enemies. The studio behind Outriders, People Can Fly, continues to flood its most ambitious game with expansions and updates.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 4/1/2021 $59.99 Rated M PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, Stadia |
Splitgate (Open Beta)
Developer 1047, developers of Splitgate, have extended the game's crossplay open beta to increase server capacity. This was due to the popularity of the game when the open beta launched. Two million people downloaded Splitgate's open beta in only two weeks, causing server issues.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | July 2021 Free PEGI 16 PC, PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S |
Hell Let Loose
Hell Let Loose is a multiplayer shooter that features a variety of World War II battlefields. While it's easy to play, it requires more than just reflexes to succeed. It is a tactical game where two players take on the role of a commander in different teams. Their main goal is to capture and hold strong points on a map. They will have to coordinate the movement of their squad and make use of various off-map support assets.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 7/27/2021 39.99 M Rating Microsoft Windows, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S |
Super Animal Royale
Developed by Pixile Studios and Published by Modus Games, Super Animal Royale is an indie battle royale video game. The game is played from a 2D overhead perspective and was built using the Unity engine. It features 64 players in a match starring anthropomorphic animals equipped with a variety of weapons.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 8/26/2021 Free PEGI 7 Microsoft Windows, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, Stadia, Nintendo Switch |
NARAKA: Bladepoint
Naraka: Bladepoint is a 60-player battle royale combat-based game. It offers players a variety of melee and ranged weapons and a roster of characters with powerful abilities. What differentiates Naraka from other Battle royales is its exceptional mobility due to its parkour style and grappling hooks. It was developed by 24 Entertainment and published by NetEase Games Montreal.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 8/12/2021 19.99 PEGI 12 PC |
Hitman 3
We've come to the end of I.O. Interactive's so-called World of Assassination trilogy, which began with the Danish developer's first Hitman reboot back in 2016. Hitman 3 tops the series off with a fantastic collection of levels and missions. From puzzle-solving exercises to stealth missions that have you continuously changing appearance, Hitman 3 delivers a captivating experience.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 1/20/2021 15.99 M Rating PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, Stadia, PC |
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Scarlet Nexus
Scarlet Nexus is a game that combines the fast-paced action of a game like Devil May Cry with intense role-playing. The game is an addictive JRPG with bright and colorful visuals and an amazing story. The game was developed by Bandai Namco Games, a developer well known for intriguing RPGs.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 6/25/2021 59.99 T Rating PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, Stadia, PC |
Top Games To Be Released Later in 2021
Before 2021 ends, there are plenty of new games to look out for across all platforms. Players are excited as they look forward to these new drops while being occupied by recent ones. Upcoming 2021 video games feature returning titles like Call of Duty: Vanguard, Far Cry 6 and new titles like Kena.
The hype behind these titles continues to grow as teasers and more content is revealed. The list of new games that are coming out is getting longer and longer. This list serves as a collection of the new video games to be released later in the year.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
From developer Ember Lab, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a touching adventure game. The game has you play as Kena, a young spirit guide who sets out to find a sacred mountain shrine in an abandoned village populated by trapped spirits. You are accompanied by little fuzzy spirits known as the Rot. The Rot can be collected throughout your journey to help you gain abilities and alter the environment around you.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 9/21/2021 39.99 N/A PS4, PS5, PC |
Far Cry 6
Far Cry is back bigger and better. The game will be set in Yara, a tropical paradise frozen in time. Playing as a local Yaran called Dani Rojas, you get to take on the role of a guerrilla fighter. It has you set out to take down the dictatorship regime of Anon Castillo. Castillo wants to return the nation to what it once was, and this must be stopped by all means.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 10/7/2021 59.99 M Rating PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, PC |
Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood is a thrilling four-player co-op zombie shooter. Similar to Left 4 Dead, the game has you playing against hordes of zombies using characters with special perks. With the Alpha recently available, the game has proven to be worth the wait.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 10/12/2021 59.99 M Rating PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, PC |
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
A new marvel game is coming to us from Eidos Montreal. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy will have you play as the Star-Lord, leading the Guardians to victory. Fighting against an accidental creation, players will have to make use of the team efficiently. While making decisions for the team, you will also be able to command them into battle.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 10/26/2021 59.99 PEGI 16 PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X/S, PC |
C.
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Call of Duty: Vanguard takes us back to WW2. The game's campaign follows the stories of four characters based on real fighters. These characters are:
- Sgt. Arthur Kingsley, of Britain's 9th Parachute Battalion.
- Captain Wade Jackson, of the U.S.'s Scouting Squadron Six
- Second Lieutenant Lucas Riggs, of Australia's 20th Battalion
- Lt. Polina Petrova, of the Soviet 138th Rifle Division
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 11/5/2021 59.99 Rated M PS4, PS5, XBox One/Series X, PC |
This game explores the horrors of war through the perspective of soldiers who experienced it. It is one of the best-looking new-gen titles yet.
Forza Horizon 5
From Developer, Playground Games, Forza Horizon 5 is set to take us to Mexico! The game is sure to deliver an astonishing graphic experience. The developers assure us that this will be the most diverse title in the series and the most fun. It will offer a vast range of different areas to explore, more character creation options and cars.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 11/9/2021 59.99 Rated E XBox One/Series X, PC |
Halo Infinite
Developed by 343 industries, the legendary Halo series returns with an impressive campaign and a groundbreaking experience. Halo Infinite has the Master Chief ready to battle the most ruthless enemies he has ever come across. This popular FPS is sure to come with a lot of hype as many fans await the return of Halo.
Release Date Cost Current Rating Platforms | 12/8/2021 59.99 M Rating PC, Xbox One, Series X |