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If 2020 proved anything, it's that video games have an enormous capacity to bring us closer to those that we cherish, and keep us company through long periods of social isolation. As we continue to mitigate the pressures of the pandemic, it's clear that interactive entertainment will once again be a vital lifeline in 2021. Thankfully, there are plenty of exciting new games on the near horizon to keep us occupied, entertained, and in contact with our friends and family. Big in 2021 is GamesRadar's exploration of the games that will shape the year to come.
Throughout January, Big in 2021 will take you closer to the biggest and most exciting games of the year with all-new previews, hands-on reports, and exclusive developer interviews. We will also take you inside the releases that will define the conversation in 2021, check-in on the live service games that we can't seem to quit, and investigate the future of the industry now that the PS5 and Xbox Series X are ushering in a new generation of play.
Be sure to check in with GamesRadar+ every day in January for the latest Big In 2021 features. You can bookmark this coverage hub so that you never miss an article, or look out for the Big in 2021 watermark on the homepage, and our Twitter and Facebook social pages. This is going to be one hell of a year for video games and we're going to cover it all as we explore what will be Big in 2021.
Big in 2021: Games
Big in 2021: Back 4 Blood
Developer: Turtle Rock Studios | Publisher: Warner Bros.
Left 4 Dead kinda sorta lives. The studio behind the hit co-op shooter is back, this time with a spiritual successor that's attempting to take Left 4 Dead's frantic action and drag it kicking and screaming into the next generation. We went hands-on with Back 4 Blood ahead of its release later this year and found it to be a faithful and familiar return for Turtle Rock Studios. Click the link above to read our full impressions.
Big in 2021: Monster Hunter Rise
Developer: In-house | Publisher: Capcom
Monster Hunter has enjoyed a spike of interest in recent years thanks to the seismic impact of Monster Hunter World. Capcom is riding this wave right back to where the series truly belongs – on handheld, so that the only thing stopping you from battling big beasts is your battery life. We went hands-on with Monster Hunter Rise ahead of its release on Nintendo Switch later this year and came away incredibly impressed by what we saw of it.
Big in 2021: Hitman 3
Developer: In-house | Publisher: IO Interactive
Agent 47 is back, and in his best adventure yet. At least, that's the feeling we had after getting an opportunity to play Hitman 3 ahead of its launch on January 20, 2021. IO Interactive is back with yet another series of intricately designed sandboxes, each designed to let you test out new and improved ways to take out high-value targets and generally role-play as the world's deadliest assassin. While we've only had a taste of what Hitman 3 will have to offer, our final preview of the game has left us eager for more.
Big in 2021: Gotham Knights
Developer: WB Games Montreal | Publisher: Warner Bros.
While the legacy of the Arkham games looms large, Warner Bros. Games Montreal is getting ready to unleash a bold new take on Gotham City in 2021. Gotham Knights is an action-RPG set in an open-world Gotham, throwing you into a city in turmoil following the death of the Batman. You'll be charged with investigating Bruce Wayne's murder, all as you attempt to protect Gotham from his greatest villains. We spoke with creative director Patrick Redding and executive producer Fleur Marty to learn more about this dynamic co-op game.
Big in 2021: Hogwarts Legacy
Developer: Avalanche Software | Publisher: Warner Bros.
This has been a long time coming. There has never been a Harry Potter game that has truly pulled us into the world of witchcraft and wizardry. That's what makes Hogwarts Legacy such an interesting proposition; it's an open-world RPG that will let us give shape to our own character and their proficiencies as a wizard, and give us the space to bring either order or chaos to the world of magic and mystery. For fans of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy could well be a dream come true.
Big in 2021: Chorus
Developer: Fishlabs | Publisher: Deep Silver
One of the first games to debut during last year's slew of next-gen livestreams, Chorus is remixing old and new together for an arcade dogfighter sim dressed in shiny, ray-traced clothing. The upcoming sci-fi game is developer Fishlabs' big break into the mainstream space, but with decades' worth of experience in the space-combat sim scene, the studio couldn't be a more suitable candidate for pushing the genre into the next-generation. Follow the link for our full interview with the team to find out why this Chorus could be one worth singing along to.
Big in 2021: Hood Outlaws and Legends
Developer: Sumo Digital | Publisher: Focus Interactive
The Robin Hood myth has been given the next-gen treatment in Hood: Outlaws and Legends from Sumo Digital Newcastle. The upcoming PvEvP game sees you and your band of merry friends compete for Nottingham's treasure, with bloody, third-person action-combat that intends to pull none of its bowstrings. We spoke to Sumo Digital to find out more about its medieval take on the heist movie, so follow the link to discover why Hood: Outlaws and Legends should remain in your sights this year.
Big in 2021: Season
Developer: In-house | Publisher: Scavengers Studio
Season blew everyone away at last year's Game Awards ceremony, with a drop dead gorgeous reveal trailer that gave us a tantalising taste of Scavengers Studio's first new title since 2018's Darwin Project. Set in a world on the brink of catastrophe, you'll cycle your way across stunning landscapes to learn more about the cultures and civilisations of that which is about to be lost forever. Sounds pretty powerful, right? Read our full interview with creative director Kevin Sullivan to find out more.
Big in 2021: Lake
Developer: Whitehorn Digital | Publisher: Gamious
The impact of finding a moment of calm in an otherwise chaotic world can not be overstated. Lake understands that, with this upcoming indie game looking to drop you into the shoes of a delivery driver in sun-soaked '80s Oregon. Designed to offer a little slice of life, you'll deliver parcels, meet the locals, and set your anxiety to one side as you get lost on a peaceful drive. Click the link above and meet the team behind one of 2021's most delightful indies.
Big in 2021: Little Devil Inside
Developer: In-house | Publisher: Neostream
Little Devil Inside is setting the benchmark high for the next generation of indie games. This mini Monster Hunter is designed to be a minimalist RPG, mining the depths of our collective imagination for a PS5 adventure we won't soon forget. Our sister publication Edge magazine spoke with the team behind this exciting 2021 release and you should click the link above to learn more about one of the most interesting looking independent releases of the year.
Big in 2021: GhostWire Tokyo
Developer: Tango Gameworks | Publisher: Bethesda
Tango Gameworks might be best known for developing The Evil Within series of games, but the studio is leaving survival horror behind in 2021. GhostWire: Tokyo is the team's first foray into the realm of action, shifting gears into first-person and exchanging firearms for magic-infused fists in this delightfully strange new adventure. Karate, magic, and mysterious ghost tales collide for this awesome new PS5 exclusive set to land in late 2021.
Big in 2021: Halo Infinite
Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Halo Infinite was a Big in 2020 title, but now it's even bigger in 2021. The game's delay means we'll get an even more polished take on the sixth installment in the Halo franchise that bridges the gap between console generations without sacrificing quality on any device. Expect beautifully rendered worlds, extra-crispy gameplay, and a new, fully customizable control scheme that will take Halo Infinite above and beyond our already lofty expectations. We wanted a Halo Infinite last year, but we'll get an even better Halo Infinite this year.
Big in 2021: Editorial
20 indie games to keep on your radar in 2021
The indie games scene went from strength to strength in 2020, and 2021 looks set to continue this momentum with a vast library of very promising upcoming titles. Spread across a wide variety of different genres, there are plenty of standout platformers, puzzlers, open-world adventures, and everything in between. This roundup of the 20 most exciting indie games to keep on your radar in 2021 serves as yet more proof that the indie space is fit to bursting with diverse and creative experiences to look forward to.
2021 will show us what the PS5 and Xbox Series X can really deliver
Traditionally, you're able to get a real sense of a new platform from the games that release within its first year on the market. To kick off Big in 2021, GamesRadar looks back at what recent console launches to see if we can learn any lessons from the past and apply them to the era being ushered in by the PS5 and Xbox Series X. One thing is for certain: with so many excellent looking games on the near horizon, 2021 is going to be a massive, consequential year for the video game industry.
10 video game trends to look out for in 2021
New consoles, evolving technology, and highly anticipated video games: 2021 is going to be a huge year for all that like to play. As a result, there's quite a bit to keep track of; sometimes it can be difficult to get a sense of where you should direct your attention and what you should focus on. If you're looking for a quick update on the key points of interest and discussion heading into this new year, we have put together this feature exploring the top 10 game trends to look out for in 2021.
Throughout Big in 2021, GamesRadar is exploring what we believe to be the 21 most anticipated and exciting games of the new year – but they aren't the only releases on the schedule! No, there are plenty more games on the way and if you're looking to get a better sense of all of then, you'll want to click the link above and see the full slate of upcoming video games for the year.
Big in 2021 is the GamesRadar+ spring preview, covering the most exciting and anticipated video games of 2021. This coverage hub will be updated daily throughout January with all of our reporting, analysis, previews, and more.
