On October 3, an unexpected twist emerged in the gaming landscape as Kingmakers announced a delay to an unspecified future date, just hours after the publication of a related story. This development adds to the unpredictability of the month, which is already shaping up to be quite eventful. The Outer Worlds 2 remains an honorary mention on the list, allowing for continuity in the conversation.
October’s Gaming Landscape
Last month marked a significant moment in PC gaming, highlighted by the surprise announcement of the imminent launch of Hollow Knight: Silksong. This excitement prompted several smaller titles to announce delays, effectively clearing the path for the anticipated release. Following closely was Borderlands 4, both of which ranked high on Steam’s wishlist ahead of their launches. As we brace for October, it’s clear that this month promises to be even more substantial.
Five games are currently vying for attention at the top of Steam’s most-wishlisted chart, all set to launch this month. Historically, October has been a pivotal month for game releases, with major titles often gaining traction on wishlists as their launch dates approach. While it’s not uncommon to see two or three highly anticipated games competing for attention, having five is a rarity that signals a busy calendar ahead.
Among the most anticipated October releases is Avowed, which garnered positive reception back in February. It earns a spot in the discussion as an honorary mention. Surprisingly, Little Nightmares 3 has also climbed the wishlist ranks, despite its spooky sidescroller genre being well-loved by fans.
Expectations are high for Battlefield 6 and The Outer Worlds 2, both of which are marquee titles from major publishers. Their popularity is almost a given, as dedicated players are likely to flock to these releases. Little Nightmares 3, while expected to perform well, may not reach the explosive heights of Silksong.
However, the rest of the lineup presents a more uncertain picture, which could tip the month from a busy release schedule into a whirlwind of chaos. One title to watch is ARC Raiders, an extraction shooter that has piqued interest following the success of the free-to-play team shooter The Finals by Embark Studios. The online shooter landscape is notoriously unpredictable, akin to Schrödinger’s cat—its fate remains uncertain until the launch occurs.
Another intriguing entry is Kingmakers, a co-op shooter reminiscent of Dynasty Warriors and PUBG. This title could very well capture the spotlight, as its trailers showcase players battling massive medieval armies with modern weaponry. Yet, as history has shown, appearances can be deceiving—just look at the former frontrunner, The Day Before, which faltered upon release.
Then there’s Bloodlines 2, a sequel to a cult classic RPG that has faced a tumultuous development journey, including studio changes and numerous delays. The Chinese Room has tempered expectations, cautioning players that it may not rival the scale of Baldur’s Gate 3. Early impressions from our own Robin Valentine describe it as “richly authentic, intriguingly written, dripping with brooding atmosphere, and… not very fun to play,” which may resonate with the original game’s legacy. Conversely, Fraser found the combat to be more engaging.
With such a plethora of highly-anticipated titles launching simultaneously, the outcome of October remains shrouded in uncertainty. Embracing this unpredictability may be the best approach as gamers prepare for what lies ahead.
