I recently returned from the GDC Festival of Gaming, an industry-centric event in San Francisco, previously known as the Game Developers Conference. While the focus of the event primarily revolved around educational sessions and networking for developers, there was also a delightful array of games to experience. Below are some standout titles that caught my attention, all of which are set to launch this year, potentially before the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.
At Fate’s End
At Fate’s End is a visually stunning action-adventure game crafted by Thunder Lotus, the developers behind Spiritfarer. This title delves into the complexities of sibling relationships through a blend of exploration and combat. During my playthrough, I engaged in two exhilarating battles featuring one of the main character’s siblings. The encounters were not only thrilling, showcasing dramatic animations and full-screen lightning attacks, but also included dialogue choices that could alter the game’s ending. This captivating experience has lingered in my thoughts long after the event. At Fate’s End is slated for a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Mina the Hollower
The latest offering from Yacht Club Games, known for Shovel Knight, is Mina the Hollower, which pays homage to Link’s Awakening on the Game Boy. Players take on the role of a mouse capable of digging through the ground. Following a delay last October, the game is now set to launch this spring. My recent demo experience was a stark contrast to my earlier disappointment; I found joy in exploring the vibrant world, battling formidable foes, and uncovering hidden secrets. Mina the Hollower will be available this spring on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
The Melty Way
The Melty Way combines challenging platforming reminiscent of Super Meat Boy with a unique twist: players control an adorable slime that melts away as it navigates through levels. This reduction in size allows for higher jumps and access to tighter spaces, but there’s a catch—if players fail to reach a checkpoint or complete the level in time, the cute slime meets an untimely end, evoking a sense of empathy for the character. The Melty Way is set to enter early access on Steam on April 24th.
Poke a Nose
In the whimsical world of Poke a Nose, developed by Jelle van Meerendonk, players control a severed hand that flies around collecting toilet paper and ultimately poking noses to complete levels. The absurdity of the concept is matched by the finesse required to maneuver the hand effectively, making the successful nose poke at the end of a level a gratifying achievement. The game is targeting a 2026 release on PC, though early 2027 is looking more probable according to the developer.
Super Meat Boy 3D
Continuing the legacy of the beloved Super Meat Boy, Super Meat Boy 3D promises a challenging 3D adaptation of the original’s notoriously difficult gameplay. I was pleased to discover that many of the classic elements remain intact, including the signature floaty jumps and the ever-present buzzsaws. While the new perspective occasionally led to some confusing jumps resulting in untimely deaths, the quick restart feature mitigated any frustration. Super Meat Boy 3D is expected to launch in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
