For many publishers, this is a chance to remind about their strongest franchises, which will lead to announcements of remasters, remakes and special in-game events.
Especially noticeable are the anniversaries of games of the 90s and early 2000s. In 2026, Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, Zelda, Quake and Pokemon celebrate their 30th anniversary — projects that shaped modern genres of horror, shooters and RPGs. At the same time, the 25th anniversary of Xbox and the debut of such hits as Halo: Combat Evolved, Grand Theft Auto III and Silent Hill 2 are celebrated, symbolizing the golden age of gaming for many players.
Modern history also deserves attention: 15 years of Skyrim and Dark Souls, as well as 10 years of Pokémon GO and Overwatch — games that changed open worlds, mobile and network shooters. This stream of anniversaries makes 2026 a celebration of the legacy that shaped the modern industry.
Analysts believe that companies like Nintendo, Capcom and Microsoft will not miss the opportunity to celebrate the events. There are already rumors about special shows and limited edition devices for the anniversaries.