Huge Gaming Franchises That Haven’t Had A New Entry In Over A Decade

Certain video game series, like Super Mario, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, and Call of Duty, seem to consistently release new installments – and they almost always sell incredibly well. However, we shouldn’t assume this will always be the case. Many popular gaming franchises have unfortunately disappeared over time due to studio closures and other unforeseen issues.

Even after many years, some beloved game series still have a chance at a comeback. Many franchises haven’t had a new game in over ten years, but fans haven’t forgotten them and there’s always a possibility of a surprise return. Here are a few examples of series that could announce a new installment at any moment, much to the delight of their dedicated fans.

Banjo-Kazooie

Bear And Bird Could Still Unite Again

Banjo and Kazooie are a memorable pair from a golden age for Nintendo, when the game developer Rare was at its best – creating hits like GoldenEye 007 for the N64. The first Banjo-Kazooie game came out in 1998, introducing a charming cast of characters, including the heroic duo and the villainous Gruntilda. While 3D platformer games were gaining popularity, Banjo-Kazooie stood out with its unique gameplay and lovable characters, leaving a lasting impact on players. Their continued popularity was clear when they were announced as playable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

It’s been a long time since a new Banjo-Kazooie game – the last one, Nuts & Bolts, came out in 2008 for the Xbox 360. That game changed things up with a focus on building vehicles and a different character style, which didn’t appeal to many fans. A fresh, imaginative 3D platformer, built with today’s technology, could be incredibly popular with those who fondly remember the classic games.

TimeSplitters

FPS Action With A Wonderfully Silly Twist

Many current fans of games like Call of Duty and Battlefield are too young to remember the TimeSplitters series. The last game, TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, came out in 2005. Developed by Free Radical Design, like the earlier games, it featured time-traveling space marines working with allies to stop a dangerous race called the TimeSplitters.

The games became popular thanks to modes like Challenge and Arcade League, which gave solo players plenty to do. They were even better with friends, especially in unique multiplayer modes like the incredibly chaotic ‘Virus,’ a twist on tag. While fans still try to keep the series alive unofficially, any official revivals have been unsuccessful. It would be fantastic to see a modern, expanded version of the game for a new audience.

Wario Land

Are The Platformer Days Behind Him Now?

Wario first appeared in video games as the villain in Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins. He established himself as a sneaky and greedy character by stealing Mario’s castle, and the Wario Land games reinforced this image. Wario is obsessed with collecting gold and treasure, and he’ll do almost anything to get it. The Wario Land platformers are known for their rougher, more physical gameplay, emphasizing Wario’s strength and moves like tackles and body slams to overcome challenges.

It’s been a long time since a new Wario Land game – the last one, Wario Land: Shake It!, came out in 2008. That game was a fantastic 2D adventure full of secrets. Fans would love a new game similar to Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, but with a darker, more Wario-like feel.

BioShock

Would You Kindly … Release Another Game?

We’re still learning about Judas, the new game from Ken Levine and Ghost Story Games. It’s being described as a spiritual follow-up to Levine’s famous BioShock series, and you can definitely see the similarities. While Judas is exciting, the BioShock story felt complete with the Burial at Sea episodes for BioShock Infinite. There haven’t been any new BioShock games since 2014, and many fans believe this beloved series deserves a continuation.

For years, fans have been hoping for a new BioShock game, and Take-Two Interactive confirmed to IGN in August 2025 that it is still planned. However, like a potential revival of TimeSplitters, development has faced challenges due to changes in the studio and staff. Despite these hurdles, the original BioShock remains beloved for its unique underwater setting, terrifying creatures like Little Sisters and Big Daddies, and distinctive dark, steampunk style. There’s truly nothing else like it – a game that even rewards ruthless play – and anticipation for a sequel continues to build.

Dino Crisis

Resident Evil, But Toothier

Certain games define entire genres, and when it comes to survival horror, Resident Evil is one of the most iconic. Its popularity has led to numerous updated versions and remakes, keeping the original games relevant. The 2020 remake of Resident Evil 3, for example, successfully reintroduced players—both new and old—to the terrifying world and the relentless Nemesis. However, it’s easy to overlook another classic survival horror series from Capcom: Dino Crisis.

Originally released in 1999, three years after the first Resident Evil, this series combined elements from that game – like a special forces team similar to STARS – with the thrilling danger of dinosaurs. Over time, the games explored time travel and the science behind these creatures, creating a unique blend of futuristic and prehistoric worlds. Fans have long hoped Capcom will create a new installment that truly showcases the potential of these amazing dinosaurs, and it would be a major hit if they did.

Dead Space

The Necromorphs May Rise Again

The Dino Crisis series hasn’t had a new game since 2003, so many modern survival horror fans may not be familiar with it. However, most have likely played Dead Space. The first Dead Space game came out in 2008 and follows Isaac Clarke, a future engineer, as he investigates the abandoned mining ship USG Ishimura. He and his team try to uncover what happened and the source of the terrifying creatures called necromorphs. By Dead Space 3 in 2013, Isaac has battled these creatures across a massive space station and on the planet Tau Volantis.

Reviving the Dead Space series is tough now that the original developer, Visceral Games, has closed. However, the series’ creator is open to the idea, and fans would likely be thrilled. Dead Space is known for its intense violence, advanced weaponry, and innovative combat where you can dismember enemies, all wrapped around a compelling and disturbing story. While the 2023 remake of the first game has reignited interest, fans are now hoping for a brand new Dead Space 4.

Advance Wars

A Legendary Strategy Series That Deserves Another Outing

I first got into the Advance Wars series way back in 2001 when the Game Boy Advance came out, and it totally hooked me! It’s one of those games that seems simple at first, but it’s actually really deep strategically. Turn-based strategy can be intimidating, but Advance Wars made it so approachable with its fun, colorful style. What I loved is that it didn’t sacrifice challenge for accessibility. It gradually introduced things like how terrain affects battles and the importance of keeping things hidden with fog of war. They kept adding new units and slowly making things harder, which was perfect. It was a really smart way to teach you everything you needed to know.

As a long-time Advance Wars fan, I remember being so excited by all the new Commanding Officers, units, and gameplay tweaks between the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS games! The last totally new game, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, really changed things up with a darker, more serious tone back in 2008. We did get a release more recently – Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp on the Switch in 2023 – but I’m really hoping that was just Nintendo testing the waters and that we’ll see a completely new Advance Wars game developed for the Switch 2!

Jak & Daxter

Another Outing For The Intrepid Duo

PlayStation’s never really had that one iconic mascot like Mario or Sonic, but they’ve definitely got characters that really stick with you. For me, Jak and Daxter are right up there. I first met them on the PlayStation 2 back in 2001 with Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. The story kicks off when Daxter accidentally turns into an ottsel – seriously, it’s a funny transformation! – and they go searching for a wise old sage named Gol, hoping he can turn Daxter back to normal.

Daxter stayed an ottsel throughout the Jak and Daxter series, with the last game, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, released in 2009. While the series seems to have faded from memory—its original developer, Naughty Dog, moved on to create major franchises like The Last of Us and Uncharted—it would be great to see a new Jak and Daxter game on today’s PlayStation consoles. There are still many unanswered questions about the struggle with Dark Eco, and the Precursors clearly have more hidden lore that could be revealed.

2025-11-29 07:36