Open-World RPGs That Could Define tTe Next Console Generation

As people discuss the future of gaming consoles, it looks like the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox might not arrive until fall 2027 – and even that date could be pushed back. If delayed, this would make the current generation of consoles last longer than most. However, many gamers think 2027 is still too early for new consoles. Because it now takes so long to develop games, players are fortunate to get even a single major title from top developers like Rockstar, Naughty Dog, or CD Projekt Red during the lifespan of a console.

If the next generation of gaming consoles arrives in 2027, what can we anticipate, and how will games look compared to today’s hits? How much better will the graphics be? To explore this, we’ll focus on large-scale, open-world role-playing games planned for release in 2027 or later – games that could really showcase the new consoles. While details are limited for many of these titles – some are still early in development or haven’t even been officially announced – they all point to an exciting future for gaming.

Keep in mind that all of this information comes from games still under development, so details like titles and release dates are subject to change.

The Witcher 4

Very Big Shoes To Fill

Since The Witcher 4 won’t be released in 2026, it will represent the longest gap between game releases for CD Projekt Red. While the game will definitely be playable on current consoles, it’s likely to also be a major title for the next generation of consoles, potentially with features specifically designed for them. Built using Unreal Engine 5, The Witcher 4 aims to create a world as expansive as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with a focus on increased realism and how the game responds to player actions.

We’ve only seen a short demonstration of the game so far, and while it looks amazing, it doesn’t fully represent the final product. Despite this, expectations are high, especially considering the developers successfully improved Cyberpunk 2077 after its initial release. It’s also worth mentioning that some players aren’t excited about playing as Ciri in The Witcher 4, as they strongly associate the series with Geralt. It will be interesting to see if Ciri can change their minds when the full game is released.

The Elder Scrolls 6

Coming When It’s Ready

It’s been a long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6! Bethesda’s Todd Howard first announced the game back in 2018, and has since said it might have been premature to do so, as fans were constantly demanding updates. Over seven years later, and with very few new details revealed, the biggest question remains: when will The Elder Scrolls 6 finally be released?

Okay, so let’s be real, The Elder Scrolls 6 is still a ways off. Bethesda just released Starfield after spending eight years on it, so we’re probably looking at a significant wait. Honestly, I’m starting to think TES6 might even skip this generation of consoles and be built for whatever comes next – they always aim for bigger and better things with each game. They really want to push the boundaries with scope and gameplay, and I expect TES6 will be no different. Everything is just rumors and speculation right now – we don’t even know for sure where it’ll be set, though most people think it’s going to be Hammerfell. But let’s face it, TES6 is one of the most hyped games ever, right up there with Grand Theft Auto 6. No pressure, Bethesda, but we’re all really excited!

Light No Fire

Small Team, Big Ambitions

Light No Fire is a unique project – it’s both more ambitious and developed by a smaller team than the other games here. Hello Games, known for No Man’s Sky, says only a few people have been working on it so far, despite its huge plans. The game aims to create a planet-sized world full of adventure, rich stories, and plenty to explore, all while letting you play with others online. It sounds incredible, but the big question is whether the developers can actually deliver on such a massive vision.

Considering the extensive updates that have transformed No Man’s Sky over the years, the team behind Light No Fire appears well-equipped for the task, though patience is key. We likely won’t see the game for at least two or three years as the team grows and learns from the initial launch of No Man’s Sky. Because Light No Fire aims for a uniquely large-scale experience with few competitors, it has the potential to be truly remarkable and could become a defining game for the next generation of gaming platforms, offering almost limitless possibilities.

Project Orion (Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel)

A Sleeping Giant Yet To Awaken

via CDPR

After the release of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red has grown and now plans to develop both its major franchises at the same time. It’s unclear if the studio can manage all the work, but the idea of releasing The Witcher 4 and a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel (Project Orion) closer together is exciting. Both upcoming games will be built using Unreal Engine 5 instead of CDPR’s older technology, meaning Project Orion will likely have a very different look and feel from the original Cyberpunk 2077.

Details about Project Orion and when it will be released are still under wraps – the game doesn’t even have a final title yet! However, the company reports that over 130 people are now working on it, suggesting pre-production is underway and the game is starting to come together. It’s likely the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 will take a backseat to The Witcher 4 for some time, with the studio probably holding off on revealing major details about Project Orion until after The Witcher 4 is released.

Tom Clancy’s The Division 3

A Monster Looter-Shooter Is Coming

Image via Ubisoft

Ubisoft used to freely share previews and announcements, but now they’re much more tight-lipped about upcoming games. They don’t have many releases currently planned, and several projects, including the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, have reportedly been canceled. While Assassin’s Creed Hexe is a major focus right now, it’s unclear if it will follow the open-world RPG style of recent games like Odyssey, Valhalla, and Shadows. Rumors suggest Ubisoft is trying something completely new with Hexe, aiming to significantly change the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula.

Currently, the most anticipated title is Tom Clancy’s The Division 3, which has been in development at Massive Entertainment for quite some time. It’s expected to build upon the gameplay of The Division 2 and improve it in many ways. However, details are scarce. Aside from a statement from the former game director, Julian Gerighty, calling it a “monster” of a game, there’s been no official announcement about the project, including when it might be released. While it’s possible we could see The Division 3 before the next generation of consoles arrives, it could also be a couple of years before it’s ready for players.

Project Windless (The Bird That Drinks Tears)

Fighting in Massive One-Versus-Many Battles as a Bird-Like Warrior

Back in 2022, Krafton announced a large-scale game called Project Windless, inspired by the popular Korean fantasy novel The Bird That Drinks Tears by Lee Youngdo. The game was envisioned as a single-player, open-world action RPG, similar to The Witcher 3, with a detailed world and complex story. The game world features four distinct races – humans, the Tokkebi (who control fire), the bird-like Rekon, and the reptilian Nhaga – each with unique cultures, languages, and beliefs.

Fans recently got a new look at Project Windless during the February State of Play, showcasing its impressive graphics, detailed world, and action-packed battles. Developed by Krafton Montréal, the game doesn’t have a final title or release date yet, but it is confirmed to be in development for the PS5. Considering how ambitious the game appears, it could even be a launch title for the next-generation PS6. Beyond the large-scale battles reminiscent of Dynasty Warriors, where players face off against hundreds of enemies, the game stands out due to its unique protagonist. Players will control a powerful, nomadic warrior from the Rekon race – a humanoid bird known for its strength and size – which immediately differentiates it from other open-world RPGs.

Project TAL

More Monster Hunter Protagonists, Please

Similar to the game Project Windless, Project TAL (also called TAL: The Arcane Lands) is a promising open-world RPG that’s already generating excitement. Korean developer Madngine is building the game in Unreal Engine 5, focusing on beautiful graphics, epic boss battles, and action-packed combat. Players can also look forward to a moving story, helpful companions, and a detailed fantasy world inspired by Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, complete with mythology and folklore.

The developers also announced that Project TAL is currently planned to launch in 2027. If there aren’t any delays, it could be one of the first open-world action role-playing games available on both the PS6 and the next Xbox. Importantly, the creators have confirmed it won’t be a ‘soulslike’ game, making it potentially appealing to players who prefer faster-paced, action-focused adventures.

2026-02-13 18:12