Let's figure out what we'll be playing in the near future.
Xbox Partner Preview: From psychological thrillers to harsh survival
The Preview event was entirely dedicated to games from third-party studios and new products for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. And there was something to see here!
The most unexpected announcement was the performance of RGG Studio (authors of the legendary Like a Dragon series). Forget about the showdown in Kamurocho - their new project Stranger Than Heaven goes towards a dark psychological thriller. The developers promise a deep plot and signature cinematography, but this time with an emphasis on a tense atmosphere.
For those who are waiting for news from Chernobyl, GSC Game World has prepared fresh gameplay of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl We were shown the“A-Life 2.0”system in detail. The zone now looks even more alive: the ecosystem dynamically reacts to every player’s action and the vagaries of the weather. It looks impressive and very tough!
Tactics fans are not left out either. Studio Owlcat Games presented the first gameplay of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. This RPG in the Expanse universe is already being compared with the “sci-fi Mass Effect”, but with a bias towards realism (hard sci-fi). We are waiting for battles in zero gravity, complex political intrigues and, of course, building relationships with the crew.
Other news from the presentation:
— Crimson Desert has acquired a new trailer. Now it's official: the release is scheduled for the end of 2026.
— Announced Screamer is a restart of the classic franchise in the format of cyberpunk racing with an anime style for PC.
— Surprises in Game Pass: Right after the show, the driving simulator Easy Delivery Co. was added to the library (about a mysterious mountain town and physics) and the historical urban planning of Nova Roma from Hooded Horse.
What else happened on March 26?
In addition to the Xbox presentation, several major releases took place today. Life is Strange: Reunion, a new chapter in the history of your favorite story-driven adventures, has been released. And owners of the brand new Nintendo Switch 2 received their own version ofSuper Mario Bros. Wonder, which includes a fresh expansion of Meetup in Bellabel Park.
Meanwhile, PAX East 2026 kicked off in Boston. On the first day, Gearbox Entertainment took to the main stage to share plans for the development of Borderlands 4. The studio presented a roadmap for the entire year 2026 and immediately released the first major story addition - Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned.
And as usual - good news for freebie lovers. The Epic Games Store has started giving away two games: pick up the colony simulator Havendock and the driving bullet-hell shooter Hyper Echelon.
This Thursday will definitely go down in history as one of the busiest days of 2026. What news pleased you most?
