A new year is upon us and with it will come new video games. Heck, we’re even getting new consoles with the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 launching later in the year. Some of the most exciting releases scheduled this year are beloved franchises returning after many years of absence, others are long ago announcements coming together at last in final product form.

Of course, no single 8List can contain all the excitement of an entire calendar year worth of video games. That’s why we tried to keep this list limited to games that actually have a snowball’s chance of releasing before 2021, and focus on big releases that cut across platforms and audiences. There are many big games that are on the way that haven’t confirmed, like Overwatch 2, Hellblade: Senua’s Saga and Atomic Heart. There are also exciting indies that definitely hold promise but don’t have nearly the multi-million player appeal like Spiritfarer, Carrion and Griftlands.

And truthfully, we can’t see the future, who knows if the stock and profile of these titles will rise or fall in the face of new developments and surprise announcements. But for now here are the most anticipated videogames of 2020. If there are any games you feel we’ve missed let us know in the comments.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Releases March 20, 2020 exclusively on Nintendo Switch

Won’t you be our neighbor? The latest installment in the popular social simulation series for the Nintendo Switch moves out from the urban tableaus of previous games and onto a deserted island. There you’ll create a settlement by seeking out resources, crafting tools and objects and doing chores. Make this cozy tropical island your home with peaceful creativity, enjoy the seasons and be a good neighbor!

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2

Tentatively scheduled for late 2020 for Xbox, PlayStation and Windows PCs

Despite being a commercial bomb, the original Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines has grown into a cult favorite with its memorable story and dark but compelling world. More than a decade later, some of the original devs have assembled for a sequel. It’s Christmas in Seattle, and renegade vampires have broken the code of the Masquerade throwing the city into chaos. As a newly turned vampire,  you’ll have to navigate complex vampire politics while fighting fang and claw for survival.

Marvel’s Avengers

Releases May 15, 2020 on PlayStation, Xbox, Windows PC and Google Stadia

For many gamers, the notion of a fully playable team of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is a tantalizing prospect especially in a post-MCU world. When Marvel’s Avengers was unveiled at E3 it got a rough reception, thanks to unconvincing presentation and rough looking characters. Since then, Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics have continuously tuned up the game and as early as Gamescom 2019 we got some promising looking gameplay.

Ghost of Tsushima

Tentatively scheduled for ‘Summer’ 2020 exclusively on PlayStation

Sucker Punch hasn’t really had a stand out title since Infamous: Second Son left them sidelined for most of this console generation. Ghost of Tsushima promises to change that. This extremely gorgeous looking game is set in an open-world medieval Japan, where as The Ghost you deploy skill in stealth and blade to fight back against a Mongol Invasion. It looks like a bloodier, more intense version of Tomb Raider and a more dynamic version of God of War.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Releases March 3, 2020 exclusively on PlayStation

The most legendary of all the Final Fantasy games, Final Fantasy VII is now over two decades old. This remake is being directed by battle director Tetsuya Nomura, and is a lavish do-over of the entire experience with new combat systems, cutting edge graphics and art direction and newly recorded voices for a vastly overhauled script. It truly is a remake, not just a remaster.

Cyberpunk 2077

Releases April 16, 2020 on Windows PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Stadia

It’s been a long time waiting for this one. The very first teaser for Cyberpunk 2077 showed up as far back as 2013. And while there are many cyberpunk games – Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Shadowrun: Dragonfall and Invisible, Inc to name a few – none of them are from the studio behind the very beloved Witcher videogames. This first person action RPG is set in a vast megacity filled with contracts and comrades from the criminal underbelly and corporate ruling class. It will also feature Keanu Reeves in a starring role as a ghost in your head.

Last of Us: Part II

Releases May 29, 2020 exclusively on PlayStation

For many, the ending of 2013’s The Last of Us precludes any follow-up – it has the right amount of mystery and finality to feel satisfying. But apparently developer Naughty Dog feels that more stories can be told in its world. In Last of Us: Part II, a now teenage Ellie is seeking out revenge against a mysterious cult that has gained prominence in a post-outbreak civilization. Expect more gripping stealth, survival and combat.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2

Release date TBA, exclusively for Nintendo Switch

This one bends the rules of this 8List a bit. Which is fine, since release dates slip all the time anyway, so it isn’t one hundred per cent guaranteed that every game on this list will clear in 2020.

But in the case of the currently unnamed sequel to Breath of the Wild, it’s a highly anticipated follow-up the runaway hit of 2017. Breath of the Wild is considered as close to critical perfection as any game has achieved in recent years and a commercial smash that made the Nintendo Switch an exponentially  greater success.

Originally planned as DLC for Breath of the Wild, this game will follow up the narrative threads left hanging at the end of that game and could be Nintendo’s big play for a year that will see two rival consoles launched. It also promises a darker, more intense turn for the saga of Hyrule and maybe, at last, a turn for the titular princess in the spotlight.

Which game are you most looking forward to?