GOTY - Softonic English

Capcom's next big game has puzzles, action, robot girls, and could take the GOTY from Resident Evil Requiem

Capcom is on a winning streak with video games. Pragmata has this premise. It has had a hell of a tumultuous story. It has finally been released and is being very well received. Its combination of action and puzzles works very well. It could take the GOTY from Requiem… and we still have Onimusha left. Capcom has an excellent streak when it comes to releases. Even limiting ourselves to 2026, they have released The Disney Afternoon Collection along with Digital Eclipse, Resident Evil Requiem, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection in just three months. All meeting or exceeding internal expectations of […]

Capcom is on a winning streak with video games. Pragmata has this premise. It has had a tumultuous story. It has finally been released and is being very well received. Its combination of action and puzzles works very well. It could take the GOTY from Requiem… and we still have Onimusha to look forward to.

Capcom is on an excellent streak when it comes to releases. Even limiting ourselves to 2026, they have released The Disney Afternoon Collection together with Digital Eclipse, Resident Evil Requiem, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, and Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection in just three months. All meeting or exceeding the internal expectations of the Japanese studio.

Although for the rest of the year we currently only know of two titles, that doesn’t mean they don’t have more prepared. Or that the ones we know are not two heavyweights. One of them, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, is the return of a beloved classic from the PlayStation 2 generation and has had several recent successful remasters, but it still doesn’t have a specific release date. The other has just been released and can already be considered a great success. Because Pragmata is a new IP from Capcom and it seems to be performing much better than they expected.

A game with a whole story behind it

Pragmata is an action-adventure game that puts us in the shoes of Hugh, an astronaut, who must protect Diana, a robot in the form of a girl, after a hostile AI from a research station on the Moon infects all the robots and begins to attack humans indiscriminately. This will translate into a tremendously emotional adventure where Diana and Hugh will bond throughout the journey while confronting the threats posed by the robots.

The most surprising thing about Pragmata is that it has been released at all. Because there was a time, not long ago, when it seemed that Pragmata was going to be one of those projects that gets put in a drawer and is quietly canceled without ever being mentioned again. With a release originally planned for 2022, in January 2021 it was announced that the game would be delayed until 2023. When June 2023 arrived, the game was delayed again, but this time indefinitely. This led many people to think that the game would never come out. Until in June 2025, during a Sony State of Play, Capcom announced that the game would finally be released in 2026.

Released on April 17, 2026, although the Japanese will have to wait until the 24th of the same month, the game has received fantastic reviews. With an average score of 86 on Metacritic and 95% of critics recommending it on OpenCritic, it is one of the highest-rated games of the year. And although it is surpassed by Resident Evil Requiem in average score, there is one thing everyone agrees on: Pragmata feels like an Xbox 360 game. And that’s a good thing.

A winning combination

Pragmata combines elements of action and puzzles in a very unique way. Hugh has up to four weapons available at all times, but the robots are very resistant to his attacks. To make them vulnerable, we will have to hack them remotely with Diana, which will expose their vulnerabilities, as well as induce altered effects or other kinds of particularities as we progress in the game. The uniqueness of this is that both things do not occur in separate instances. Both happen at the same time.

As we move with Hugh using the left trigger, we control the hacking puzzle with the right. This will force us to pay close attention to positioning and managing enemies, as we won’t be able to move the camera comfortably while hacking. Hence, the game feels like it’s from the 360 era. Invent something new, original, and fresh, in a way that already feels impossible for video games; the generation of 360 games was the last to do this kind of gimmicks, which have disappeared since the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generation.

It is for that reason that it is not bold to imagine a scenario where Pragmata could end up snatching the GOTY from Resident Evil Requiem. Although the ninth installment of the zombie franchise is excellent, Pragmata brings something that the former cannot: it puts something original on the table. Something that feels new and exciting.

In that sense, Capcom has managed to create an action game that will delight old-school gamers, but can also resonate with modern players due to the uniqueness of its premise. However, that doesn’t mean they are resting on their laurels. As we have already mentioned, they still have to release another major title this year, still without a date, with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. By the end of 2026, we might find that the GOTY is contested between Capcom, Capcom, and also Capcom. For now, they are on the right track for that.

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One of the most veteran animators at Rockstar believes there is a game that can take the GOTY away from GTA6

Mike York, veteran animator from Rockstar, has made bold statements about the potential of Crimson Desert to win the Game of the Year (GOTY) title if GTA 6 does not meet player expectations. In an analysis on his YouTube channel, York highlighted the features of the new title in development by Pearl Abyss, surprising many with his comparison to GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2. He has faith in Crimson Desert. York, who has extensive experience in creating highly successful titles, emphasized that Crimson Desert offers a vast map and a variety […]

Mike York, veteran animator from Rockstar, has made bold statements about the potential of Crimson Desert to win the Game of the Year (GOTY) title if GTA 6 does not meet player expectations.

In an analysis on his YouTube channel, York highlighted the features of the new title in development by Pearl Abyss, surprising many with his comparison to GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Has faith in Crimson Desert

York, who has extensive experience in creating successful titles, highlighted that Crimson Desert offers a vast map and a variety of mechanics that invite exploration.

According to his assessments, the game could provide over 100 hours of content, with a world that surpasses the size of Red Dead Redemption 2 and is twice as large as Skyrim. “This game is clearly aimed at players looking for experiences like ‘Red Dead 2’, something new and truly massive that they can explore,” he commented.

Despite the expectations surrounding Crimson Desert, the gaming community remains attentive to the release date of GTA 6, scheduled for November 19, 2026. This date has raised concerns about its possible impact on the voting for GOTY. The concern is that if GTA 6 does not meet the high expectations, it could be postponed for consideration in the 2027 nominations, which would significantly alter the landscape of candidates this year.

The discussion about the dates has gained momentum in forums like Reddit, where users have debated how the release dates and voting could be influenced by the launch of GTA 6. With Crimson Desert establishing a strong presence ahead of its release in March 2024, only time will tell if York’s predictions come to fruition.

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Expedition 33 is already the most awarded game in the history of video games

The impact of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on the video game industry continues to resonate after reaching an unprecedented milestone: with 436 awards since its launch, it has become the game with the most Game of the Year accolades since records began in 2003. This success places it above Elden Ring, which previously held the record with 435 awards, a remarkable achievement considering the fierce competition from standout titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong. No other game has ever won so many awards Since its arrival on the market, Clair Obscur: […]

The impact of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on the video game industry continues to resonate after reaching an unprecedented milestone: with 436 awards since its launch, it has become the game with the most Game of the Year accolades since records began in 2003. This success places it above Elden Ring, which until now held the record with 435 awards, a remarkable achievement considering the fierce competition from standout titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong.

No other game has ever won so many awards

Since its arrival on the market, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been acclaimed for its gameplay and immersive design, leading many in the gaming community to predict its success at the awards. The game won 9 trophies at the recent Game Awards, adding to its already impressive collection of awards and demonstrating its popularity across various platforms and communities. Resetera, a respected video game forum, has been instrumental in compiling these achievements, documenting the GOTY worldwide, which has allowed Expedition 33 to stand out from the crowd.

Despite the considerable competition in the market, this RPG from Sandfall Interactive managed to stand out in a year when other titans like The Legend of Zelda did not make their appearance, which undoubtedly favored its chances of recognition. Although the number of awards has increased over time, the quality of the game is undeniable, and it is clear that the dedication of its developers has paid off, establishing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a benchmark in the industry.

While waiting for the results of the upcoming BAFTA, it is hard to imagine that the game could achieve more significant recognition than it already has. With this new record, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 secures its place in the history of contemporary video games.

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Former Rare developer is blunt about Expedition 33: using AI instead of paying people shows they are a bunch of lazy people

The recent controversy surrounding the video game Expedition 33 has sparked a broad debate about the use of artificial intelligence in the video game development industry. Sandfall Interactive, the developer behind the successful JRPG, admitted to having used generative AI technology to create some temporary textures, which were removed five days after the game’s release. This decision triggered the revocation of the ‘Game of the Year’ award at the Indie Game Awards, which has generated significant reactions in the developer community. A criticism that will not sit well among fans Chris Seavor, former developer at Rare, […]

A criticism that will not sit well with fans

Chris Seavor, former developer at Rare, expressed his discontent on Bluesky, suggesting that using AI in this way shows a lack of effort on the part of developers. “Don’t be lazy and pay for your work,” emphasized Seavor, although he also admitted that the use of AI in development may be more common than one might think. For her part, independent developer PeachyAenne highlighted the importance of unity within the community when addressing these critical issues.

The controversy has also highlighted a division in the community regarding the use of AI. Daniel Vávra, writer of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, defended the implementation of AI, arguing that it can facilitate the creation of high-quality games with smaller teams, similar to the work dynamics of past eras. However, other developers, including former members of teams behind titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, criticized the lack of transparency from some companies, insisting on the need to respect the work of employees.

This debate highlights the complexity of integrating artificial intelligence into creative processes and raises questions about ethics in video game production, as the industry continues to evolve constantly.

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The next game from the studio behind Expedition 33 will not be bigger

The development of the game Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive has been a great success, selling over 5 million copies and winning a total of nine awards at The Game Awards, including the prestigious recognition of Game of the Year. However, despite this remarkable achievement, the studio leader, Guillaume Broche, has decided that they will not expand. In a recent interview, Broche explained that they prioritize creativity and the happiness of the team over business growth. I think it’s good to have limitations when you are creative, he stated, emphasizing the importance of making games that […]

The development of the game Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive has been a great success, selling over 5 million copies and winning a total of nine awards at The Game Awards, including the prestigious recognition of Game of the Year. However, despite this remarkable achievement, the studio leader, Guillaume Broche, has decided that they will not expand. In a recent interview, Broche explained that they prioritize creativity and the happiness of the team over business growth. I think it’s good to have limitations when you are creative, he stated, emphasizing the importance of making games that they themselves want to play.

They can do it, but they don’t want to

Although the landscape is playing favorably, with its success inspiring optimism about the future of independent and lower-budget games, Sandfall has faced controversies. The most notable was the revocation of its Game of the Year award at the Indie Game Awards, due to concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and the classification of the game as independent. This situation has sparked debates about the categorization of video games in the current industry.

Despite the success of Expedition 33 potentially leading the company to consider an increase in its staff and resources, Broche emphasized that they prefer to maintain a more intimate approach to video game creation. We don’t want to manage, we want to keep making games, he commented. Their philosophy focuses on adapting the game to the team rather than forcing the team to adapt to market demands. The best way to take care of people is to create something sincere, that has a strong soul and identity, Broche added.

Although Sandfall has not yet revealed details about its upcoming project, the big successes of Expedition 33 have made a mark on the industry, showing that it is possible for lower-budget games to find a place in a market dominated by expensive sequels.

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Megabonk rejected its nomination for the Game Awards, but now its honesty offers it an even greater reward

In one of the most surprising news stories leading up to the Game Awards, the indie game Megabonk is in the spotlight due to its controversial nomination in the Player’s Voice category. Its creator, an anonymous developer, previously requested that their game be withdrawn from the nomination for “best indie debut,” arguing that they had already released other titles under different pseudonyms. This request was accepted and marked the first time a nominee disappeared from the list of potential awardees in the event’s history, an exercise in honesty that was very well received by the community. Nominated […]

In one of the most surprising news stories leading up to the Game Awards, the indie game Megabonk is in the spotlight for its controversial nomination in the Player’s Voice category. Its creator, an anonymous developer, previously requested that their game be withdrawn from the nomination for “best indie debut,” arguing that they had already released other titles under different pseudonyms. This request was accepted and marked the first time a nominee disappeared from the list of potential awardees in the history of the event, an exercise in honesty that was very well received by the community.

Nominated in another category at the Game Awards

However, the story doesn’t end there. Megabonk has been reinstated as a candidate for the prestigious Player’s Voice award, where players have the opportunity to vote for their favorite game of the year. Despite facing tough competition that includes renowned titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Battlefield 6, the developer’s passion and the community’s support could help the small indie work achieve a prominent position in this category.

The development budget of Megabonk is considerably lower than that of its larger competitors, which further highlights the surprising nomination. The game’s creator has expressed his enthusiasm through social media, asking players to vote in support of his title: “We are back in full swing. Please vote,” he stated.

Fans who wish to participate in the voting can do so through the official Game Awards page. They will need to register, but the process is simple. It is important to mention that the voting will take place in three different phases and is not limited to games released this year, which broadens the range of options for voters.

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The director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth claims that this French JRPG should win the GOTY

The RPG from Sandfall Interactive, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has captured the attention of both the gaming community and the specialized press, being considered one of the best titles released this year. Many enthusiasts are already proposing it as a strong candidate for the Game of the Year (GOTY) 2025 award, a recognition that supports its remarkable commercial success and its favorable reception among fans and critics. Hamaguchi, convinced of the virtues of Expedition 33 Recently, Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has joined the voices praising this title, choosing it as his game of the […]

Hamaguchi, convinced of the virtues of Expedition 33

Recently, Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has joined the voices praising this title, choosing it as his game of the year in a statement given to the media GamesRadar. Hamaguchi highlighted that the combination of elements within the game, including its combat system inspired by classic JRPGs, the setting, the narrative, and the characters, are exceptionally balanced. “Everything fits perfectly,” said the Japanese director, emphasizing the solid gameplay that manages to engage players.

The visit from part of the Sandfall team to the Square Enix headquarters was received by Hamaguchi as a gesture of respect towards the legacy of traditional JRPGs, revealing a mutual admiration between the creators. “Not only have they created a great game, but they also showed that respect for the classic style,” he expressed about the attention to detail and high quality showcased in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

As competition in the video game industry intensifies, the success of titles like Expedition 33 highlights a shift in the landscape, with an additional mention that major productions are increasingly facing obstacles. The ability of this title to resonate with players suggests that there is a promising future for developers who prioritize quality and emotional connection in their releases.

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With the delay of GTA6, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 sees the path open to being the game of the year

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI from Rockstar Games has been postponed from October 2025 to May 26, 2026. This change has sparked mixed reactions in the industry, given that GTA 6 has positioned itself as one of the most anticipated titles in recent years, despite the fact that no gameplay footage has been shown yet. The decision to delay the game aims to give developers enough time to perfect the title without rushing, which has transformed the landscape of the year’s end in the video game industry. […]

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI by Rockstar Games has been postponed from October 2025 to May 26, 2026. This change has sparked mixed reactions in the industry, as GTA 6 has positioned itself as one of the most anticipated titles in recent years, despite the fact that no gameplay footage has been shown yet. The decision to delay the game aims to give developers enough time to perfect the title without rushing, which has transformed the landscape of the year’s end in the video game industry.

Actor Luke Dale, who plays the character Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, celebrated the delay on his Twitter account, expressing his excitement for an “opportunity” for his game to become the GOTY 2025. This kind of reaction suggests that other developers might also view the delay of GTA 6 positively, as it alleviates competition in an already saturated market of anticipated releases.

GTA 6, considered a strong contender for game of the year, has left a vacancy that titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are looking to take advantage of. The RPG from Warhorse Studios has been acclaimed as one of the masterpieces of 2025, raising expectations around its release. The lack of direct competition from a giant like GTA 6, which undoubtedly attracts public attention, could play in favor of other developers, allowing their own works to shine more brightly in the hearts of players and critics.

With the new release calendar, the focus will be on the titles that will hit the market in that timeframe, and only time will tell if the optimistic projections of Dale and others in the industry come to fruition. It is expected that as the year progresses, more details about these emerging games will begin to surface, including perhaps, even if just a rumor, a new look at GTA 6 in the coming months.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been a complete success and it is on the table to continue expanding it

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the recent success of Sandfall Interactive, has captured the attention of both players and critics, achieving an impressive milestone of over 500,000 units sold. Despite its launch in a highly competitive market, especially in the shadow of Oblivion: Remastered, the game has received nearly universal acclaim, positioning itself as a strong contender for Game of the Year. The DLC was not planned, but it could very well happen. Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the game, has shared some updates about the future of the title on Instagram, where she has addressed concerns […]

The DLC was not planned, but it could very well happen

Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, the lead writer of the game, has shared some updates about the future of the title on Instagram, where she has addressed players’ concerns about the possibility of downloadable content. Although Svedberg-Yen has made it clear that there are currently no concrete plans for a DLC, she mentioned that Sandfall Interactive’s intention has always been to assess the community’s response before making definitive decisions.

In her messages, Svedberg-Yen expressed: “Nothing concrete that I can say at this moment, honestly, we are still trying to process everything that is happening. We have always said that if there is a strong desire from the players, we would love to do something more, and based on the response so far, I would say the chances are good.” This statement has generated expectations among the game’s fans, who see the potential to expand the experience offered.

The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is not only measured in sales but also in its positive reception, suggesting that the path for a DLC could be more than clear. With the community showing strong interest in the game, the conditions seem favorable for Sandfall Interactive to evaluate future additional content, although, as is common in the industry, the details about what could be included remain uncertain.

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The future of Astro Bot may not be in paying homage to other video game characters

The phenomenon of Astro Bot continues to resonate in the video game industry. After its release several months ago, this title from Team Asobi has been recognized as the Game of the Year 2024, a distinction that reaffirms its quality and popularity. At the BAFTA Game Awards 2025, Astro Bot took home five awards, thus consolidating its success and connection with its audience. The future of Astro Bot seems different from what we imagined. In an exclusive post-awards interview, creative director Nicolas Doucet revealed that the team never anticipated the impact the game would have. “Creating Astro […]

The future of Astro Bot seems different from what we imagined

In an exclusive post-awards interview, creative director Nicolas Doucet revealed that the team never anticipated the impact the game would have. “While creating Astro Bot, we only thought about making the best game possible to celebrate 30 years of PlayStation and connect with family audiences,” he commented. This design philosophy translated into an experience that has captivated players of all ages.

The expansion of the franchise seems imminent, as Team Asobi is evaluating the possibility of creating more video games and, surprisingly, adapting Astro Bot into a series or movie in Hollywood. The interest in bringing Astro’s adventures to new platforms reflects the character’s potential as a new PlayStation mascot with a bright future.

Doucet also emphasized the importance of balancing cameos from other PlayStation sagas with the original identity of Astro Bot. “We want Astro to have his own identity, even though it’s fun to connect with the story of the games,” he said. This dual approach suggests that the team aims not only to attract fans of other franchises but also to establish Astro as an icon in his own right.

Finally, Doucet did not overlook the influence of Nintendo on the platforming genre, paying tribute to the company after receiving the GOTY 2024. With the growing interest in the future of Astro Bot, fans can expect exciting news on the horizon.

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