Latest Gaming News

đź“…January 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Xbox Game Pass adds major titles like Resident Evil Village and Star Wars Outlaws in January 2026, amid CES reveals, 2026 hype, industry sales, and accelerator programs.
1

2026 Predicted as Gaming's Best Year Ever

Xbox Era Headlines on January 6th highlighted 2026 as potentially gaming's strongest year with major releases, Game Pass drops, and tech advancements like Xbox on Hisense TVs and Nvidia DLSS 4.5 in Resident Evil Requiem.Source 1 Discussions also covered somber industry losses including Albert Penello and Vince Zampella.Source 1 CES showcased ASUS dual-screen laptops and gaming xReal glasses.Source 1

2

Xbox Game Pass January 2026 Lineup Announced

Game Pass adds titles like Brews & Bastards, Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition, Atomfall, and Lost in Random: The Eternal Die starting January 7.Source 2 Resident Evil Village arrives January 20, Star Wars Outlaws on January 13, alongside My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery and Mio: Memories in Orbit.Source 2 Removals include Neon White, Road 96, and The Ascent on January 15.Source 2

3

Razer Unveils AI Gaming Ecosystem at CES 2026

Razer announced Project AVA, an animated AI desk companion evolved from an esports coach, and Project Motoko, a wearable AI headset with Snapdragon.Source 4 New products include Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth controller, the world's fastest wireless for cloud gaming, and AI developer tools like Razer Forge workstation.Source 4 Project Madison multi-sensory chair and Iskur V2 gaming chair also debuted.Source 4

4

CD Projekt Red Sells GOG to Co-Founder

CD Projekt RED is selling GOG, known as Good Old Games, to its co-founder as reported in industry news roundups.Source 1Source 10 This move comes amid other headlines like Dispatch hitting 3 million sales and a AAA John Wick game in development.Source 1 The sale was noted in Goonhammer's January 6th games industry roundup.Source 10

5

007: First Light Takes GTA 6's Release Slot

007: First Light, originally set for February, now occupies the slot previously held by GTA 6, plus a day, according to Xbox Era updates.Source 1 This shift highlights packed 2026 schedules with high-profile delays and swaps.Source 1 Industry watchers anticipate major impacts on release calendars.Source 1

6

NEOM Gaming Accelerator Funds Largest Cohort

NEOM announced five game studios receiving funding in its Level Up accelerator, plus mentorship for 18 more, marking the biggest cycle yet on January 7.Source 8 Part of Saudi Vision 2030, it supports the National Gaming & Esports Strategy aiming for SAR 50 billion GDP contribution by 2030.Source 8 Focuses on nurturing Saudi startups for global competitiveness.Source 8

7

Scientific Games Launches GAME SHOW EXPERIENCE

Scientific Games released GAME SHOW EXPERIENCE on January 6, an omnichannel linked game with TV show brands offering trips to LA and up to $10 million prizes.Source 6 Targets broad appeal and player engagement across U.S. lotteries.Source 6 Pioneers instant games and retail solutions innovations.Source 6

8

Esports Predictions: Data Drives 2026 Experiences

Esports stakeholders predict data will forefront entertainment in gaming and esports by 2026, shaping audience viewing and play.Source 9 Shift from backend to interactive experiences expected industry-wide.Source 9 Influences how fans engage with competitive gaming.Source 9

9

Razer CES Highlights Include Fastest Controller

Razer Wolverine V3 Bluetooth, partnering with LG, claims world's fastest wireless response for cloud gaming on TVs.Source 4 Part of broader AI ecosystem with developer platforms and AI accelerators via Tenstorrent.Source 4 Aimed at couch gamers and seamless big-screen play.Source 4

10

Game Pass Wave One: Resident Evil Village and More

January 2026 Game Pass Wave One includes Resident Evil Village, STAR WARS Outlaws, ahead of Resident Evil Requiem.Source 1Source 2 Additional titles like Final Fantasy on January 8 enhance the lineup.Source 2 Prepares players for upcoming horror sequels and sci-fi adventures.Source 1

11

Industry Losses Mourned: Penello, Zampella, Rosen

Xbox Era opened with tributes to Albert Penello, Vince Zampella and passenger, and SEGA's David Rosen.Source 1 Marks a somber start post-winter break amid positive 2026 outlook.Source 1 Community forums and Discord encouraged for discussions.Source 1

12

Free-to-Play Games Surge in 2026 Lineups

Valve's Deadlock highlighted as a major free-to-play third-person hybrid gaining beta attention on Steam for 2026.Source 11 Amid rising game prices, top 20 free titles emphasized as cost-saving options.Source 11 Mobile and PC crossovers expected to draw massive players.Source 11